I was planning on keeping this to myself, however, with the office now sending me cryptic bills months after I ceased wasting time and money on this doctor, I feel that I should share it. Dr. Gropen is wonderful at putting on a veneer of caring, but not administering any new treatments, even if all the ones she has attempted thus far fail to work. She never did resolve the issue I came in for, and within a month of seeing another dermatologist, my condition was beginning to recover. The treatment this other specialist utilized was one which Dr. Gropen refused to help me seek out, and one which she discouraged from receiving. If you only need a prescription or something of that essence, this office should work alright (despite its massive overall inefficiency), but if you have serious issue of any sort, I would sincerely recommend another dermatologist. Even so, this office repeatedly failed to deliver my prescriptions, blaming it on all of the three pharmacies I picked up from. Overall, Dr. Gropen is just a bad medical professional, and should probably be avoided. read more

Was referred to her by my sons allergist. She did not spend much time with my son and only recommended OTC lotions and medicines for a severe case of eczema. He had been on and off prednisone for almost a year. Of course we had tried all the OTC stuff and told her that but she still had no other recommendations on treatment. Went to another dermatologist that actually treated my son and he is doing so much better. read more

I have never understood the things laypeople find important in a physician. I don't care if my physician is 'nice', or 'caring' (I can get that from my pets). I want a physician who is knowledgeable, up on the latest treatments and does the job and LISTENS to me! Dr. Gropen does all of that with no foo foo, just the facts. If I still lived in Riverside I would be going to her. read more

They have an answering service because they don't answer the phone In office during business hours and the answering service doesn't know if they have a website, doesn't know their business hours, doesn't know if they are accepting new patients and doesn't know when they can make appts. what is the point? read more

As a UCR student, I'm so grateful for being referred to Dr. Gropen and her staff to treat my keloid issue and to be prescribed with a new acne treatment. The staff members in her office are quick and welcoming. I came in twice for treating my keloid and to follow up with it. The treatment is working well, and I was able to tone down my acne through Epiduo (clindamycin wasn't working for me). Dr. Gropen is patient to explain or answer any questions about the condition and treatment process. She's also very kind and understanding if you want to change to any alternative treatments for acne. I'm pleased with the prompt service from her and the staff! read more

I read some reviews below with negative ratings and could not disagree more. Dr. Gropen was attentive to my skin condition and very kind along the way. There was basically no wait time and she was quick to evaluate me. I recommended my wife to visit her because I was so pleased. read more

I have had a bunch of skin tags and moles that I have wanted to remove for years. My dermatologist through my insurance company just wouldn't remove them because insurance wouldn't cover it. I was willing to pay cash but still had trouble getting anyone to remove them. Then I went to Dr. Gropen. She was straightforward about the procedure, the fee and she did a great job. No nonsense and I finally have the skin tags and moles removed! read more

Used to think I had found the place for me . But I was wrong . I'm disappointed in the lack of care or intent to fix the problem . Doesn't seem like they care for their patients . I doubt I'll be going back . read more

Simply put, Dr. Gropen is very sweet. I appreciate her kind and empathetic demeanor. She explains things thoroughly. The office is efficient too. i never wait more than 15 minutes. read more

I started going to Dr. Gropen in 2021 to treat keloids on my shoulders. I really liked that my first visit was not just a paid consultation without treatment. At my first appointment, I told her that I needed cortisone injections for my keloids because that is the only treatment that has worked for me. After further discussing my keloid history, she gave me the cortisone injections at the first appointment. I try to go to her every couple months until my keloids go down. I definitely see that my keloids are flattening little by little, but as anyone with keloids knows, it is definitely a gradual process that you need to have patience for. The only thing that I would be mindful of is that the highest dose that she can give for cortisone injections is 10mg , and I used to get 40mg at my previous dermatologist (which showed results faster). However, I do not mind too much that the highest dosage is 10mg because I can tell she is takes her time to make sure she injects all of the affected area, so I still see results. She also explained to me that she does not give 40mg injections because it can cause indents in the skin. There is no wait every time I go to my appointments. My treatments are also affordable with my university insurance. read more

