I typically don't leave reviews but I've had my second appointment with Catherine Biren and... 1) Twice they hand me a print out for female pattern baldness(?) 2) On the second visit the doctor tells me I can take my own before and after shots when I requested to see the images they had taken. In context I was stating that my hair-line had receded since the last visit; which I don't recall affirmation of, then I wanted to use their reference images to validate my claim. So either it was dismissive, evasive, or both. 3) Dr Biren informed me that finasteride is not FDA approved and treated as "under the table." The implication; IIRC, being that its not really prescribed or approved to address male pattern baldness. Much like how Minoxidil was originally prescribed for high blood pressure - The assertion (or implication?) is that even today these drugs are prescribed "under the table" as they are not intended to address balding at all. I took her word at the time but quick research shows that Finasteride has been FDA approved for male pattern baldness since the 90s. 4) While they brought up potential blood pressure monitoring; as they prescribed Oral Monoxidil in the prior visit, they both did not follow up and seemed to have misplaced the tools needed for blood pressure measurement? I even expressed excitement over getting my blood pressure readings at the time. I was recommended by a Monterey Primary care doctor who did not know what Finasteride was at all. Stated it was another name for Minoxidil. Then recommended this Dermatologist once it became evident that assertion was false. Is this a thing with Monterey doctors? I have already spent hundreds of dollars and been delayed for almost a year (IE Primary doctor - Dermatologist initial - Dermatologist follow up). My initial goal was to; basically, get a prescription for Finasteride and have my health indicators monitored for negative side-effects. Instead I'm told Finasteride == Monoxidil and that Finasteride is not FDA approved. I really don't know what to make of that. Incredibly frustrating. The general attitude I sensed from my visits was; basically, that I should just accept that I am balding. I can respect that sentiment to an extent but then why prescribe Minoxidil and schedule a follow-up? I can see myself being dissuaded from using Finasteride but I do not believe it is acceptable to do so under false basis. Addendum: I also recall not being able to get a cost projection before leaving the practice and scheduling the theoretic follow-up appointment? Even this seems a bit... Unethical? read more

Absolute worst experience with a doctor ever. Made to feel like an annoyance. The doctor's demeanor suggests she regrets her career choice and takes it out on the patient. Also two years after that last treatment, they're still coming after us for money even though their own invoice states that the amount was covered by insurance. You're not dealing with compassionate doctors, you're doing business with a private equity group. Profits appear to be the priority. read more

Dr. Crispin is outstanding! 10 stars wouldn't be enough. Skilled, kind and compassionate. She does everything possible to put you at ease. Doesn't rush and makes sure all questions are answered. read more

I was berated by the receptionist Pam and demeaned by the dermatologist Dr Liss. He actually said "it's my way or the highway" to me. So I take that to mean that I have no say in my healthcare there. I have never been subjected to such rude, demeaning behavior in my life. I was on active duty in the Army 5 years and in the reserves for 10 years and again, I have never been treated so poorly. I am also a medical professional and cannot imagine behaving so rudely to a client. I was a new client in for a skin cancer check but I will not go back and do not recommend them to anyone. read more

Dr. Lis was rude, dismissive, sarcastic and perfunctory. He exudes disdain. His staff was courteous except for the receptionist who was snotty and equally disdainful. read more

Went to see Dr. Nadhan, Kumar for a full body skin exam. He spent less than 5 minutes with me and didn't identify any issues with discolored areas on my back and leg. Areas continued to worsen so I returned to office later in year and requested another doctor. Six obvious skin cancers were found. Dr Kumar was either asleep or didn't care. Don't recommend Schweiger Dermatology. They also mess up communications between doctors so I have left practice which has been renamed to Schweiger Dermatology. read more

The California Skin Institute in Monterey provides horrible services with hidden fees. If you don't pay these hidden fees, your account will get sent to a debt collector. I recommend a different dermatologist that provides compassionate and honest services without any additional hidden fees. read more

