This is hands-down and absolutely outstanding physician, and I say that after having had a pretty…read moreterrible experience with another dermatology outfit in New York City (whom I've also reviewed).
Walther, and Columbia University's East Side Physicians, are an incredibly well-oiled machine.
I has previously gone to another dermatologist because of a mole that satisfied all of the visual requirements of being cancerous. Luckily, I had a biopsy done, and it turned out to be very untypical scar tissue. However, the dismissive and rude attitude of my previous dermatologist made me go back to my PCP to get another referral.
This led me to Dr. Robert Walther. For my first appointment, I arrived at 9:55am for my 10:00 appointment, filled out the usual paperwork, was called in at 10:00 sharp (!!), barely got into the gown to meet Dr. Walther. Mind you, he travels with none of the typical dermatology entourage. No three nurses holding clopboards. It's just him. He takes his own notes, is incredibly methodical in his exams, really takes note of the important details, and very systematically checked out my lesion. He was honest in saying that he had never seen anything like it, but he showed no doubt in his mind that it should be removed. We discussed the surgical option in depth, and after 20 minutes, I was done. I spent a total of 25 minutes in his practice, had a very productive appointment with my physician, and knew what was to come next. Excellent!
On the appointment of my excision, I returned to his East Side practice, arrived about 10 minutes early, only to be waived into his practice, get prepped, and have the lesion removed in 20 minutes. The whole procedure was performed very methodically, and Dr. Walther let me know at all times during the procedure what he was doing. I walked out at 11:59, as promised - before lunch!
Overall, this guys is just hands-down a true professional at his craft. He is ruthlessly efficient with his time, provides all of the necessary information, asks the right questions, and is very sensitive to patients' needs.
For a person who doesn't really like doctors (and how can you blame me, generally), this was truly a good experience.