Dr. Gropin is a kind, knowledgeable doctor who I would highly recommend. The wait times are never long and she always takes time to answer any questions in a caring way. read more

Unfortunately I will no longer see this dermatologist. Dr. Gropen is very close to my house and I made my first appointment. Your first appointment is an evaluation. You pay your co-pay then come back on her days of surgery to have treatment and pay co-pay again. If something comes back pre-cancerous you come back again for more tissue to be removed. I came back that third time and expected two lesions to be removed further. The assistant said I have to come back in two different times. Meaning I have to take off work twice, pay co pay twice and do this process all over again. I asked why, and the assistants response was "Because she has other patients and doesn't have time". Why would I come back and pay co-pay twice for the same amount of time. I thought this could have been communicated prior and not thinking of your patients time. I was already there and got undressed and laid on table. Dr. Gropen came in, didn't say hello went straight to drawing on my back around the lesion. Her assistant reminded her that I am allergic to dissolvable stitches. Dr. Gropen said we have to put them in other wise the tissue will spread. I said I'm allergic and cannot. I was very upset because obviously this was not communicated to me prior to this appointment and I asked what she suggests. She said we do staples, I said that's fine. Dr. Gropen said I don't do those and will she to refer you. So I took off work, and got undressed for you to not plan your day out and look at your patients for the day. As a Dr. You should know your patients allergies prior to their appointments for this very reason. I was so upset and just realized Dr. Gropen just wants to make money and doesn't plan her days. I do not trust passive doctors who do not do research and plan out their patient care for the day. How can you walk into a treatment room with a lack of knowledge. How can you just cut people without thinking of their time and personal history. As a nurse I do not like working with these doctors, nor do I trust them with my care. read more

I was a patient of Dr. Gropen's right after she moved into her new office at 6900 Brockton. I'd only been to a dermatologist once prior to Dr. Gropen and he was simply awful. On my first visit, Dr. Gropen entered the exam room, sat in a chair about 5-6 feet away and quickly diagnosed the dry patches of skin on my face as pre-cancerous and prescribed some cream. I don't remember seeing her again on any of my several follow-up appointments. The staff were nice, but Dr. Gropen seemed distant, uncaring, and maybe even bored with her profession. She exhibited no interest in me as a person or as a patient. Her brief responses to my questions made me feel as though I was an imposition. I didn't quite know what to expect, but I didn't expect she would conduct an exam without getting a closer look at the problem, or taking the time to educate me on my condition. I've avoided several issues with my skin since then, as there are not many dermatologists in the area. I showed an ulcerative lesion on my neck to my general practitioner today and he referred me to Pacific Dermatology Institute after I told him I didn't want to go back to Dr. Gropen. read more

My health care doctor recommended Dr. Gropen and I'm pleased with my doctor's recommended. I had several skin care issues that were totally taken care of very quickly. The office staff are excellent professionals that remind you of your appointment, quickly gets you in to see Dr. Gropen, and makes any follow up appointments at your convenience!!! read more

Super upset!!!!!!!! I have seen doctor Gropen on and off for around 10 years...I went to see her for a body check on 5/24/21...While she was checking over my body I showed her 1 skin tag on neck & 2 sun spots on arm and thigh...she said she could easily take care of them by freezing them off...Before she started I specifically asked her if there were any precautions or anything special I needed to do for after care & she very nonchalantly said no...The spots weren't removed very precisely so they ended up 2xs bigger than the original spots!!!! I have a high tolerance to pain and the spots were VERY painful for a few days after & looked terrible!!!! I had to apply lidocaine to ease the pain!!!! Even though Im a very clean person the spot on my leg looked like it was trying to get infected!!!! It's been a little over 3 weeks...I've applied all kinds of stuff to help prevent scarring but the spots she removed haven't healed wellthey still look angry & will probably leave a permanent scar & are waaaay worse than if I had just left the original spots!!!! I wish I hadnt let her lay one finger on them!!!! And I wish my hubby would have told me this ahead of my appointment...BUT apparently my hubby had her remove a skin tag one of the last time he saw her and he has a permanent scar now instead!!!! Not cool!!!! Neither my hubby or I will be going back!!!! read more