I rarely leave reviews, but my experience with this dermatology office was so frustrating that I have to share it. I needed a prescription before leaving out of town for two weeks. My insurance even tried reaching the dermatologist's office directly -- they left a message and attempted to get through to the front desk multiple times -- but still couldn't reach anyone. I started calling yesterday, followed up again this morning, and even spoke with the director, yet nothing was resolved. Five minutes before the office closed, my insurance confirmed they still hadn't received the authorization from the office. As a result, I am now leaving town without my medication. This was my first experience with this office, and it has unfortunately been the worst I've had in any medical setting. The lack of communication and follow-through is unacceptable, and sadly, the other negative Yelp reviews now make sense. Good luck to anyone who tries to get their medication or reach this office -- I truly feel bad for anyone who has to deal with this. read more

The Monterey office got me a quick appointment right away to which Dr. Liss got me started on some medication right away for the Psoriasis and hopefully my insurance will authorize for it so I can continue with the medication to see if it will help put me back in remission. I am so grateful that there are a lot of options to help sufferers with psoriasis like me and I am grateful to Dr. Liss and his staff to help me with this issue! read more

I've chosen to hold off on the Yelp in hopes of a better outcome. First I want to say this location is beautiful, nestled in the mountains, the view is amazing. Plenty of parking available. The office is very nice. There's is usually someone there to greet you when you walk in but not always. Employees are polite, friendly and helpful. The problem is what you were told you're going in for and what the price will be does not always match with the bill you receive. I made my appointment on June 19, 2023, and spoke with Sabrina and explained to her I was having some moles removed/froze off. She told me it would be an out-of-pocket visit for $165 unless the doctor felt a mole was a problem in which case insurance would cover it. (I have made this exact appointment many times in the past, each appointment was $165 for up to 15 moles being froze off ) The bill I received was for $535 and I was told my portion would be $168.45. I spoke with Kelly the office manager multiple times who said that Sabrina gave me incorrect information and that the bill would not be changed and I was not going to be allowed to speak to the doctor about this visit. I placed a dispute with Better Business Bureau and did not hear back from California skin care. This has been a challenge with this office. The doctors are great. The nurses are great but the billing not so good. Kimberly, the aesthetician is awesome. I've seen her twice and thoroughly enjoyed the facial I received. My suggestion is if you are going in to have moles removed make sure you get it in writing on exactly how much this is going to cost you. They have a tendency to change their mind after you have completed your appointment and received a bill for a different amount. Not good business. read more

So disorganized, they book too many people at once and seem to always be short staffed. Your appointment will take hours.

This review is for the office management. I heard very good things about one of the doctors at the Monterey office. I called and told them I wanted to be seen for a skin check and for a rosacea follow-up. (I had previously seen another doctor at the CSI Salinas office and didn't like her at all. She barely even looked me in the eye). They told me the new doctor I was interested had a wait list that was several months long. I said that was fine and accepted the appointment. Yesterday, TWO DAYS before this appointment that I have waited months for, they called me and said this new doctor I was interested in doesn't treat rosacea. WHY DIDN'T THEY TELL ME THAT WHEN I SCHEDULED THE APPOINTMENT?! The lady who called couldn't answer that question. Instead I waited months for an appointment only to be told 48 hours before the appointment that she doesn't treat my condition (which is a very common skin condition-- what dermatologist doesn't treat rosacea?!). Unacceptable office management in my opinion. I canceled the appointment and won't be trying CSI again. read more

Made an appointment via their direct website and was told the day of the appointment that it was never scheduled and to not book online. If you don't want patients booking online remove the option from your website. Then was told that because I was new I could not make an appointment until NEXT YEAR. No thank you! That is just ridiculous. read more

My experience with California Skin Institute was terrible. They're a mess!! Customer service was a 0 for me. Rude and careless. The doctor asked to see me in 3 months so I told that information to the front clerk girl. She proceeded to deny the appointment with a certain tone lol. She proceeded to tell me one other doctor retired blah blah. Obviously I didnt care to know the struggles they're having nor did I ask. All she had to do was make the appointment. I did not know what she wanted me to say, I don't work there nor do I care about their mess. Finally, after I said wow and reiterated what she said to me back she all of the sudden remembered how to do her job. That's so unprofessional! The doctor was very passive and seemed more concerned on pushing Accutane. Accutane is very harsh on the body, I've done my research. When I told him that I wanted Accutane to be my last resort he made some passive comments "you have options, you just refuse" instead of giving me advice or another way to work with me. It felt very pushy and more of a sales transaction. It was obvious that he cared more about the money. I just wanted guidance on a way to get to the root of the problem. I wanted to see and work with a Doctor regularly and succeed. California Skin Institute, what a disappointment I received on all ends. Please do better. I'm sadden to have given this place my business. read more

