I'm only giving the office four stars based on my past experiences with Dr. Ross and Debbie at the front desk, who is wonderful. Dr Ross was thoughtful, took his time and explained everything as he went along and patiently answered my many questions over the years. Unfortunately, he has moved out of state and left the practice. Today, I saw a new dermatologist in hopes of replacing Dr. Ross. My first experience has not been that good. I was kept waiting almost an hour. The physician came in and asked me why I was there as well as many questions that were in my chart. Clearly, this Dr didn't bother to look at the chart in advance. I was there for my 6 month skin check. It was rushed and not thorough (probably the least thorough of any dermatologist I've seen over the years), most of it was not explained except that I had to get biopsies and one spot on the back of my leg was fine. I'm not naming this Dr right now because I want to see how my next appointment goes, maybe it was just a busy day. Based on today's experience with this Dr, I would probably give a 2.5 star rating. Debbie is still great though. I Will update after my next appointment. read more

Dermatology Specialists - Front desk - Skin Care Near Me - Solana Beach, California

I returned to this office after my doctor in Oceanside left, and I regret it. I'd rather drive over an hour than deal with this place. They sent my prescription to a pharmacy not covered by my insurance, and no one contacted me to let me know it was denied. When I called to follow up, they admitted the mistake but showed no concern about helping me get my medication. I told them where the prescription needs to be filled, and they will "contact the Dr" and let him know. I have no timeline for when I will receive my meds. It's apparent that once they're paid, patient care no longer matters. read more

Dermatology Specialists - This is what it takes to refill a prescription with this team. My meds are still not set for delivery. - Skin Care Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Dr. Ross left the practice and with the exception of Diane at the front desk and Brie the assistant, the incompetence is rampant. I asked NOT to be booked with anyone I had previously seen when I tried to establish care with the doctor taking over Ross's patients and Dr.Chu (who I already seen and who had prescribed an antibiotic I am allergic to which is on my chart see review below) came into the room completely unprepared. She asked me what I was there for, what my condition was and what my symptoms were. Given that I had seen Dr. Ross at this location for over a year I told her that I thought she should know. She then proceeded to tell me that my condition (Grover's) doesn't usually cause pain. (Not true. Read the research.) When I called to have an RX filled that doctor Ross had prescribed for 5 MONTHS for me I was told there was no records of it. I said well his name is on the bottle so if you don't have the records that sounds like a you problem. They said the doc I saw most recently wasn't aware I was taking that med (even though I told them during the intake that I was taking it and that it was prescribed by a doc in their practice.) Ummmm ok. Then i get a call that she is not comfortable refilling the medicine and I'm more than welcome to come and see another doctor in the practice which I had already set up the appt for since this one seemed so incompetent and didn't have my records or know why I was there or my condition . I told them I needed my RX immediately and didn't have time to come see another doctor when I already saw the last one to establish care and that she's not comfortable prescribing the med is not my problem except now it is I cannot NOT go without this medicine so they are now putting my health in jeopardy. I am waiting for management to call me back but I'm done with this so called specialty practice. I received horrible care outside of doctor ross from the beginning Including 4 docs who would not biopsy me and kept misdiagnosing. See former reviews Management called and just kept repeating that they can get me in with a new practitioner a month from now which is too late to get my RX on time that must be taken every day. She did not acknowledge at all my issues which everything. Written here and just kept repeating g the appointment time like a robot. DO NOT COME HERE I read more

Dermatology Specialists - Dr.Chu prescribed an antibiotic for my pityrosporum folliculitis, - monocycline knowing that I have an allergic reaction to doxicycline. - Skin Care Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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I had a really poor experience with this doctor, which I assume is the same one from previous reviews. She was extremely rushed, barely checked me for my skin check, and overall dismissed my concerns about my acne/ skin. I left feeling really uncomfortable and uncared for. The front desk staff were amazing, but I will not come back to this office for that doctor alone. read more

