I saw Helen and it was a bad experience. Both the center and the "doctor" were subpar and very outdated. I went to her because another dermatologist asked me to seek a second opinion about sudden hair loss. The facility was kind of gross, outdated, crowded and unkempt. They did not even use modern equipment like a camera with a trichoscope. The first dermatologist (at the other center, not here) I saw had a magnifier connected to a computer, where they could use the handheld device and show you real-time images of your hair and scalp. Apparently, this is the standard any dermatologist should use. Instead, Helen did a visual exam WITH HER EYES and by pulling my my hair!!!! When I asked why she wasn't using normal equipment to do her evaluation like a dermatoscope, she said, "We don't have that here and I just use my own sight." SHOCKING. With hair loss, you need magnification or a specialized scope because the naked eye cannot see micro-level details of the hair shafts, follicular openings, scalp surface, etc. That's the whole point of using the equipment. Then when I kept asking her to check more closely, she just kept saying, "I don't think anything is wrong. What do you want me to do?" What do I want you to do??? Ummm, she is supposed to be the medical provider and expert. Why was she asking me? A lot of other reviews mention her rude behavior. She wasn't rude, per se, but just cold and unprofessional and inarticulate ... mostly she just seemed like she didn't know what she was doing. I also noticed that a lot of people in the waiting room were older people using Medicare and Medi-Cal, so maybe this is where people go when they don't have a lot of options. All I know is that I would not trust this place with something as important as my skin going forward. It was a waste of time and money. read more

Helen Chodsky and a the person to see here. I've been coming to this facility and seeing her for about eight years whenever I need anything they fit me in right away and she is extremely knowledgeable, helpful and honest. She provides reasonable solutions and they take medical insurance. She can treat anything from a minor need (acne or wart)to a serious melanoma. read more

Golden State Dermatology - Cosmetic Surgeons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Very disappointing experience at the Berkeley location. My husband and I are both patients of Helen Chodsky and this clinic, usually for medical care. This was my first cosmetic treatment with them. I paid $450 for Botox, and after the treatment I was told to contact the clinic if I had any issues. The area between my eyebrows did not work at all, so I contacted them, only to be told I would have to pay the same amount again to correct it. I'm extremely disappointed with the treatment and how this was handled. I would not recommend this clinic at all. read more

From what I can tell, this clinic has new management as of January 2025. I don't have any experience with them before this year, but I can tell you that I've seen Dr. Bayan twice within the last few months and she is exceptional. She has training in both internal medicine and dermatology so she is uniquely attuned to detecting and treating skin cancers and other diseases. She does all of the typical cosmetic work as well, but I find it very reassuring that this clinic is staffed by a top-notch professional who thoroughly understands skin and the body. And I have had not a single issue with the staff. This office deserves a second look! read more

Avoid! I've been contacting them for 7 weeks to refill a prescription and they keep saying my healthcare provider is out until Tuesday. Same reply over and over. No empathy. Just maddening. I've been a patient here for over 5 years and none of the doctors stay longer than a year. My husband has been waiting over a month to refill a routine prescription and they keep ignoring his requests. You've lost two long term clients. read more

My issue is with the staff and business practices. I was a faithful patient for years and saw Helen. She was great. I accidentally missed one appointment (I was working for a startup snd had been diagnosed with a life threatening illness- I had a lot on my mind) and they charged me a penalty fee. Before they charged me I called and apologized for missing. They were rude and dismissive. Then they charged me. I wrote them a letter stating that I've been going to them for years and asked them to waive the penalty fee. They didn't respond and turned the fee over to collections. Their business practices are terrible. I would recommend that you look for a dermatologist who is patient-centered and caring. This is not the place. read more

Between having trouble managing staff (guy who was there last year and saw me is gone) to a supposedly automated system that bills you when you change your appointment with less than 48 hours notice (I called at about 46 hours remaining), this place doesn't have their act together. read more

The office staff was fine but my experience with the physician was genuinely horrible. I went in to request treatment for a previous diagnosis as well as acne and she barely addressed my first issue before saying she had run out of time and offered me no solutions or real next steps. Very flippant and impatient personality, overall horrible experience. Please do not waste your time here ! read more

Hey everyone! My experience here at Golden State Dermatology was horrible! The doctor there named Helen Chodsky was very rude. I had a bad skin condition and didn't ask for history in the past, didn't even last 10 minutes in there for her to give me horrible treatment, and what made it worse was blaming me for my decisions. "Well it's your fault you choose this." she was so mean, I hope no one goes here because there's way more better places around Berkeley to go to! Please don't take the time to come here because she is not the nicest :( read more