Why is it that CA Skin Institute responds only to positive reviews and dismiss complaints? Reading back thru the reviews I see no responses from the company to any negative reviews cited. Why are they being dismissed? I saw Dr Luchetti for very simple strictly cosmetic procedure: using liquid nitrogen on superficial brown (sun or age) spots, something I had done with other Dermatologists many times. Dr Luchetti went WAY overboard and left injuries on my legs (I wore bandages for months) and scarring on my face. I had a meeting with Kelly Mahoney the on-site manager 6 weeks later to show her the damage and ask for a remedy and my money back. Kelly validated several times it should have NEVER happened and she would speak to her superiors. That meeting took place in late July and they still have offered no remedies from their more competent practitioners and needless to say no money back. I would like a response to this review and I will be following up on this matter. Tammy Richardson read more

I've been calling about a referral for over a month. Not only do they not answer their calls and they don't call back, but the voicemail tells you not to call them repeatedly... Also you can see the response to my review. That was left automatically, moments after I posted my review. It looks like they're using AI to reply to reviews, because it doesn't even address my actual problem. This place is trash read more

The entire staff are wonderful human beings with kindness and compassion. Dr. Crispin is patient with her exceptional skills. She truly cares for her patients and makes you feel calm as she completes her individual procedures. I felt I mattered as a patient and honored to be referred to her! Highly recommend! read more

I came here very skeptical after reading the reviews. I'm in the skin business, and rightfully very particular about who I allow to remove skin tags, etc. Dr. Weaver, deserves accolades. He is absolutely amazing, listens, is gentle and very thorough. I feel very comfortable here checking for cancers, etc. Thank you to this team for being so kind and welcoming. read more

Saw Dr Luchetti yesterday for an annual checkup. She does not listen , was very cursory in her inspection and not particularly pleasant. Find someone else. read more

Really zero stars. My husband (Medicare) has been a 10 year+ patient of this practice and we just called to make an appointment for a sore on his ankle. They said they could not see him for that and to call Urgent Care. read more

It took 3 months for me to get today's appointment at California Skin Institute in Monterey at Ryan Ranch. After reading CSI's horrible Yelp reviews, I seriously considered canceling the appointment. Fortunately, my skin condition is prolonged, bothersome, and on my face. So, I decided to keep the appointment. I'm very happy I did! The front desk ladies were courteous and welcoming. There was absolutely no wait time. Jhoselyn led me into an examining room immediately after I completed the necessary paperwork. She was caring and professional. Dr. Weaver was personable, thorough, and exceedingly gentle with his examination. I found him to be respectful and attentive. He asked me pertinent questions, and suggested methods of addressing my condition. He then took a skin culture for lab analysis, and immediately sent prescriptions to my pharmacy. He took time to address my additional questions and concerns, and then asked me to followup with him in three weeks. My CSI experience was 5-star from start to finish. It couldn't possibly have been any better. I wholeheartedly recommend California Skin Institute! read more

If you are looking for help with health concerns find another practice. After a long bout of phone tag, I was finally able to book an appt. When I saw the Dr. I pretty much ended up diagnosing myself and requesting the meds I needed. Cut to 6 months later. My pharmacy notifies me that they are no longer giving me refills. That they have reached out to the Dr. to no avail. Turns out THIS is the way I found out the Dr. no longer practices there now they won't refill my meds,which need to be taken daily. I have to go in for an appt for the new Dr to ok the prescription and no one will even answer the phone. Meanwhile I am 3 weeks without minoxidil and my new growth has broken off. Terrible place. Don't bother. read more

