I have been a patient for many many years and I have always been very happy with the professionalism and friendliness of Dr Semler and his staff. The front office staff can seem a bit stressed at times and I just try to be understanding. They are not rude at all. Highly recommend this practice. read more

BEWARE of undisclosed billing practices. I have been going here for several years and the practitioners have been great. However, at a recent visit, they took some tissue samples to send off to the lab. I paid my $75 specialist copay at the time of the visit but later got another bill for another $75 specialist copay for the dermotology clinic, "The Dermatology Group", that they sent the tissue samples to. Keep in mind, copays do not get applied to your deductible. This is an important distinction. I have had tissue biopsies done at this practice before and was not charged another $75 copay from another dermotology group who ran the tests. Semler also did not tell me at the time of the visit that I could possibly get another bill for the tissue tests from another derm clinic. That is unacceptable in my opinion. They should inform patients if they have started to send these off to another derm clinic that will also be charging a copay as if you had an office visit with them as well. I have had several labs, etc. ordered by various docs and did not pay another specialist copay (again which does not count toward the deductible). At times I have paid a little more for the tests if insurance did not cover all of it, but those payments DO count toward the deductible. This is a copay as if I visited this separate clinic. read more

I had been a patient at this office for several years. I initially saw Kristen who had always been extremely nice and thoughtful. However, the treatment we tried was unsuccessful. Finally I was able to book an appointment with Dr. Semler. I insisted at this point. I saw him a handful of times and his initial treatment plan made a considerable difference in my health. Antibiotics were needed. My health issues/concerns have been ongoing and that is where we seemed to hit a wall. My last appointment with Dr. Semler left me feeling very uncomfortable. In addition, I was unaware appointments are fifteen minutes in length. To start off my appointment, I told the doctor that I have a list of questions/concerns. Six to eight talking points. Politely he said, go right ahead as he was starting his follow up checkup. My appointment lasted fifteen minutes. As such, once the doctor felt he was finished with his objective he proceeded to walk out of the patient examiner room at a hurried pace. I quickly asked the doctor, when will I be able to go over my concerns. His angered and harsh reply, I have other patients! Your next appointment. Well, my next appointment was scheduled three months down the road. That makes absolutely no sense as I have ongoing skin/health issues that have to be addressed. I tried reaching him and his office staff several times over the phone. Finally, I received a call back weeks after the initial call to his office. I simply wanted to understand the parameters of the consultations and treatments. This way I'll know how to best communicate with the doctor in a timely manner that allows for proper care and good communication. The receptionist who called back told me of the patient portal system but was not familiar and asked if I'd open up a computer so we can figure it out together. Who has time to stop what they're doing and figure out a patient portal with a staff member who has made clear she doesn't know how to navigate the portal? No one! I asked for a call from the office manager at that point. Yammani the office manager called at an unannounced time as is usual practice at this office. She told me to use the portal to communicate with the doctor and explained the steps in which to do so. I hadn't used the portal up to this point. I proceeded to tell her that I am following up because of the events that unfolded during my last appointment. She began to berate me and defend Doctor Semler. Going as far as to tell me that my story was not true etc. The thought that I would waste my time to call the office only to ask how I can best communicate with the doctor to ensure my appointments are properly scheduled baffles me. I pay hundreds of dollars for fifteen minutes of care only to realize the doctor has the audacity to walk out of the appointment without even bringing it to a proper and professional close. It's horrible posture. Yammani told me I would be able to select Dr. Semler under the Send To column. That's not the case. Apparently, the messaging system in the portal only sends messages to a general nurse or receptionist messaging box. (Based on the options available under the send to column.) I sent Doctor Semler an e-mail message. I explained my concerns and how his behavior, lack of professionalism, and care for me as his patient left me bewildered. I gave the option to seek other professional care if he believes he is unable to take on my healthcare. His response was vague at best. He spoke of a doctor/patient relationship being based on trust. Well, he made sure that I understood he was willing to break that trust when he walked out of the room without even saying a word before I blurted out. I also asked that he clarify the reason behind prescribing the antibiotics. I need to know what was or most likely had been affecting my body. He should know or have a real good idea since he prescribed the antibiotic. How do I properly care for myself when I don't know what's out of alignment in my body. i.e. diet and fitness program He ignored my request for information. Simply passing it over. He did provide several dermatologists in the area. I asked for recommendations. In addition to the fall out, reaching the nurses or doctor over the phone has always been an impossible task. I usually call back at least one more time a week after an initial call before a nurse returns my call. It is very difficult to book an appointment with the doctor. There is no availability in addition to a short work week. The office on multiple occasions did not call me when lab results had arrived. The receptionist desk is not knowledgeable on related appointment costs and fees. It's my opinion that the office culture lacks professionalism and sensitivity when handling patient issues and or working with patients. These are basic tasks. Yet the professionalism and patience are lacking. Why would patients entrust this office with more complex issues? read more

