STAY AWAY VERY VERY FAR AWAY Will make this short. No communication skills from the office or mostly the main # 212-398-1288. Always get the same answer "will take of it and let you know". ZERO return calls to date even after a biopsy. Will leave the names of the ladies out for this review. Went to see DR. Anthony HO (who thought was a decent doctor) one day and called to follow up the next day, was told no longer with Vanguard!!! Asked about who would replace him the answer was it could be years!!! I was told I could go to another office, but why would I based on the way things have been handled. Besides none of there offices are near me. I would give ZERO Stars if I could. Just want to add I had another biopsy done February 24, 2025. Spoke to Eric on March 3, said he would make sure to call when the results were ready. No surprise did not hear back. So today 03/11/2025 I called to check. The results were available since March 6th!!!! Fortunatley the tests negative. What if the test was positive! read more

This is the most unprofessional, irresponsible,almost unethical organization I have ever dealt with in the medical profession. I received a letter today March 12th, 2025, informing me that Dr. Anthony Ho would be leaving as of Feb. 26th!!!! I found out by accident when someone called to make an appointment and was informed that he left. I would have shown up for my appointment if that did not happen. When calling the Vanguard office I found them rude and totally unconcerned. I would never use any doctor, even Dr. Shapiro, who is an excellent surgeon, affiliated with them. The AMA should investigate their operation. read more

The doctor was very patient and thorough and gave us honest opinions on how to treat my son's skin condition. We had a quick visit that addressed all our concerns. read more

Worst place ever!!!!! I had an 11am appointment first time so got there early 10:30 to fill out paper and waited over two hours and when I asked how much longer will I have to wait they said they don't know. All the 10 am appointments are still sitting in the waiting area and it's 1 pm don't do it if u have an appointment look for a better doctor I would not recommend it to an enemy. DON'T WASTE YOUR DAY!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Booked on Zocdoc for Dr.Shapiro. But turns out I met with a PA?? I was not notified prior or informed during my visit that I was not meeting with who I spent time looking at reviews and recommendations for! The PA, John I believe his name was saw me literally for two minutes. Took a glimpse at the issue and said he'll prescribe something for it. Absolutely no explanation, no questions to assess my condition. He stayed so far away from me like I had the Coronavirus! Now my prescription is wrong and the pharmacy only received one of the two!! The staff is also super unfriendly! My GPS led me to a parking lot. So I called them and someone from Brooklyn picked up. She just said it should be there. That's the address. She's never been there so can't tell me more. I asked if she can transfer me to the Forest Hills location and she said no! I had my baby with me in a stroller this location was up 10-12 steps. Someone helped me in but on my way out I asked if the receptionist could help me down the steps with my stroller. She leads me out a back door instead and down a few hallways to the building lobby I guess where there were more steps! Eventually I found my way down an elevator to the basement of the building in order to leave! read more

Worst experience ever. The wait time is more than an hour ... and that is if you are lucky. The professionalism is terrible - the doctor is in rush and is more in self-advertising rather than treating his patients. He also performs the procedures carelessly - I did feel unsafe. I don't like writing bad reviews but this one I think fully deserves the attention. Save yourself and do your research. read more

Was extremely pleased with my first visit---Dr. Mathial is AWESOME-SAUCE (and I don't say that about a lot of people!)...he thoroughly examined my daughter's skin, prescribed a few things, and then his assistant Virginia came out with samples for me to take home--and not just one or two tiny bottles of cream, but handfuls! The office is a short 5 minute walk from 71st and Continental train station. Reading past less-than-stellar reviews, all I have to say is this: Comb through them and take note of the doctors mentioned (or not mentioned)---choose the doctor you make an appointment with based off of the reviews, but also off of any specialties the doctor is versed in as noted on their website---not all of them are the same, and not all of them are as good apparently with EVERY kind of condition that needs treatment. That's what I did when I chose to make the appointment with Dr. Mathial specifically, instead of leaving it up to chance. He was extremely caring, lots of questions to understand my daughter's condition as well as queries exploring any underlying genetic factors. He's great with kids, too! My 12 year old daughter remarked afterwards how much she liked him, and how comfortable she felt during the interaction (instead of being seen as a pariah). I cannot wait to continue to update my review as we continue our visits with Vanguard, and him.~ read more

This was the experience at any dr office I've ever been to. Waited 2 hours and 30 mins in a packed closed sized waiting room to see the dr for less than 5 mins who did not even do an actual exam. Disgraceful stay away from here read more