Hi, I recently visited this office as I had eruptive syringnoma on my neck and upper chest. I am an international student coming from India and have visited several doctors(dermatologists) before this. The joke is, everyone says Dr Elissa is the best in riverside, but she too was unable to solve my health concern. Overall, I gave it a 3 star as - 1. I had trouble finding the place 2. A simple Doctor Appointment costs $255.00 i believe. Luckily, me being a UCR student-I was covered AETNA Student Health Insurance, so I had to pay a copay of $15, and $255 was billed to my insurance team, and hopefully they pay it full(as they still have not, so fingers crossed on that). 3. The receptionist can be much more nicer and customer-friendly as each individual is different with different needs. Instead, she is more of a snappy, quick reactor. Lastly, she prescribed medicines, which are so expensive, but I am not going to complain here, as I believe they would help me improve my condition. I will give it a try for month as the prescription says and then I will let you all know. read more

I'm a patient of Dr. Gropen and I'm confused as to why she has so many bad reviews. I've been seeing Dr. Gropen for my adult acne for about a year now and she's really helped my skin improve immensely. I came to her after a terrible experience with Loma Linda's dermatology department. Her office has always been very responsive to updating and refilling my prescriptions, etc. I've never had any issues. Dr. Gropen herself is very soft spoken, caring and knowledgeable. She also listens to her patients (a rare trait in a dermatologist, let me tell you). She can be a bit conservative with treatments (i.e. giving lower dosages) than other dermatologists I've had, but her caution isn't a bad thing. The office is also very pretty and well decorated! read more

As you can see, the huge majority of Dr. Gropen's patients think she's great. Her staff is polite and efficient. The doctor herself is caring and knowledgeable. I have never felt rushed through an appointment. It's frustrating that a couple wacko one star reviews can skew what should be a five star rating down so low. read more

I would definitely not recommend this dermatologist along with the office staff. 1st time several growths were removed with liquid nitrogen and no instructions were given on how to take care of the open wounds with the cream prescribed. Didn't have a clue even after web research. The third visit for a follow-up and was kept waiting 45 minutes with no heads up that they were running late or any explanation whatsoever. I got my co-pay back and left without seeing the doctor, feeling very frustrated. Don't set yourself up....find another doctor!! read more

I realize skin cancer may take a while to develop, but when I'm told something appears "precancerous," but to come back in more than a month because the physician is too booked to remove it, I have issues with that. I am so glad I have a PPO that enables to find quality specialists. The day after I visited Gropen, I called a dozen dermatologists and found the majority remove things that appear precancerous on the spot and don't make patients wait more than a month to remove it. I prefer dermatologists with this approach. "Doctors" who say something looks precancerous, but then go along their merry way are dangerous!! I did give this "doctor" one star. The one star is for the lovely ambiance and office decor. The color scheme, carpeting furniture and wall accents are lovely. The surroundings combined with the calming music were the highlight of this visit. read more

I don't recommend coming here. I don't think her medical knowledge is bad, but the office employs shady business practices to fleece as much money as they can. I have seen 3 different dermatology departments for skin cancer. Typically, if a Dr. sees a trouble spot they do a "shave" right then and there to send to the lab. Not with Dr. Gropen. She asks you to schedule another appointment to remove the spot instead of doing a shave. This forces people to waste more of their time, money and sick time to do what every other dermatologist I have been to does on the first appointment. Go somewhere else. read more

Visited this office for mole removal in 2013, I paid the $30 new patient fee, and ever since I've been harassed by debt collectors from this office even after i've sent 4 mail in payments. If you want to see a dermatologists, go somewhere else unless you have the time to be harassed. read more

Everytime I come here, I realize more & more how sweet & awesome elissa gropen is! She actually listens to you & takes time on you unlike others who rush you out & dont let you speak. Shes a wonderful doctor, definitely recommend. read more

I've been going to Dr. Gropen for over 10 years now. The staff is wonderful and professional. The office is beautiful and clean. Dr. Gropen always takes good care of me. I would highly recommend her services for anyone who needs an excellent dermatologist! I give this doctor 5 stars! read more