Very professional and efficient while also maintaining a personal touch. Dr. Semler and every team member I met were so pleasant, efficient, caring and professional. I highly recommend. read more

I have been going here for awhile. Take care of you. Nice office and staff~ helpful and explains what is going on .

Great group of professionals. Very knowledgeable and caring. Highly recommended. Have been going there for years.

I'm a long time patient and can never say enough good things about Dr. Semler and Shannon, the providers I usually see. But turnover at the front desk has once again led to abrupt and rude encounters. If you can get past them and get to Dr. Semler or Shannon you are in good hands. read more

This place is super super busy so call else where if you need to get in asap. But if you're looking for good quality care this is the place to go. The front office desk was very helpful and was able to squeeze my son in for an appointment. Place is very efficient and tends to run on time my son saw Kristen and she was super nice as well. However like I said place is super busy they should honestly consider moving locations or getting more doctors because I tried to get in there but they are saying they don't have any new patients appointments until February! Which is somewhat frustrating but I also get that they need to see the established patients like my son. But again super nice and helpful staff and great treatment for my son. read more

This office doesn't help patients in need. I just had a diagnosis of possible skin cancer and the first appointment they could offer was THREE MONTHS away! This is one of those fake dermatologists that don't help people who actually need it. Avoid them!! read more

Terribly rude office staff. I am not sure why my family and I have kept going back for more & more of this hostile treatment, mainly from the front desk staff, but we have. But no more after today's extremely impolite phone conversation while I was simply trying to make my annual appointment. After being on hold for quite a long time, I was treated with utter disrespect. It is June and I was told the first available visit is February for a simple annual skin check. The practice is way too busy and full, and obviously the staff is overwhelmed and seemingly overworked... perhaps this the reason for the sour attitude. The medical staff too, aside from Laurel, seem to all be too rushed and in foul moods. The entire practice has a dismal atmosphere. Find another dermo, as they are not the only game in town. read more

Went here for a consult re: basal cell carcinoma. This is a very, very busy practice with staff and patients confined to a small footprint. It appears that the focus is the cash side of the business (cosmetic) and you get hounded to write reviews. Everyone was kind and seemed very knowledgeable, i just didn't get a good feeling about this practice. read more

I referred military personnel here as I have always had a good experience here. Alas, given what was experienced by the older blonde receptionist I am going to have to rethink it. After checking our temp which was taken by the other receptionist the blonde comes out and walks to another person to take their temp then turns and asks "did we get yours ?" We responded, "Yes, but you can take it again if you want." Mind you, there is absolutely nothing wrong with our response. She huffs away and says, "fine, then I will just make it so you won't go back and see the doctor at all" What kind of person does that!? She clearly needs to not be interacting with anyone if she has that kind of attitude. read more