This place is amazing from start to finish. The receptionist, medical assistant, and Suraj S. Mathial PA, all made my experience wonderful. I was scared to go in, but the professional and courteous staff eased my nerves. Suraj S. Mathial was professional, personable, knowledgeable. He performed my procedure deftly and with confidence, which again soothed my nerves. If you are apprehensive about going to a dermatologist, go here! read more

The first visit here was years ago. Something weird was happening on my neck. I googled it of course and what I came up with was clearly Shingles. This office was closest to me so I made an appt and guess I saw Dr Shapiro. He looked at my weird welts and said he thought I had poison ivy!?!?! Not having been within 100 yards of anything remotely looking plant-like in years, I said, Uh no , Doctor, I think it's Shingles.... He looked again and changed his diagnosis. Ok. That was then. This is now So I wanted a dermatologist to help me with a sudden break-out of adult acne. Lots of stress, changed eating and working habits... maybe a little pill or something. That would be that. Doctor wasn't there but PA ( physicians assistant) was. Not once did she get off her computer stool to look at my face. Not once! She was typing and typing on that damned computer as if her life depended on it. Hello... I'm over here, behind you. She spoke so fast I still don't remember half of what she said. Scribbled 2 rxs for ointments, not bad enough for a pill she said .. use this and this product as a wash and handed me what looked like a few magazine ads. Wham bam. I was out in a flash. Fast forward... skin still is broken out , ointments do nothing. Not going back. EVER! Oh. Receptionist was nice. read more

Once again thanks to Dr. Shapiro. Went in for my checkup and had a clear mole on my chin for a few months, it had a depressed center, looked like a volcano. He took 3 biopsies from other moles but when he saw this one he said "looks like it may be basal cell carcinoma". Biopsy confirmed it was and I went in for Moh's surgery. Yes, it took a little time, waiting as each section was removed and analyzed. Once the margins were clear I had the good fortune of Dr. Grigori Mashkevich, a plastic surgeon who partners with Dr. Shapiro, incredible credentials, suture the wound. Today is day 7, stitches out and it looks sensational; another few days and you would never know I had surgery. People, don't wait! If you think you have something go in immediately; it may save your life! read more

Where do I start? I called the office in the morning to make an urgent appointment due to an emergency medical Condition. Thankfully I was able to get an appointment at 12:15 pm. I came in earlier than my appointment to check in. I told my name and I asked for a band aid (I bruised my feet on the way). Meanwhile I was waiting to complete check in, Sheryl V. said I can't have a seat because she needs to check my information first. She then continued to notify me that "you've seen a provider 2 years ago (2019), I need to see if the doctor can see you today". I told her that I used to see Dr. Merek/Merak (who moved to Greenpoint location) and last time I've seen a PA. Sheryl then notified me that my insurance number had changed and without the new card, Dr. Reinhart won't see me. I told her I wasn't aware of that neither I have a new insurance except the one that I always had. She then became even more rude speaking with me. She's like you can't see a doctor without your card. I said let me make a call to speak with my insurance and as I was on the phone with the insurance she tells me that I can't be in the office (12:19 pm) because the office needs to go on lunch. At this point, I'm baffled and completely taken aback by her continuous rudeness. I asked her for her name and she replied "why do you need to know my name?" I answered her I'll be talking to the office shortly. She tells me her name. I walked out of the office still on the phone with the insurance and they weren't sure why Dr. Reinhardt's office would refuse to see me. The insurance went ahead and told how to access my temporary new card which I had it in front of me and I showed it to Cheryl/Sheryl. She still kept saying the doctor would not see you and the representative I spoke on the phone with the insurance had heard the entire conversation and wasn't sure why the doctor would refuse to see me. I ended my insurance call with a request of mailing the card to my address which would take 7-10 business days. Minutes later, Sheryl came out with a business card saying "send your card here, I'll put you under my billing". Completely confused, I asked her "you had just kept saying I won't be able to see the doctor." She told me she'll take care of it. I then found her quite SHADY and I complained about her to the Vanguard Dermatology Office right away who said they'll notify the supervisor of that office. I was very upset that how I was discriminated despite having all the information in hand. I told the office that I can sue the office for this kind of behavior. I'd understand if I was an upset customer/patient or rude or raised my voice in any type of form. Receptionist is supposed to be the face of the face. Never had I experienced this kind of behavior from any team member from this office. Even if you have a bad day, at the end of day a reception is the face of the company/that office. Your job is to check the patients in with a smile behind the mask and kindness. read more

Vanguard Dermatology - Dermatologists Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