My primary Physician recently referred me to Dr. Ruth Gilboa, a highly regarded Solana Beach Dermatologist that has been specializing in Dermatology Medicine for approximately 35 years! I called her office and her front office staff, Jasmine and Debbie, were so caring and supportive and took a lot of time to get me in to see Dr. Gilboa at the earliest time possible. She both have a really great sense of humor as well!! I went to see her Thursday, March 28, 2024, and my appointment with her was one of the best experiences I've ever had with a Physician! She was kind, patient, professional, knowledgeable, took a lot of time with me, and addressed all of my skin issues and questions! Dr. Gilboa's assistant, Ciara, was extremely caring and nurturing and went out of her way to call my Pharmacy on her own to make sure that they gave me the very best price for my prescription! I can see why my Primary Physician regarded Dr. Gilboa so highly; everyone there was truly remarkable and a Blessing to work with and be around!! Ken Kadansky Broker Owner La Costa Real Estate read more

I was able to get an appointment just days after being diagnosed with melanoma. The entire time I was in the office was a great experience considering. Breanna was the assistant and was great; she took the time to answer my questions and let me know what would be going on. I only waited a couple minutes before Dr. Venkat came in and was also very professional and put me at ease. The procedure was as painless as can be expected and Dr. Venkat provided all the needed information. On the way out, Debbie was very helpful in making a follow-up appointment for me at another office closer to my house, as well as an appointment for a check-up at yet another office. Thanks for making this unfortunate experience as pleasant as could be expected. read more

As a native Californian who grew up using baby oil as a tanning serum, it is no surprise that I have a couple of precancerous growths on my pale skin. I am older and much wiser now, and I picked Dermatology Specialists to prevent things from getting worse. I was fortunate the day I called to schedule my first appointment. Somebody had just cancelled so they gave me a same day appointment with Arun Venkat. I had to strip down for him and his female assistant to inspect my skin. He sent a request to treat 3 spots to my insurance and I was on my way. The staff is always professional and timely, however my next appointment was much harder to obtain. It turns out Dr. Venkat only has office hours in Solana Beach on Wednesdays so I had to book about a month out. I arrived and had a liquid nitrogen treatment to freeze the rough spots and a small biopsy on a location on my lip that had previously been biopsied. The previous doctor put two stitches in that fell out the same day, they were thick and left me with a scar that looked suspicious. Dr Venkat's technique was superior. His stitches were smaller and they lasted two weeks without falling out. I cancelled the stitch removal and took them out myself 'cuz that is the way I roll. I had a follow up and was thrilled that my biopsy came back negative, but pissed that the previous doctor sucked and made me go through such a brutal ordeal that left me slightly disfigured. I asked Dr Venkat a few other questions, and he did not sugar coat the answers. Knowledge is power so it is best served straight up. I am all clear for now, and hopefully I will not need to return. I also hope to win a Mega Millions lottery ticket. read more

I've been coming here for years because of my insurance. The office has deteriorated and it used to be very nice. It takes a month to see a doctor and the doctors kerp changing. The office staff is ok, but you feel like a number to them. read more

I went here twice and had an awful experience with their billing department and front office. The front office asked for incorrect co-payments both times, forgot additional co-payments and even forgot to forward my insurance information to their lab service. I had to insist that I even had a co-payment during the second visit. This caused me to receive bills from the office itself, my insurance and their lab service which took several hours to chase the errors, correct them and follow up days after the corrections to resolve their processing. I did my best to preemptively ask Dr. Ross and the office about the billing during my second visit and was told that it would be collected as just a biopsy, the lab included. This was far from it. The bills themselves weren't even an issue, it was the exorbitant time spent correcting them. They seemed okay on Google, but I should have checked Yelp! read more

I went to a dermatologist in La Jolla, and was told the bump on my nose was probably nothing. Then I came here, and the dermatologist took a biopsy and we found out it was basal cell carcinoma. I am thankful I came here, and was able to get the care I needed. I was then referred to their other location to get the cancer fully removed. read more