I am a 55 yr old female with a basal cell cancer on my nose near my eye. I was so afraid Mohs surgery close to my eye that I called this dermatologist because they are 1 of 2 areas in NVA , closest to me that offers a cutting edge radiation therapy called SRT, which they determined I was the perfect candidate for. It was so promising that I made an appointment and after sending them a pathology / biopsy report , my ID and copies of my insurance card, they again deemed me the "Perfect Candidate " in their own words, and assured me that they definitely accept my insurance. During my appointment upon physical examination, I was approved again for SRT. I was told my next call would be about scheduling and pricing. When I was called, they said: Sorry our doctor doesn't like working with your insurance. It only covers the treatment itself and not other costs. I agreed to pay whatever insurance doesn't cover, but they cruelly said no again, we can't do that. This is pure DISCRIMINATION against my insurance plan and is sad that cancer patients receive this type of cold heartless service. It was such a letdown. Semler Dermatology should not be involving patients in their insurance politics Issues . I am truly shocked and traumatized over this, but I know I will find something. read more

I first tried for about an hour to register on their online portal system and set up a teleconference appointment for my daughter. Their online portal system was a nightmare. I then spent another 30 minutes trying to get through to someone on the phone, who finally answered and explained that she was alone and doing 4 people's jobs. I listened to her vent for about 5 minutes, as she explained she couldn't help me bc she had 3 patients waiting for her. and she seemed very frazzled. I felt badly for her situation. So she then explained she would have someone call me back today or tomorrow. While I understand that we are in the middle of a nationwide pandemic that has disrupted any sense of normalcy, I found this experience to be so bad that I am going to research other dermatologists. Not worth it. read more

I had scheduled an appointment with Shannon for cyst removal. When I made the appointment with Regina, I specifically told her why I needed an appointment for the cyst removal to be done that day. She never told me otherwise. I had been there once before and had a cyst removed the same day. Shannon saw me for 2 minutes on 6/7/2022 and told me she did not have the time to do the removal on that day. I was charged my $60 co-pay and their office sent in a bill for $239. I cancelled the appointment to come back for the removal, they would most likely charge me an additional copay of $60.00. This is so wrong. I went to a different doctor and am happy with the results. What a way to treat someone and maybe they need better front desk people who listen. read more

1 star for getting me in today. 1 star for the explanation of my dermatological concerns 1 star for the PA! -2 stars for the lack of personality or customer service your receptionist exhibited today I think A-OK should read OK for a 3-star rating!! I've been a patient of Dr. Semler's for about 2 years. Very rare that I need to see a Dermatologist, but he was recommended by my general doctor when I needed one. Once you make it past the front desk the medical assistants and other staff running the "back of the house" are gracious and highly capable. As in many of my other reviews, whether food, retail or any business at all, customer service is one of the qualities I prize most highly when I'm out and about. A doctor's office is NO different! If nothing else they should be even more attentive to taking care of folks when they visit. NOTE: when you change jobs and you get new insurance and you don't get your cards and you spend 45 min on the phone with your insurance company to get that taken care of...and the insurance company sends you a FAX containing all the info needed for the doctor's office to process you when you arrive the next morning...DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT challenge me and say you won't see me without a card!! Thank goodness the office rep who handles the insurance processing was there to straighten out the receoptionist! Frustrated in 20141! read more

Semler Dermatology - Dermatologists Near Me - Lansdowne, Virginia

This was by far the worst appointment I have ever had. I came in for a full body check with Kristin Kaiser, PA because my father died of melanoma I mentioned I was anxious and I got ZERO compassion and I felt blatantly ignored. The check was not even thorough...I have had this done multiple times so I know how thorough it should be. I was prescribed a prescription for acne while I was there and I got zero explanation of what it was....I was not even told the name of the medicine. I work as a nurse and I understand that not all appointments can be lengthy, but this was very inappropriate. Definitely never going back. read more

I'm updating this since we have gone back to Semler many times since my last review. While I would caution anyone to find out the costs of drugs before filling them, we have been going to Shannon at Semler for the past few years and have been very happy with our service and results. read more