I emailed the office asking if they performed a certain procedure, I was told yes, they made an appointment for me. Although the office girls and the Dr were very nice, when Dr Gropen came in, she told me she did not perform this particular procedure, gave me a referral and off I went. I was very irritated as I sat in the riverside freeway for over an hour to get to my appointment. I was totally shocked that I received a bill for $89.48 for absolutely NOTHING! I called and was told I had to pay it. I told them that I would yelp them if they did not void this charge, but obviously they did not seem to care. The ethics in this office is horrible! The 1 star that I am forced to give is being generous. read more

Dr. Gropen and her staff were very professional and she is very knowledgeable and friendly. She took the time to completely answer all of my questions and didn't make me feel rushed.I went to a different dermatologist for 2 years with little success. She suggested a different treatment for my skin and after just one visit, my skin has significantly improved. Beautiful office by the way! read more

This was my first visit. Other family members have been to her and only had great things to say about her. The office was a little backed up but that happens in Dr offices. Everyone was very friendly and accommodating. Dr Gropen entered my exam room and introduced herself. I've been to a lot of Drs and most don't bother to introduce themselves! Very very nice doctor. Very professional and I will highly recommend her! read more

I would highly recommend seeing another dermatologist. The entire three minutes that I was able to speak to Dr. Gropen I felt rushed and like I was inconveniencing her. I went to see her for a bump on my leg which she barely looked at before diagnosing it as a chronic skin disorder...turns out it was an ingrown hair. Very, very disappointed with the entire experience. read more

On time. Personable. Addressed issue fully. Qualified. Would recommend without reservation.

Dr Gropen saved my father's life three different times, catching melanoma cancer. I will be forever grateful.

My family and I have been patients of Dr. Gropen for over 15 years. Although I gave one star, I must tell you honestly she is an absolutely wonderful doctor. Caring and kind and when there is an issue she will take care of a patient. We truly love her. You ask why one star... I have two insurance policies. Her billing sent the first billing in to our primary. They paid. But I got a notice of non payment. I tried to call the office and was passed off to another billing agency somewhere. Although I called multiple times (more than 5) I never received a return call. I left the info on the answering machine requesting a call back and the info to bill my secondary... nothing. Another notice and same routine... this happen 5 times with the same results. Finally I got a call today and I have been turned into a credit collection agency. I realize that the Doctor must be paid and I intend to pay. That is why I pay for two insurance policies. If they don't accept 2ndary tell me. I won't go there. Anyway, the credit collection agency was quite nice. She stated that highlighted on my "file" was billing secondary insurance is a courtesy not mandatory... Wish that someone had told me prior to my visit or at least after one of my multiple long distance calls. They never billed my 2ndary and they did not tell me they wouldn't. I have an excellent credit rating.. because I DO pay my bills. Imagine, getting a collection agency calling me. I thought they had the wrong number. I was floored. So, even though Dr. Gropen is a wonderful doctor. I love her but I will not return nor would I recommend anyone else visit her. Very sad. I am sorry, Dr. Gropen. You are good and I know you deserve timely payment. As I said, that is why I have two insurance policy. The courtesy... of billing the 2ndary is not a courtesy. I asked if you accepted 2ndary and your staff said yes. They sure wrote everything down and copied the card. It isn't a courtesy to me, it is your billing departments responsibility unless you advise me differently before service. I have never been so totally humiliated as today.. a BILL COLLECTOR. ohhh not again .. NEVER. read more

Save yourself the trouble of coming here. You might not even see the doc! If you are super excited to see a NP or PA, this is the place to be. I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Gropen for skin concerns after searching online - apparently the only accurate reviews are on yelp. I based my decision off of reviews on medical websites. After waiting for over an hour in the lobby, I asked the front desk receptionist how much longer it would be. The lady snapped at me rudely. I was taken to the exam room to be seen by a Nurse Practitioner! I was given no prior notice and furious that I waited an entire hour just to be seen by a NP. A couple weeks later, I get slammed with a large bill. I'm not the type to ignore bills so I called the office immediately and expressed to them that as a consumer, it makes no sense for me to be charged to see a doctor when I was seen by a NP. I understand that insurance can be complicated, but look at it from the patient's perspective. The staff on the phone was extremely rude and demanded payment with no willingness to work something out. I requested a discount but they were very condescending. I was finally told the manager would call me but I never received that call. Instead, I got a notice that my account would be forwarded to a collection agency. Clearly, this is an unprofessional practice with lack of communication skills. Why would you send a notice like to me after I've been actively communicating with your office regarding my balance? Bottom line: Horrible customer service, no doctor present at my exam, and poor resolution of billing issue. I ended up paying the full balance but will definitely be filing a complaint with the BBB. read more