I was given a referral by my doctor to use this place and I was a bit sketched out at first due to the reviews. I had tried getting my doctor to change based on the reviews, but they weren't having that. I wanted a specialist to look at some cysts that have been growing on my back , acne and moles. On my first visit, the front desk was very polite. The nurses were very helpful in asking and getting information of the nature of my visit. That is when Dr. Ross showed up. Very nice guy and very very informative. He did point out some areas that I thought were cysts were actually keloids (scarring). Areas that were actually cysts, he was able to extract the smaller one and put in a recommendation to my healthcare for the bigger one. At upon looking at the smaller cyst, he knew he would be able to extract it that same visit and shave off some of my moles. During the extraction and shave, he was very descriptive about what was to be expected and the scarring it would leave. He double checked if I understood what would come of the operation. 1st operation went well and the healing process was a success. 2nd operation required some time with my healthcare to approve. About 4 weeks later, I came back and Dr. Ross extracted the bigger cyst. Again he was very descriptive about whats to happen about any pain or pressure I would be feeling. That went a success as he delivered a young healthy cyst of a golf ball. If you've seen Dr. PimplePopper on Youtube, she's got some competition. Definitely satisfied with my experience. He did ask to schedule a yearly visit, which I approved just in case anything pops up. My only small issue is getting another copay bill from a laboratory that they send samples to. I figure they dispose of those cysts, or perhaps it's just a way to get insurance cough up some extra dough. read more

I will never go there again, their office manager Missy is so unprofessional and rude. Couldn't answer any of my questions regarding insurance and brushed me off, saying she didn't have time and if Im not happygo somewhere else. Now they respond with saying "I was trying to sell them something" I don't even work, I'm retired and was looking for a dermatologist who takes my insurance. Non the less, the staff is rude. Sorry I'm sure the doctors are nice maybe they should run the front office.. read more

Was given a referral here by my PCP and my first experience with one doctor was fair/poor but this review is not about her! It is about my most recent visit with Dr. Andrew Ross. I'm not one to write reviews very often, but I felt compelled and really wanted to highlight the very positive experience I had with Dr. Ross and the entire office at the Solana Beach location. Dr. Ross was personable and professional. He took time to review the skin issue I came in for, provided education about this issue specifically and skin care in general. His skin assessment was thorough - I was impressed that he even checked on my scalp and in between my toes. He took the time to answer all my questions and I never felt rushed. I work in the medical field and have interactions with doctors all the time. So I can confidently say that Dr. Ross is a superstar and I'd highly recommend him. I also wanted to mention that the staff at the Solana Beach office were really helpful and very friendly. They actually spent the time to give me important information during my call in and helped me find an appointment that same day. I appreciate their thoughtfulness and efficiency. Thanks again for the great care! read more

I wish I had seen these reviews before going here. My husband previously had melanoma, and he went in for a skin check. I went in for some acne treatment. For the skin check, the doctor stood about 2-3 feet away and literally just looked him up and down. Didn't turn him around or really check or anything. I've gone with him to quite a few dermatologists, and I've never seen one do that. I asked if I could have something for my acne. She asked if I liked doxycycline. I said no, it makes me sick to my stomach, even with milk, even with food. Guess what she prescribed. They also messed up their billing and sent me two identical bills for a procedure. I assumed that the second bill was an error since I paid the first. Next thing I know, I'm getting calls from a bill collector, and then a mark shows up on my credit report. I wasn't going to take my chances talking to the collection agency, so I had to send proof to the credit bureau that it was inaccurate. Update: A new bill collector has tried to come after me about this lady's bill. It's been three years since I stepped foot in her office. Seriously. read more

Stay clear. I recently received a call stating they are canceling my appointment because I have an outstanding bill. I had no idea I had a bill due. They had no idea what the bill was for or the amount.? but they said they "are discharging me as their patient" fine by me. I will never set foot in this place. FYI you could have had me come in for my appointment and I would have been happy to pay the bill on the spot. Glad I found a better dermatologist. So much for the hippocratic oath, huh? read more

This review is for my recent first-time visit (Solana Beach location). The outside of the building looks a bit old and rundown, but the inside suite was nice and remodeled. Everything seemed new. The staff was attentive and nice. I didn't have to wait too long in the waiting room. I thought Dr. Ruth Gilboa was professional and spent an adequate amount of time helping me even though there were many other patients besides me. She made sure she answered all of my questions and explained everything very clearly and thoroughly. I was very happy with my experience. read more