WOW! Do not do medical business with this place. I wish I had read the reviews first, but I didn't and now I am literally paying the price. They are just obscenely corrupt and incompetent. I went about 18 months ago to have some lesions removed from my back. They said "up to 14 lesions" for like $225. I was told it was considered cosmetic surgery as none of the lesions were suspicious. They would not submit to insurance. So I went in twice (once for the initial consult and once for the actual removal) and then subsequently paid the bill (though their billing department rebilled me twice for the same amount) which was ballpark what we agreed upon. However, they only removed 8 of the 12 agreed upon lesions. They never said why. I think it was just an oversight and they missed them. It took about 20 minutes to do the procedure. So a few months ago, I went back to have the other 4 lesions removed. I told them about the missed lesions from the past and they said okay. I thought at worst I would be paying another $225. It took 5 MINUTES! 5 Minutes to remove the lesions. They then sent me a bill for almost $900. They sent the lesions out to a lab and to my insurance without my permission. Keep in mind these were not cancerous. They were tiny keratosis and a small non suspicious mole. $900 for a 5 minute cosmetic procedure! I have left 3 messages for their billing and gotten ZERO responses. Not even an acknowledgement of my calls. I sent an email and received ZERO acknowledgment of my email. Finally their office manager, Kelly, called me and was absolutely unwilling to listen to my story about how off base they were and that it was the continuation of a cosmetic procedure. I have the feeling Kelly's sole purpose was to simply say "no" to everyone who calls to complain. She has been mentioned on Yelp several times as well as a problem. RUN FROM THIS PLACE. I am battling them on multiple fronts. Don't use these guys!! read more

The worst! It took me over eight months to get an appointment. The doctors there don't stay very long. I think that says something for the practice. read more

I've been through 3 different dermatologists in this office for a few years. Today I saw Dr. Luchetti for my yearly skin check. She was very nice and I felt she thoroughly checked my skin. I need to use sunscreen All THE TIME! I would recommend Dr. Luchetti. read more

Horrible experience. From beginning to end. Dr. has a terrible bedside manner and I was overwhelmed by her rude attitude and remarks. I was in tears before the procedure began She gave me a shot then quickly started to Scrape into me not once but twice and stitches I felt everything. Never again, I would have walked out because it went from bad to worse. Next time I will read reviews before I schedule some Dr.'s will harm you instead of help you. Be careful! read more

The "treatment " of freezing a few parts of my scalp and hand was and is not worth the $45 copay However, a very good service, except for the front desk read more

My husband came here to have two moles removed. the doctor was extremely rude and had zero bedside manner and asked him if he knew how much money this was going to cost. He proceeded to make my husband feel very uncomfortable and removed the moles in a very non-gentle way. I would never recommend this place and I wish that there were not doctors like this who should not be servicing the public. I work in healthcare period after this experience I would never recommend anybody going here! How horrible that these people went to medical school. read more

Schweiger Dermatology Group - Cosmetic Surgeons Near Me - Monterey, California

They do not deserve even one star. I have been calling and leaving messages for three weeks trying to make an appointment and no-one has return my calls. read more

Not sure how anyone gets an appointment here. No one answers the phone, nor returns voicemails. Very frustrating!

If I could choose negative Stars I would. I guess I should have read all the Yelp reviews before I was seen by the California Skin Institute. My God this office is horrible. I saw Dr. Gerrit Henry in the middle of March. Of course my rash that comes and goes was not on my arms and he very snootily said I do not look at pictures. He said that he would call me in a prescription for cream to get rid of the brown spots the rash leaves behind on my arms. Well it's now 4/12/2023, 3 messages later and a call to staff and I still do not have my prescription called in. They swear they did it. Well, guess what you didn't. Finally I said are you seriously worried I'm going to overdose on this? Why is this so hard? This office is horrible, please do not go through the trouble of making an appointment or having to communicate with the uncommunicatable. read more