Rude front office staff. They demanded payment from my teenage daughter before she left the office visit. Our account had no unpaid balance and we have to wait for our insurance to process before we know how much we owe due to where we are at against our deductibles. Also, they used to have the ability to online pay. No online pay now and their toll free number is an immediate drop and they know this. So when I called the office to pay directly, there is only a scheduling and nurse option. When given no option to pay, I pressed zero and was dropped. I called back and chose the scheduling option. Told them about their payment office not working and they said they knew that as the payment office had not reopened due to COVID 19. So known issue, not corrected or modified. No voicemail redirecting callers to their doctors office. No updated invoices with updated numbers, etc. I asked them to take my payment and was put on hold twice for more than 6 mins. The doctors and nurses are great but their front office needs to go. read more

Visited Semler Dermatology last month. Had a great experience starting with booking an appointment. When I called to find out their availability I have been told there is a wait of 2-4 month. But after a couple of minutes of nice chat with office administrator and explanation of my needs (mole removal and full skin exam), they were able to find a spot for me and scheduled for the following Tuesday. So I was very happy that I did not have to wait for months. I saw Dr. Shannon, she was very nice and knowledgeable. Answered all my questions and addressed all concerns. She even removed my moles during the same visit (while scheduling an appointment I have been told that skin exam and mole removal will be covered in 2 separate appointments). Will definitely be coming back when needed. P.S. my husband visited Semler Dermatology a year back and had a great experience as well. read more

QUESTION: Has anyone had REALLY bad experiences with the receptionist/whoever answers when they call to make an appointment? I had a great experience with the staff and Shannon Whitlock in 2010 when I completed an Isotretinoin treatment course, so I referred a friend to this office when she said she was having trouble with her skin. My friend called once in March. The receptionist was flat out rude, so my friend ended up going somewhere else. However, now my friend wants to go on Isotretinoin and the other place she went doesn't provide it. She just called again, hoping to get friendlier reception, and the woman who answered was awful again! I couldn't believe how rude she was (I can hear her end of the conversation, too, because my friend's desk is so close to mine at work). My friend finally got frustrated and told the woman never mind, she didn't want to go somewhere that employed such unfriendly people, and the receptionist just snapped, "That's fine." My friend has found somewhere else to go, and it looks like I won't be able to refer anyone else here. It's a shame because the office is nice and Shannon Whitlock was great, but they need to rethink who is representing them. read more

When I was seen at Semler Dermatology I was treated by Shannon, and first of all I would like t state that my two star review has nothing to do with her. She was very attentive, caring, and I felt very comfortable with her. Unfortunately the rest of my experience was very disappointing. First of all when I called to make an appointment the receptionist informed me that they were booked 5 weeks out. I was a little frustrated, but went ahead and made the appointment anyway. When I went in for my appointment I was not greeted, I was just told to sit down. I received the same 'attitude' when I checked out. While I was there I got a culture done and was told that someone would call me in 4 days with the results. I waited 7 days and did not hear anything so I decided to call them. Again I was treated very rudely and the lady I spoke to told me it takes 7-10 business days to get any results and that I just needed to wait. She did not take my name or number, just told me I had to wait. It has been over three weeks now and I still have not heard anything. I did however receive a bill for the culture in the mail, so I think it is safe to say it has been completed. Once I received the bill with no word on the results I decided to call again. This time the lady did take my name and number but told me it might be a couple days till a nurse could get back to me. So here I am... Still waiting. The overall experience with Semler has made me feel unimportant as a patient, and because of this I will not be going back. read more

DON NOT GO HERE IF YOU WANT ANY KIND OF CARE!!! (Maybe to get a wart removed but then again there are over-the-counter solutions that work the same.) I have been dealing with Eczema for most of my life and just needed someone to listen and help. All this guy cares about is money. He double books so you pay about $250 for 15min max and then offers "solutions" that when they don't work instead of just calling in the next medication he requires you to come back for another 250/5min conversation. Like most people I work during the day so its extremely hard to get there and when asked for a refill of something that is working with a new appointment already made. He tells me to go to Urgent Care. I have never seen such a blatant disregard for actually helping someone. read more

When I was first looking for a dermatologist, a couple of my friends recommended me Dr.Semler. I made an appointment and never regretted it. I've been a patient for about two years now, and had a chance to be seen by both Dr. Semler and his associate. I must admit I like Dr. Semler much better. Other people mentioned they were recommended to schedule a separate visit for a separate problem. Never happened to me. Probably because my secondary issues were small and wouldn't cause any delays for other patients. Never noticed the reception people being rude or anything. As for the wait time, honestly, I've never been to a single doctor were I didn't have to wait a little bit. So I am giving it 5 stars for solving my health problems completely and for the service! read more

Front office staff was very nice and polite, Dr. Semler was thorough and informative, highly recommend!

