My experience with Hickory Dermatology was extremely disappointing, and unfortunately, I would not…read morefeel comfortable returning.
I was referred to Dr. Turrentine for a compound nevus with severe atypia and was evaluated on August 28, 2026. During my initial visit, Grace, the assistant, was kind and did an excellent job explaining what was going to happen. I especially appreciated her explaining that the numbing medication would contain lidocaine and epinephrine and that the epinephrine could temporarily cause my heart to race. Because I have a history of SVT, anything involving my heart makes me nervous. Grace reassured me, which I appreciated.
While we were talking, Dr. Turrentine entered the room. Grace explained my concern to him. In response, he shrugged his shoulders, gave her a look, and rolled his eyes as he left the room. I found this extremely dismissive and upsetting, especially because I was already anxious about the procedure.
When Dr. Turrentine and Grace returned to perform the procedure, Dr. Turrentine never introduced himself or spoke directly to me. He communicated with Grace, who then explained to me what was happening. After the procedure, he removed his gloves and walked out without saying anything to me.
I told Grace that I was uncomfortable with his attitude. She told me that he was usually very nice. I decided not to immediately leave a review because I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. Everyone can have a bad day, and I hoped my follow-up visit would be a different experience.
Unfortunately, it wasn't.
At my follow-up appointment, I didn't see Dr. Turrentine or Grace. Another staff member, Misty, removed my sutures. She was pleasant and explained that she normally works in surgery but would be removing them. Before beginning, she took a picture and showed it to Dr. Turrentine.
The suture removal itself was extremely uncomfortable. Misty struggled with some of the sutures, and from my perspective, it felt like she was digging around trying to remove them. By the time they were finally removed, the area was bleeding and needed to be bandaged. There was still blood visible through the bandage that evening.
While we were still in the room, Grace came to the door and asked Misty, "Are you through? The rooms have to be cleared for lunch." Given how uncomfortable and difficult the suture removal had been, that comment made the situation even more upsetting to me.
The timing of the appointment also left me uncomfortable. My appointment was scheduled for 11:50 a.m., and I understand the office closes for lunch at noon. I was called back at approximately 11:55 a.m., and I was still in the room after noon. I remember checking the time because it was 12:07 p.m. when I finally left the room.
Overall, this was a very upsetting experience from beginning to end. What bothered me most was not simply the discomfort of the procedure or suture removal, but the way I felt treated as a patient. I was already frightened because of the nature of my diagnosis and concerned about the medication affecting my heart. I expected compassion, communication, and basic courtesy. Instead, I felt dismissed and disrespected. Dr. Turrentine never spoke directly to me during either part of my experience.
I had read only a couple of negative reviews about Dr. Turrentine before my appointment and numerous positive ones, so I went expecting a very different experience. I don't know why my experience was so different from what others have described, but unfortunately, it left a lasting impression.
I sincerely hope other patients have a better experience than I did. As for me, I would not choose to return to Hickory Dermatology.