a month in advance sched apt to remove a high anxiety drk spot on our dotrs face was denied/changd aftr she 'weighed in' @ t ofic. why didnt they call/tell us? why did they make us come out to their office, to turn us away/resched t following month? t nurs sed, 'its not a procedur day'. very upsetting n re to lack of respect to our time/feelings. after calling/'complaining' w no courtesy return call, they wrote a certified letr to us saying we r not welcom ther anymor. also, in t prior complaint e from that visit to admin, lisa o'brien, i adressed Dr gropen as 'Elissa', she considered me 'rude'. read more

Dr. Gropen is awesome! She is very helpful and very kind. Never would she disrespect nor make a patient feel uncomfortable. Not only Dr.gropen is awesome also the whole staff is. I highly recommend her! read more

Very disapointed on first visit. Made appointment with Dr. Gropen and instead got a P.A. Charged me $175.00 for consultation and samples of creams. I do not recomend this Dr. for anyone with serious Acne problems. read more

First of all I chose this dermatologist because my father is being seen there for skin cancer. I had a skin tag in my armpit && it was very easy the PA was sweetheart. My husband was seen the following week for a rash that comes&&goes for a few years now they prescribed medicine that was making it itch more but not spread so we were unsure if that was how the medcation worked so he asked to phone && inquire I called on a tues a return call was not received until weds afternoon they were closed by the time my class was over....I am respectful that they are busy but they should respect the fact that I am too, I work I take care of my aging parents as well as my husband anyway we played phone tag b4 u knew it it was Monday I phoned the receptionist put me thru to the nurse which went straight to voicemail yet again so I left a detailed message. She called back of course when I was getting my hair done so I had to have her on speaker...anyway we came to the conclusion he needed an apt transferred me to the front to make one which I did then I asked oh so should he stop using the meds that were prescribed she said I will have transfer u back I said u know what its okay cuz its just going to go to voicemail &&we will start playing phone tag again she said "no I wasn't going to transfer u I was going to put u on hold && walk all the way back there to let the nurse know." By this I am flabbergasted as well as the rest of the people in the salon so I say its okay I will tell him to stop using it && he will see u Friday && hung up. Not 5 minutes late the "nursing supervisor" calls was very rude to me && said she was standing next to the nurse && heard her tell me to stop using the cream......wonder if she also heard her say the receptionist should have just made the apt last week when I called the first time. I am not sure what the point of the "nursing supervisor to call back was.....to get the last word protect her pack idk idc it was unnecessary && rude. my husband then requested that I cancel the appt && we would just find another dermatologist that our gen practice dr recommends. bummer cuz I really liked the PA. Needless to say they didn't care && whats sad is the dr prolly has no clue. read more

I just started seeing Dr. Gropen for about 4 months now I really like her she takes the time to answer all my questions and is very personable really nice. the last dermatologist I went to was a nightmare. read more

Dr Gropen was wonderful! She took the time to make me feel at ease about a growth I suspected was skin cancer. It was not cancer and explained to me what it was and we dealt with it right then and there. The office is really nice and comfortable and the staff I met with were nice, friendly and professional. Also, there is plenty of free parking (always a plus). read more

My husband and I have been patients for several years and we have always been pleased with the service we receive, not only from the staff, but from Dr. Gropen as well. She is thorough, personable, and takes her time with us. We live out of state, but when we are in the area and need to see someone, she makes herself available. When there has been a problem with billing, the staff has always been courteous, helpful and timely. read more

Dr. Gropen has been my dermatologist for over 10 years. I have rarely been to a doctor's office where the people more friendly and competent. I am almost always seen by the doctor within minutes of my scheduled appointment. read more