I've been going to Semler Dermatology for about 5 years or so. I was never offered to see Dr. Semler himself, but I am happy with Shannon Whitlock, the PA. She is fantastic and takes care of me in a clear and concise manner. I got an appointment quickly, despite her being booked up for several weeks. At least I'm not waiting for an appointment with Dr. Semler, because he is booked up even longer. I think I could have gotten a cancelled appointment for Friday morning. I couldn't get an appointment for the day that I needed it for, but I'm happy I got the earlier appt. anyway. I did have to ask if I would have to fill out all the updated paperwork when I came in to their office. I was told which forms that I could fill out in advance from their website. I'm about to look up their website and print out the forms now. I don't really want to go to my appointment 15 minutes early to allow time for my information to be updated by the office workers. Is it ever possible to email or fax that sort of thing to a doctor's office to save me time? From past experience, I know that the office isn't helpful with filling out forms for me or getting copies of records. I will see if they have changed for the better when I see them this week. The office has been good at giving me small samples of some RXs, but some are brand names that I can't afford to buy at all. I'll update after my appointment. read more

You can get an appointment quickly which is a positive. Most offices in NoVa have long waiting time. I also don't have to wait long at the office. Also great! The PA Shannon Whitlock is a nice lady but seems to get you in and out as fast as possible. Her skin exam was not a complete one. She QUICKLY scanned only about 80% of my body. Didn't check my scalp, underarms, or under my chest. To me, a good doctor checks 100% of your body, not just "most of it". If you want a very thorough exam, I would definitely look elsewhere. read more

Misdiagnosed me and on 2nd was rude when I told him that I had been to 5 doctors. He asked if I used the cream he gave me. He never gave me cream, and frankly I don't think he even remembered me. I would have appreciated an apology and an acknowledge that he messed up. He spent about 5 minutes with me or less. What a waste of time. read more

For starters, each time I went there I felt like they try to get you in and out quickly. When I bring up a concern about something different than what I made an appointment for, they always tell me I have to make a separate appointment for it. This was with both Dr. Semler and the PA Whitlock. I understand they have to keep on schedule so that they are not late for the next patients, but I feel like I never spend more than 5 minutes with the doctor. With regards to their skills or treatments, I can't say I was happy about it either. I often left unsatisfied in someway. Some of the things they did left scarring. The main reason though why I stopped going to them and give them a 1 star rating is because of their shady billing practice. I paid my co-pay during my first visit, but on my second visit they said I had a balance from my previous visit. It had been a few month in between so I paid it because I couldn't remember at the time if I had paid it already or not. Well, the same happened again after my 4th visit where I got a bill for a copay I had already paid. After that I went back through my credit card records and realized that I had indeed paid my copay during each of my visits and they had been double billing me. I tried to get it sorted out over the phone by explaining which dates the payments were posted but they still never got it right. Months later, I had to mail in copies of my credit card statements to prove what I had paid. Only then did they finally adjust my bill, but I got no letter of apology or anything. read more

Finally, a derm that you can get an appointment with in less than 6 months... (or maybe not any more now that I'm adding it to Yelp!). Anyhow, Dr. Semler and his team are fantastic. He even has a PA on staff who can see patients and write scripts- like having 2 derms in the same place. So much better than those quick 5 minute visits that leave you, as a patient, with so many unanswered questions. Be ready to be seen on time (go figure), and leave with actual feedback. read more

Not great! The reception desk--FANTASTIC!!!! The PA-sucks-she tried to get me out quick, didnt perform the procedure (I have seen many times on me) correctly, now they cannot perform it again due to side effects, so I may have a perm scar on my face! As another person said, it was like the PA was trying to rush everything. The nurse was the same way, and she was quite rude when I asked her about other things I was supposed to get seen for like you could only be seen for 1 thing at 1 visit. but they charge the same fees...hmmm, way better derms out there if you have issues. read more

Had surgery on cyst on my temple. Healed without a scar and quickly.