I had an appointment for 3:30 on a Friday. I called at 3:38 and said I was 2 minutes away because the traffic is really bad. They told me the doctor said to reschedule! I was almost there! Then the poor receptionist said I had an appt at 3:30 and was 20 minutes late. I told her I did not. My appt was for 3:30 because I knew how I scheduled my day. I run a large company and know how to schedule my day. I said I have waited more than 45 min in their waiting room for an appt so why is he making such a fuss about 10 minutes?....even if it was for 20 minutes! She said she would have put me on the calendar but he is the doctor and he calls it. I drove all the way there only to be turned away because of 10 minutes. What a jerk. Nice receptionist though.She represents the company well as caring and patient first. read more

From the moment I arrived to the time that I left I felt comfortable and important. I was well informed every step of the way and I enjoyed my visit. read more

This review is for the Solana Beach location of Dermatology Specialists. I have been SO impressed with the front office staff (Melanie, Debbie and Sandra) as well Dr. Gilboa on each of my visits. They are absolutely first class! Above and beyond patient care/ service--they are the nicest, most attentive, caring people. Such a great experience every time -- the office staff was so helpful, and Dr. Gilboa is extremely knowledgeable and put me at ease. I highly recommend Dermatology Specialists for their outstanding service! read more

Scheduled an appointment a month in advance. Got off of work and drove 25 minutes in busy trafic on I5 to the office. Upon arriving and set to check in, I was told the Dr. was just leaving and could we reschedule. Wasted a month waiting for the appointment and the afternoon without pay to get to the appointment. No call ahead of time to say he had to leave. Exceptionally rude of this office and the receptionist wasn't very nice about it. Would never suggest this Dermotology Office to another person. Rude and inconciderate. read more

Front desk staff knows my name and are always helpful despite they want you to make appointments every 3 months which is unnecessary for a permanent condition Psoriasis and the Xtracta laser treatments are popular but Patricia the newest and amazing, caring tech is only scheduled Mondays and Wednesdays so you better conform to their schedule and if you miss (they can cancel on you though) be prepared for a $35 cancellation fee out of your own pockets. I miss Malia Serig P.A. But she is coming back to different offices not as close to me so I will make appointments to see her since she has been my P.A. for 9 years and understands me and helps with samples and expensive medication forms. She is thorough and the only reason I still come to this location except for when I need Xtracta bc this is the only office they have the machine and my insurance covers it but you have to do 2-3 treatments a week to be effective which they do not provide. I have mentioned this concern for over 5 years and no resolution is ever made. I feel sometimes I am being just made to go to bill my insurance and that doesn't feel good. The staff is nice and helpful and have to adhere to the offices and doctors policies so as an operation I would try and improve these things especially after 5 years of same issues. Need any cosmetic work though and they are ready to charge you personably and perform it as quickly as possible. read more

I was incredibly disappointed with my experience here, will not return and would never recommend even in a crunch. I chose them because they had good hours and they were in the same complex as my primary care physician. I went in for a small rash on my face and decided to get a full cancer check as well. For the full cancer check she barely looked my body over for more than 30 seconds each side.. I'm not kidding. She did not touch any of my moles OR my face when she checked the rash. She stood about 4 feet away and kinda squinted at it and said it was peri-oral dermatitis. She asked me if I tried hydrocortisone cream on it (I said I had and that it did not work) SO she prescribed me a hydrocortisone cream . I asked her why she was doing that since I had already tried it and she said that this one is a stronger one with anti-fungal properties... I tried it for 2 weeks and the rash continued to spread on my face. I went back and saw a different doctor (which I got charged for as a new visit even though it was a follow up) and she told me the only treatment for peri-oral dermatitis was oral antibiotics. I asked her WHY in the world the other dermatologist prescribed me hydrocortisone cream if the only treatment is antibiotics and she replied she may not have known what it was or it may not have looked the same.. Idiots. She said I would need to take the antibiotics for up to 2 months and that it may be longer. It it did not improve in 2 months then to come back and see her. I asked her what she would do if it did not improve in 2 months and she said she would need to "get creative" ??? I was on the antibiotics to 2 weeks (which I had to special order through their special pharmacy) and developed a severe dry cough and pain in my throat (rash cleared up a little but not much). I called them to let them know about the cough and they told me to come in immediately. I asked them what they would do if I came in... they said they weren't sure and there was no doctor in but they are supposed to tell you to come in. I did not. I decided to stop taking the Monodox and research natural treatments online. I basically switched to a very mild face soap (African black soap) and stopped exfoliating. It went away in about a week. Worst experience ever. read more