I never write reviews but after all the mishaps I had to do it. This has been my worst experience at a doctor's office. The receptionists are completely incompetent. I've spent over two hours (7 calls) on the phone and have not been able to get a simple prescription filled. On the last call, the receptionist hung up on me because she "couldn't figure out the issue and didn't want to spend more time looking". So incredibly unprofessional. Also, when booking an appointment through ZocDoc I booked with Dr. Shapiro but was seen by one of his assistants, who was clearly very new. While performing a skin screening, she pointed out a mole which she said looked slightly irregular. She took a picture of it on her cell phone "for her records" (who does that?) and then asked to remove it, saying "you never know...". I was a little apprehensive to let someone who was clearly inexperienced slice a hole in my back. When I said no, she told me a horror story about someone who her office screened and told was fine. To be safe the patient insisted on having a mole biopsied and it turned out he had skin cancer. So basically, now you want to biopsy everything because you have no idea how to perform a basic skin screening...? No thanks. I'll see another doctor. Rather than I've never even met Dr. Shapiro so I can't leave a proper review for him, but judging but the state of his office, I can imagine he also has no idea what he's doing. read more

I got to say, the wait was a little long. The scheduling could be a little better. When Dr. Shapiro saw me, he knew what to do right away. It did not require too much talking or explaining. At least for my case, I didn't need a second opinion. Skin is such a delicate organ to mess around with that many people will complain. You would want someone that has seen lots of patients. If it wasn't an unfortunate circumstance of being a victim of a crime to see a dermatologist, I would never have come across this practice. I'm looking forward to do a follow up review when the scar treatment is up next. I'm certainly not looking forward to the bill, but I will work on getting an idea on my next visit. read more

I called to make an appointment and this representative whom had an accent and was not professional, putting me on speaker so she can attend to something else and obviously can't work and do whatever she was doing. I let her know that I couldn't hear her and she asked me if I was having a good morning and I said yes but obviously you aren't because your not being professional in assisting me in making an appointment. I'm worried as she took my date of birth, social security and my name. Then after with her and me going back and forth she disconnected the call. Great job vanguard dermatology customer service. Smh ! read more

If it were possible to give zero or minus one stars I would do so. As a patient I expect to have to wait when I go to the doctor but here a wait of at least 2 hours is the norm. Often more. I have never seen a doctor overbook as much as Dr. Shapiro. While I realize that this is not the fault of the staff, their "don't know don't care" arrogant attitude makes a bad situation even worse. Today there were not even enough seats in the waiting room. I feel totally disrespected by this doctor and his staff. And it makes me wonder. If he has this little respect for the people who are in his waiting room, how much care and respect does he have when he is treating us? There are plenty of other dermatologists out there. My advice would be to find someone else. read more

Wait times tor Dr. Shapiro are over two hours! When i booked the appointment nobody notified me if this! Receptionists are very nice and work hard but the waiting room is a fire hazard. Lots of elderly people had to stand in awkward positions because there isn't even standing room. Some people waited in their car. read more

Truly won't recommend using Vanguard Dermatology . I had such a bad experience! I don't even think its the doctors fault, but the office is completely a mess!!! What happend to me is my pcp doctor recommended myself doctor Paliwoda ( he doesn't work there already) to go for check up. I went to one of the locations in Greenpoint, which was the most convenient for me. Doctor Paliwida decided to remove 3 moles and send them for biopsy ( routine procedure) and everything started after !!! Ten days later I received the phone call from the clinic that one of my moles is pre cancer and I have to have second visit to doctor Shapiro( I went to one in Forest Hills). It was very stressful situation for me , as you can imagine, someone is telling you " pre cancer" . I go there, they do quick interview, doctor comes and tells me that he has my results on the computer and he doesn't see anything wrong and I don't need a second procedure, I'm like someone called me, and told me there is something wrong with one of my moles and nowi it looks like I'm okay? Doctor was very nice, decided to contact the laboratory to check if my results came correct , they confirmed that I don't need to do anything... so someone calls, tell you pre cancer and then you live in stress for 2 weeks for nothing ???? At the end they send you a bill for the visit you didn't need !!! Do you really expect me to pay for something I didnt request??? Because someone made huge mistakes calling me and made me scared??? Or maybe they mess up the results with the other patient ? Definitely im gonna check my moles somewhere else. By the way the manager in there is horrible !!! read more

I have been going for many years with my family. I am a happy patient. I refer my family and friends too. Sometimes it can be over booked or long waiting but my experience with the doctor and staff where very pleasant. Sometimes just asking how much longer or bringing snack for the staff will loosen them up. It's hard to be A secretary when everyone wants to know how long they will wait. The doctor takes care of the patients as needed. read more

Vanguard Dermatology - Dermatologists Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