I have been seeing Dr. Bayan for ~6 months now for acne leading up to my wedding and she is EXCEPTIONAL! Not only has my face done a complete 180, she always treats with me kindness, respect, and really thoughtful solutions. She has been an incredible addition to this practice. We're currently working through some non-acne emergency skin symptoms together and again, Dr. Bayan and the front desk staff have been very accommodating and helpful. read more

Do not go here. 1. Went there for a doctor's visit for acne, without any thorough consultation or alternate options, the doctor put me on Accutane. After 2 months on accutane, without proper care or checkups from them, I got hospitalized 12 times for liver and skin related issues. They never got a second blood test from me after the first month and doubled my dose, leading me to severe health issues. 99% sure that was illegal and negligent. 2. They sent me to debt collectors, without any call to me or notification about a $50 amount that was supposedly due. Smells fishy to me, the fact that they might ruin my credit because of a $50 charge is obnoxious, without any call to notify either. They were lucky I didn't sue them for negligent administration of medication, but now I might have to reconsider. Don't go here. You have way better options. Do not trust them. If you care about your health, stay away. read more

They said they sent me three notices for a bill for $50. I got the fourth saying it was past due. I never received the first three!

Dr. Banyan is wonderful! She listened to my concerns and addressed them effectively during the visit. I'll be a regular patient going forward. read more

My Doctor, Claire-Audrey Bayan, deserves 5 stars but Golden State Dermatology needs to dramatically improve is Doctor retention and continuity of care. I give them 3 stars as my most recent Doctor, Dr. Bayan, was really a cut above, the staff are always nice, the office is clean and the appointments are always nearly on time. That said, I was ready to change to another Dermatology Group after being told through multiple semi-annual appointments that the Doctor I was scheduled to see was no longer with the office or the practice. With a family history of melanoma, I want to have continuity of care in my semi-annual visits and not a rotating parade of transient Doctors. My most recent visit was no different but this time the Doctor who saw me, Claire-Audrey Bayan, MD assured me that she was her to say AND she is a definite upgrade over the previous Doctors I saw. She showed a real concern for my well being, was engaging, a good listener and performed a thorough exam. Missing one spot can be deadly and she didn't leave anything to chance. I look forward to being her patient for many years to come and hope that Golden State Dermatology improve their Doctor retention and can hang on to her and provide patients with the continuity of care expected. read more

Often poor service from Golden State Dermatology. Scheduled a telehealth appointment a month ago, didn't receive a call at the scheduled time. I called them and after a bunch of transferring and holding, was told to to sit tight and wait for the FaceTime call. At 30min after the scheduled time, I got another call from them to tell me my particular visit can't be a telehealth visit due to what I wanted to see Dr. Caleb Jeon about... but they knew what I wanted to see him about the entire time. I do not recommend this practice as I have received much better service elsewhere. read more

I cancelled my plans for today for a dermatology appt, I drove 40 minutes through busy traffic for them to tell me that they canceled it 2 days ago at 11 a.m. because Dr. had an emergency. I never received the call, they said it went to voicemail. I recieved no voicemail. Since I have a new phone, I just spent 2 hours checking with my provider ensuring that my voicemail was OK. That it was set up and working, no voicemail received. In fact on the day they said that they called, 6 minutes after they said that they called to cancel, I received a text message to confirm that I would attend and I answered immediately YES. (SEE PHOTO) This proves that I was answering calls on my cell phone at that time. Not only that, but I always provide a second landline number. They never called that number. Even though they said they called and failed to reach me, they said they did not try to call again. It is strange because on that day I was at home so I checked my call log. There was no call from their office that day. (See Photo) They are still adamant that they called me, but as can be seen from other reviews this is not the first time this has happened. If a patient does not give a Dr. enough notice for an appointment cancellation then the patient is usually charged. This office caused me a wasted day and refused to offer any type of compensation. The office manager refused to admit the mistake or apologize. read more