I was initially so happy to get an appointment with a dermatologist because it had taken me so long to find one that was taking new patients....I should have known to do more research! I had an appointment, the doctor was nice but didn't seem to want to spend too much time listening to my "skin" issues. (Thankfully they did do a biopsy that I am still waiting the result for.). She kind of saw me quickly and prescribed some medication that she stated her medical assistant would send in the order to the pharmacy for....well that never happened! I went to the pharmacy a few hours after the that they stated they would send the order to, and no meds. I called and left messages and even spoke with several office staff who stated they would forward my messages to the Doctor and her medical assistant. I have called about 4-5 times daily for the last 5 days with no results still! No call backs, and still no medication for an appointment I had about a week ago!!! Now I see why they have such bad reviews! I am going to another doctor tomorrow since no one from this office is calling me back. If you are looking for a dermatologist, I suggest you go elsewhere because the staff doesn't do as promised and doesn't call prescription or call back when there are issues! read more

Has to be one of the worst clinics on the Peninsula. Nobody picks up the phone there, and nobody returns calls. Good luck if you have a life threatening carcinoma. Three weeks for biopsy results, and am now on fourth working day to get those results. read more

Few things that might save you the trip. 1) At the time of appointment the guy that goes by Henry has a very aggressive, no time to hear your concerns, attitude!! Gave me about 3 minutes to explain myself. He seemed to know what what going on but didnt give me time to further explain my symptoms and other concerns. 2) After the dismaying appointment, I am YET to be able to pick up my prescription. Tried calling various time on various days with various phone numbers just to check up on my prescription. Now that they know which phone number belong to me they do not answer their phone. And at the rare times they have answered they place me on hold and hand up a few minutes later. I have video proof of their actions!! So disheartening because even after reading previous reviews I decided to give them a shot and they its turning out to be a nightmare...... PLEASE HELP! read more

I called twice at mid-day and left a message as required but never gat a return call. Had to listen to a long spiel about the company before I new no one would answer. Don't recall any human answering the phone. POOR SERVICE!!!!! read more

To start, I am so so sad that Dr Bolante is leaving the practice. She was a gift that helped me through accutane and dermatitis for two years. Attentive, kind, always made me feel like my concerns were valid. Dr Henry however, I could not recommend to anyone. He "doesn't look at pictures", so if you've resolved your issue by the time your appointment rolls around in a month or so you're entirely out of luck on getting it treated. He was combative, and condescending. He tried to explain what acne was to me... after I told him I'd already completed accutane and was seeing him for an entirely different issue. Those are the only two I can speak on, but the office is beautiful! The staff are efficient. The air conditioning is great? But I'm debating even returning to be completely honest. read more

Dr Henry is the worst doctor I've ever been to in my life. Do NOT go to him. He doesn't listen, is always in a rush, doesn't care about his patients. I asked in one of my appointments for a recommendation for a good acne friendly sunscreen and his response was "I'm sure you can figure it out". What the heck? So what am I coming to you for. My skin has never looked worse than it does now after using the products he's prescribed. I wish I'd never gone to him. read more

$75 for a 5 minute visit! Took 3 months to get the appointment. When I arrived I mentioned I had a spot on my face that I wanted looked at, she said because my appointment was for a cosmetic consult , she couldn't look at the spot. Are you kidding?? I spent $75 for her to recommend fillers. The internet could have done that for free. read more

My wife and I are clients from up north but moved down to Carmel last year. Was surprised to see all the bad reviews. Our doctor was excellent. The wait staff was very professional and on top of everything. My guess is they read their own reviews and improved. We are going back. read more

*** My last two visits to have 8 locations where skin cancer was potentially suspect, went so comfortably that I'm here to say my thank you's both to California Skin Institute in Monterey at their location in the Ryan Ranch complex. My least favorite thing in life is pain. So I was extremely made at ease my attending doctor & her assistant. The biopsies were cut off by MD Maria Thibault..& those procedures went entirety smoothly. Dr. Thibault's sincere personality, sense of humor, & degree of skill made for an experience the was bordering on fun ! Literally we were laughing much of the time. Also a big thanks to a skilled office staff , & especially big thanks & my appreciation for the exactness & care given by Luhanna Gutrerrez who made understanding my biopsy report understandable. read more