Dr. Semler is one of the best dermatologists in the region. I was contemplating Accutane but Dr. Semler recommended an alternative option that left my skin radiant !!! read more

True you can get an appointment quickly, but after my experiences there, I believe that the ease of getting an appointment is a reflection of how poor the practice is overall----there's a reason why you have to wait so long for other doctors, it's because everyone wants to be seen by them. I was misdiagnosed, had 2 procedures that weren't successful (they were minor, but none-the-less, each left an obvious 1-inch scar on my neck), and after the issue came back, the doctor was quick to say that I now needed to go see another dermatologist instead. No apology for the misdiagnosis, no discussion of re-doing the procedure that was in error the first time, etc. I've spent a substantial amount of money on my visits and procedures, and with no result (other than scarring and a lot of time). I'm not unreasonable. I understand that doctors aren't magic, but if you're a qualified physician, I do expect some level of accountability. And I agree with the poor customer service. The woman at the front desk was very rude during each of the 4 visits. I've already spoken with my primary physician that provided the referral and have shared my experiences in the hopes that they don't continue to refer patients to Semler. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Semler's for over 2 years. New year, new insurance card, apparently new rules on payment. I gave 1 star only because I can't pick anything lower. Rather than bill the insurance company and let them figure what gets paid and then billing me after the Explanation of Benefits has been figured out, they now require the patient to pay with a credit card while they bill the insurance and then they reimburse the patient after they get their money from the insurance company. Apparently getting their money is more important than customer service. I like Dr. Semler, but the lack of experience in the front office dealing with insurance companies blows. I never had this problem before, so I think it is the new office manager. I like Dr Semler, but I will not deal with the new office manager that requires immediate patient payment. I am going to find another practice because paying before they bill the insurance sucks. read more

Dr Semler is really nice and his assistant is great as well. I have also seen his associate and she was great. THe only complaint I have is wait time to get an appointment. Seems par for the course on planet NOVA! Yes we are lucky to have so many Dr's so close but the fact that it takes weeks or months to be seen is insane. I have referred others to him and they were impressed with him as well. read more

I called this week as a new patient and they were able to get me in on the same day. The staff was very friendly, the atmosphere was nice and the wait was short. I saw Dr Semler and he was fantastic, very professional and knowledgeable and took time to explain things to me and answer all of my questions. I was in and out in 30 minutes. Couldn't ask for anything more. read more

I called around to a bunch of dermatologists in Loudoun and the first wasn't taking new appointments and wouldn't recommend a different dermatologist. The next two were taking first appointments but at least a month out. I called Semler and they fit me in the next day. I just came from my appointment and the physician's assistant I saw (can't remember her name) was very helpful and pleasant. I was in and out quickly - terrific experience. Thank you! read more

I am baffled by those bad reviews. I love this practice because I can always get an appointment quickly. The front desk receptionist has such a sweet disposition and I absolutely love the PA Shannon Whitlock. She is very down to earth and empathetic. She even got emotional when I was emotional about my acne and found a great therapy for me. I have recommended this practice to many friends and they are all pleased as well. read more

Making an appointment was a pleasure. My insurance changed and I had to change doctors mid treatment. I got an appt within 3 weeks. When I arrived for my appointment I was scolded for not filling out paperwork ahead of time. I had a question about the name of my procedure and asked the receptionist what it was called, and she said "I have no idea why you are here". That was rude. Dr. Semler and his assistant Rodger were very nice, answered all my questions, were thorough with all instructions and are very personable. I give them 5 stars. The receptionist and the money taker ruin it for them! read more