Golden State Dermatology - Cosmetic Surgeons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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This was the WORST set of experiences I have had at a medical facility. The anxiety caused by the practitioner and the staff was stressful and unprecedented. My care was questionable and if not deceptive and the office management is a nightmare. There is no physician running the practice ( according to the office manager) and the office managers apparently run the locations. Scam billing and unnecessary repeat visits seem to be the business model. Repeated requests to speak to someone who is responsible for the office have gone unanswered...and staff from several locations refuse to give me contact information. They just refer you back to people causing the problem. What reputable medical practice won't give you a doctor's name or the name of an administrator or executive of the corporation? I was booked with Helen, whom I found out as she entered the room is a physician's assistant. As I see a competent physician's assistant at my regular MD for everyday things , I thought..."oh...okay- let's see how it goes." But I would normally start at a new practice with a doctor. A physician's assistant is required to work under a physician...but nobody would identify the doctor under which Helen works. Helen seemed fine, but there was something "not quite right." I had a full body exam and she removed half of a benign little bump on my nose that had caused concern and sent it to be biopsied. It came back fine and I was billed ...A LOT. In the past (and later with Dr. Wang) the issue was removed and later biopsied , and if the issue was benign that was that...if cancerous, additional treatment was discussed and executed. Not here...removing half meant coming back for a second expensive treatment. The office manager stumbled through excuses and said that perhaps a physician would have made different treatment choices. She assured me there would be no further charges for finishing the procedure. I called several friends who are physicians and my old dermatologist in Florida to discuss protocol. I called several different offices of Golden State...each only offered to make an appointment and treat me as a new patient. None could tell me who was in charge in Berkeley. I finally called the office manager back, told her receptionist that I was uncomfortable with Helen, cancelled my appointment, and then was sent to voicemail to request another appointment. The next morning my phone rings...expecting that it was the office manager making the appointment, I was blindsided to find Helen on the phone...sandbagged by the office manager on the other line. Helen explained her concept of treatment...then said we could do one of four things to move forward (including just removing the little bump that everyone agreed should have been done the first time)...this left me even more certain that practicing thoughtful medicine took a back seat to covering the practice's butt. She also questioned the credibility of my other doctors. Then the office manager chastised me for telling Helen that she (the manager) had suggested that different treatment might have come from a physician. Helen then impatiently said she had to go...I DIDN'T WANT TO TALK TO HER IN THE FIRST PLACE...SHE called ME ... AFTER being told I was uncomfortable with her. The office manager booked me with Dr. Wang. He froze off the original bump and several other questionable doodads (I was raised in Miami, so sun damage is routine) and handled the appointment in the way my previous dermatologists have always done. He confirmed that the procedure could have been performed in an easier and thus more cost- efficient manner from the start. The office manager reassured me , for the SIXTH time, that there would be no further billing...so I paid the original bill. OF COURSE, months later, my insurance company and I are billed hundreds by Dr. Wang...and nobody knows nothing about nothing. Sabrina, from the billing department ( who says she has been there seven years), refuses to tell me who is in charge of the practice and has "no idea" who is in charge of the Berkeley office. But she will consult with her office manager in Walnut Creek (?) The whole thing reeks of scam. I am awaiting her call...after she comes back from lunch tomorrow. I have no way of knowing if Dr. Wang is competent. He seems fine for this ROUTINE set of circumstances...but the practice he works with (he is there periodically) is 1) dodgy and 2) a hot mess. Now I am left with the task of finding a new dermatologist to re-do the full -body exam and I have to pay more and more money...because I DON'T TRUST these people. In my opinion, neither should you. This is serious business...not a slapstick game of three- card- monte. Below response : Whoever this "Andrea M" is , neither she nor anybody has "connected with me privately"... read more

I had a staph infection on my lips (impetigo) and the doctor told me to use only Vaseline .. no medicine or antibiotics prescribed even though I asked multiple times. I've been here three times in two months since this is the only place takes my insurance. Every time they are clueless about what happened during my last visit, what the prescribed me, etc. What is going on here. read more

I came in for an acne consultation and was charged $200+ for a meeting that took less than 30 min. I spoke with the medical assistant for most of those 30 min making small talk. I spoke with dr. Jeon for maybe 10 minutes and he barely asked me questions about my acne history. I tried to give him more information as I have been struggling with acne for almost 8 years and have an extensive treatment history. Unprofessional and ridiculously priced for mediocre advice. THEY ARE SCAMMERS. What type of office doesn't even have an appointment cost? They charge whatever they want to charge you at the end of the appointment. When I called asking about this policy before the appointment, they told me it is based on how long the doctor is with you but the cost is usually $140 for an hour appointment. What absolute bullshit. They asked me to make a follow up and I told them I would rather go somewhere where they don't charge me $200 for 30 min. DONT GO. GO TO A DIFFERENT DERMATOLOGIST. THEY ARE JUST THERE FOE YOUR MONEY. read more