I'm so happy to have found Vanguard Dermatology as my go to spot for my skin! Like most women, I have concerns about caring for my maturing skin but I also suffer from rosacea and adult acne which can be hard to manage and flat out embarrassing. I've done a lot of searching but after one visit with Vanguard's skillful esthetician, Christian Kelly, I knew I was in good hands! Christian took time and care to analyze my skin before recommending a course of treatment. I felt like she really understood my concerns and was invested in a treatment plan that would help me achieve positive results. After several effective (amazing!!) Hydrafacial treatments, my skin feels balanced and calm with a healthy glow. I highly recommend Christian to anyone looking for great skin advice, treatments for real results all with a warm and caring attitude! read more

Shapiro is the worst doctor ever. Non personable, cold and didn't seem to care. Prescribed otezla to me without a starter pack. After a month of follow up between the pharmacy, the insurance company and the doctors office, i eventually got denied my script. The biggest disappointment was when i found out that he has not followed up with my meds because he was on vacation during the holidays was unacceptable. Try a different doctor within vangaurd, as Dr Wynn Kao was my first choice but he was unavailable at the time so i got stuck with a second rate dr. read more

I wouldn't recommend this doctor anybody. I am not satisfied with this service. Receptionists are unwelcomed, the doctor's assistant is very mean. They don't care about patients, they care about their personal issues during work time. They talk on the phone with their family members, and if you ask for help they would say, "You are not going to die if you wait!" That happened to me. Farida, Queens. read more

Update. Decided to give a second chance cause Shapiro is really cool. No Dr. Shapiro this time as he now has five or more branches he lords over. The new doctor treated me well but was too quick to prescribe anti-biotics, as many doctors do. Received a surprise bill for lab work. Now I have to make calls and waste time with this. Great - why does this crap still go on? I rarely had problems like this before over 3 decades of dealing with doctors. read more

What a great experience from beginning to end. I was pleased with the customer service, cleanliness and interactions with the staff. Went in for a chemical peel and had the BEST service ever with Chris! Getting my first peel I loved the fact that Chris walked me through the whole process, provided after care suggestions. I can honestly say I was so happy with the final outcome. Plus, I feel comfortable going back to her if I have any questions. THANK YOU for making what I thought was going to be an anxious experience smooth and relaxing! Best service! read more

My first visit, I encountered a pleasant front desk staff but they lacked a basic level of professionalism. Dr. Mian appeared annoyed when I asked if she had washed her hands. I don't feel it is ever good practice for a provider to push a pharmacy on a patient. read more

Bad service, do yourself a favor, don't go there. Absolutely unorganized, unprofessional. Go somewhere else for medical care. Yesterday I went there, I explained that I needed a prescription shampoo because the over the counter doesn't work. When I arrived at my pharmacy, only two of my prescriptions were there, no shampoo. I called the main number (only number) and explained that the shampoo prescription was not sent. The operator said that she will contact the doctor and they will send the prescription. Today, I called my pharmacy and they said that no shampoo prescription was sent. I called back Vanguard and told the operator that they didn't send the prescription. The operator told me that no shampoo prescription was sent I know that, she is totally clueless and doesn't understand what I'm trying to say. A shampoo prescription was never sent to my pharmacy. I give up, I will never use Vanguard again, ever. read more

Possibly the WORST DOCTOR'S office I have ever been to. Not only do they NOT care about your appointment but they also SMUGLY tell you that they are 2-3 HOURS LATE. The receptionist is RUDE AF. I cannot believe that this place is still in business. One guy next to me in the waiting room said he was waiting for 3 hours. Go ANYWHERE else but here. read more