Since my surgery in Feb '23 I'm still being billed $699.00 when I was assured by my Doctor (after all my trouble with this company) at the Lemon Street office that they take Medicare and Medical Insurance. _________________________________________________________ Update 9/6/2024 Ooooh... they almost got me to pay!, as I hate having outstanding bills and they had me in pre-collections. After emailing and hearing nothing back I called billing, explained my situ, and was told "if its the doctor's fault he will not get paid" OH! What a guilt trip! That did not deter me, I pursued. Supervisor said to call my insurance which Id already done. I hung up, called back and said i cant afford to pay this. what can you do to assist me? Luckily the person who answered said I am in "Qualified Patient Status' which means they will fight it out with insurance and I dont have to pay this. She also said this ammount is too high for a co-payment and that humans in billing "made a mistake" HEY! Golden State Ripatology, it seems you train your humans to manipulate people into paying bogus charges! read more

My experience with Golden State Dermatology - and Dr. Trauner in particular - was terrific! I was referred to GSD to have two basal carcinomas removed. One on the side of my nose, and the other on my forehead. The one on the nose was especially worrisome because of the location and size. I imagined I'd look like I was bloodied in a bar fight when it was over. Hah! Carcinomas gone, and no one would know they ever existed! Yes - even the nose looks grand. Fantastic! Plus, the staff and Dr. Trauner were great. Organized. Explained everything. Other than an initial pin prick, painless. And follow up by phone the day of the procedure! Wow. I now slather on the sunscreen and wear the hat, but I won't hesitate to return to GSD if some another product of my reckless youth shows up. read more

I would give them zero stars if I could, especially given that I received absolutely nothing from Golden State Dermatology except bills. I scheduled a very simple and specific procedure for milia removal in July 2023 but when the doctor entered, he said he doesn't do that procedure and that I should go to another location and get a chemical peel. First of all, a chemical peel is a bit drastic for a simple milia removal procedure. Secondly, I then asked the doctor for a refund given that I had just paid a $65 copay for a procedure that wasn't given. He told me to speak with the front desk, which I did several times, and even though they, and the billing department, were kind, 1.5 years later, I finally gave up and paid. There is a reason for low stars for this practice. read more

Waited weeks for an appointment. I arrived on time at 8:30. Receptionist took 10mins to tell me the dermatologists called in sick. What a mistake. read more

I highly recommend Dr Caleb Jeon at Golden State Dermatology. I had not seen a dermatologist since my doctor retired 5 years ago. Carlos, who scheduled my appointment, could not have been sweeter. When I arrived at the office he greeted me and put me at ease right away. MIr-il, also super sweet settled me into the exam room and set up the heater because it was a chilly day. After the exam was completed by Dr. Jeon & his assistant, Zoe I confided in the doctor about a troubling skin condition. "No problem," he said, and expertly remedied the issue that had troubled me for years! Sure hope Dr. Jeon isn't planning on retiring any time soon because he is my new dermatologist at Golden State Dermatology. This place is terrific. read more

This review is regarding Dr. Jeon Caleb, who on two occasions cancelled his appointment on the day of the appointment. The first time I was informed of his cancellation after I made it to his office. The second time it was an hour before the appointment. On both occasions the receptionists were sincerely apologetic. His unprofessionalism and disregard for his patients ' time is disappointing. It's surprising that he does not care that his patients need to take time off their work to attend the appointment. read more

Solid practice. Just make sure they call your prescription in Before you leave. People were nice but I didn't get my prescription the same day. It was a miscommunication, but hey, we're all human. I am happy to report that the doctor took care of it personally and even called to explain the situation. Aside from that and their answering service (it was tough getting through to them which I hope they will improve), they are pros. It was a nice office and not too long of a wait which is huge in my eyes. Nice doctors and staff, as well:) read more

Should have checked yelp reviews (only checked google before booking). This office is a scam. Extremely not thorough in skin exams especially for someone with a consistent history of skin cancer. The doctors did not listen. There were also multiple trainees in the review with no introduction or explanation. Procedures (cosmetic) were done without my approval and I was billed for them even though I never consented to them being done. This office is a scam to just make money. They have 0 care for the patients or their health. I probably need to go pay for another skin check now. read more

I went there because of student health center's referral. I wanted a laser treatment but the clinic does not have that there so they recommend cryogen treatment. I was already charged for over 500$ and got a notice from a debit company for an extra 70$ out of nowhere. However, I never received any receipt for that 70$, no email no phone call. The last appointment was also cancelled by the doctor the last minute so nobody has ever told me how much I should pay.It was a waste of time and my problem even got worse because of the freezing stimulation. Do you even have a little conscience? I am planning to sue the clinic. read more

Tried to book an appointment, took weeks to hear back from them, just to be told they don't know when the next appointment would be available . I asked for pricing since I would be paying out of pocket and the woman on the phone couldn't give me a straight answer for an appointment to check out dry skin I've been experiencing. Why?? Feels like a scam, especially after reading reviews that they hit people with a massive bill that doesn't reflect the service. I don't feel comfortable spending my money at this clinic. read more

I had seen Dr. Jeon in the past for an annual checkup and wanted to receive laser therapy for broken capillaries on my face. I phoned the office and made an appointment with Kelly, the scheduler. I explained to her that I wanted to schedule laser therapy and the reason. Easy to get an appointment at the Berkeley office a week later. When I came in for my appointment Dr, Jeon spent a minute with me explaining that they didn't have a laser for that use at the Berkeley office and that I should schedule an appointment with an esthetician at the GSD office in Walnut Creek. When I asked why I wasn't told this by Kelly when I made my appointment with him he said I would have had to have had a "consult" with him first anyway. He didn't offer any advice about the laser process or what would be involved. When I asked if I would be charged for the office visit he said of course, and decided to take a photo of my face. I didn't get any referral for who to see at the Walnut Creek office. I later phoned the Walnut Creek office twice to schedule an appointment with an esthetician and was disconnected on both occasions. Maybe I should try one of the other 20 GSD offices? Probably not... read more

I had a visit in October 2021. I made the appointment and the front office person checked my insurance and informed me that it's covered. The doctor took a look and made prescription. I paid the co-pay and left. One year later I received repeated harassing calls from Transworld Systems asking for $200 for the "service" I had a year before, and was threatened that they will keep doing this if it's not resolved. 1. A 10 minute visit worth $200? 2. The person failed to check with insurance and inform me the charge before the visit. 3. They did not tell me before the visit, during the visit, or after the visit, but one year after. 4. They sell personal information to third party. read more

I come here for dermatology appointments for acne and have had a good experience so far. Dr. Helen Chodsky is always pleasant, as are the receptionists. I'm always seen in a timely manner and am able to schedule/ reschedule appointments with ease. My acne has been relatively stable since coming here so no complaints. read more

Extremely happy with the service and care my son received at Golden State Dermatology for his acne under Dr. Jeon. He was attentive, highly communicative, and thoughtful throughout the process. A true asset to the GSD team, I would recommend him to any parent of a teenager struggling with acne. Our results speak for themselves. Thank you Dr. Jeon! read more

New to the area, I went for my annual check up. I have hundreds of moles and am used to a very thorough examination. My entire appointment lasted five minutes, including time with the nurse. It was incredibly rushed, the doctor asked questions and didn't even give me time to answer before going on to the next thing. For example, she asked what brand of sunscreen I used and I never actually responded. She mentioned I had eczema on the bottom of my foot (something I was unaware of), and didn't say anything else about it until I took us back to it a minute later to ask if I needed to do anything about it. As someone with a family history of melanoma, I expect more from a dermatologist. read more

I called with a bunch of questions about prices and timelines about mole removal and was told everything I wanted to hear. When I got to the appointment they said it would be $600 (double what I was quoted) and that it wouldn't heal in time. I paid out of pocket for nothing. The doctor was lovely but I just wasted money and time for nothing. I'm so disappointed and frustrated. read more

Great diagnosticians! I'm severely immunosuppressed due to having a kidney transplant. As I result I frequently have both squamous cell and basal cell skin cancers. I've been seeing GSD MDs for over 5 years! read more

I haven't been happy with the changes in this office since my fantastic dermatologist, Cornelia Pessoa, retired. The office staff has absolutely no clue, and the company's billing practices are not transparent. Maybe because it's a big corporation, I don't know. Dr. Helen Chodsky is probably competent, but her manner is so off putting that it's hard to get a read on her. Whatever the case, I am done with them and will be finding a new dermatologist. read more

This used to be my favorite dermatology office. They have been there when I needed them and they were real human beings. However, they recently sold the business and added Dr. Schmidt. Now it is all about the money. Dr. Schmidt saw me recently for a problem I have lived with for 50 years. He asked me what I wanted to do - and I told him. He did not do what I asked him to do and, of course, the problem worsened. He seems like a nice enough doctor, but I was pretty upset that he asked me what I wanted done and then didn't do it. After five decades, I think I know what will work and will not work. I will be looking for another dermatologist. BTW: The sunscreen they sell can be bought off Amazon for about 25% of what they are charging - same with the retinol (though you will need a prescription for the retinol). They mark everything up about 300-400%. read more

I was able to get an appointment on short notice, same day, and was treated professionally and my issue was resolved.

Very professional and friendly office! Helen is just lovely, kind and skilled. I would highly recommend her. Parking is easy nearby.