Stay away from here! Unprofessional in every way! First I come in to check in as a new patient & the two front desk ladies are rude and both made almost no eye contact with me. When I came in they were talking to an older couple & were being rude to them. I came in with the new patient forms filled out that I got from their website. One of the girls tells me that those forms are out dated, no good & needed to fill out the ones from the office. They both looked really young and we're having a conversation that was inappropriate to have while patients in the waiting room can hear you. I go in the room where I eventually see a "medical assistant" I believe. She's using an iPad & is asking questions for a medical questionnaire. She made no eye contact with me either, didn't smile, cut me off when I was talking & didn't acknowledge the details I was saying when describing why I was their. Eventuality the "doctor" came in and it wasn't the doctor I booked to see. Idk who it was but they were terrible. I believe this wasn't a real doctor, couldn't have been. I was there for two reasons but started out with the most concerning problem.I showed him the problem, they looked then kinda gave me a "well these kind of things just happen" with NO SOLUTION. I got frustrated & told him "I was hoping for a better answer then that". He then explained there are some treatments out there but we don't do those here. WOW!!! There were a lot of awkward silent moments, it seemed like he didn't really care. We briefly spoke about the second issue & offered me a solution (Which by the way, didn't work!) I had to book a follow up appointment for 6 weeks. I left super dissatisfied. When I arrived 6 weeks later for my follow up, I was asked by two different ladies in the front desk how did I book this appointment, that the doctor doesn't take my insurance. It seems to be that the doctor took my insurance but some where in those 6 weeks, he dropped his participation. No notice or anything. I believe that's why he wasn't too concern for my problems the first visit because he knew he probably wouldn't see me again because he was dropping my insurance. They told me it would cost $200 to see him for a follow up! I would have paid it if I was happy with the service & the doctor, but because they are not worth it I left. The lady there said she'll talk to the office manager about the situation & they'll give me a call. It's been 3 months and no call. Stay away from this place!!!! read more

Just had a appointment to dr. Shapiro after waiting 3 hours the receptionist just told me the doctor left. I couldn't believe what happened how you can schedule the appointment and then live people behind not saying a word. The receptionist where nice but this not giving me back the time I wasted waiting there. read more

Been coming here for years. I appreciate Suraj who is the PA at this facility. He makes himself available to patients who have questions, very kind and understanding. The MA's are on point, very friendly and helpful. read more

Mediocre place. When you first walk in the waiting area is small and the place kinda smells funny. I went in to have a skin growth removed and after multiple treatments I can honestly say I hardly see a difference, the doctor even said there is nothing else she can do, even to help with the scar. So pretty worthless if you ask me. I remember another incident with Dr. Azfar where I asked her about using laser to lighten a birthmark I had, it was absolutely laughable that she looked up "laser removal for birthmarks" on the computer in front of me. WTF am I paying you for, I can do that my self. The receptionists are not that professional to begin with, also one incident I didn't have change to pay my co-pay, one of the assistants had such a disgusted attitude about it. read more

If I could give this place a minus star I would. Today was my third or fourth appointment, today's scheduled for 12:15. It would be convenient - very close to my house. Not only no seats left in hot stuffy waiting room - no standing room either. Receptionist told me I could go home and they would call me. They phoned me at 2:15 saying one patient before me - went back and still wasn't seen by 3. I left. On my previous visits they wanted their co-pay before I was seen by the doctor. Absolutely no respect for patient's time. I wonder how many patients they've lost by such poor scheduling. I am in such a rage that I am almost ( but not quite) speechless. I will tell everybody I now not go use Vanguard Dermatology. Ever. read more

The worst experience in a doctors office ever . I waited for 3 1:2 hours to see the Doctor . Yes 3 1/2 hours ! Normally I would have walked out but I HAD to take care of this medical issue and my Dr referred him to me . The staff was rude and disinterested . When I finally saw the Dr I felt rushed . It seems that this office is just a money making factory . read more

This is the most disgusting dermatology clinic you will ever visit! hygienically and professionally speaking. They overbook and delay you by hours, and when I say hours, I mean HOURS! you will be sitting in this fuckin facility for the whole day for your procedure. They're performing surgeries that should be performed in a hospital. Its unsafe and unprofessional and Dr. Shapiro is a bullshitter with his false hopes and it's obvious. He thinks he's being so slick with his nonchalant ways of just "calming" the situation but his entire facility is horrible! Another douche bag of a doctor there is Grigoriy Mashkevich and He's the ultimate arrogant, defensive, know it all covering Shapiro's dirty work asshole.My request is for anyone going there is to please read this review and other 1 star reviews. Don't jeopardize your life by going to this place. And they don't provide any paperwork of the surgery they perform. Trying to save their asses! 5 Bullshit clinics of Bullshit doctors! read more

WORST DOCTORS OFFICE! Wish I could give no stars. Malpractice ticking time bomb! Poor/wrong medical advice And good luck trying to get in contact with someone helpful. You will be put on hold for a half hour then be transferred to someone who claims they have no ability to help. Medical assistants are rude- they are "very busy," as they say. read more

Don't listen to the negative reviews. Today was my first time to visiting Doctor Shapiro and so glad that I listened to my friend and ignored the naysayers. Dr S is very knowledgeable and cares about his patients, very warm smile and positive attitude! Provided me with in depth options. Staff at the front desk were nice and pleasant. Maybe they got a new secretary. Highly recommend!! read more

Both me and my husband had an appt. last night with Dr. Shaoiro at 6:45 PM. We waited 3 hours, and there were still 15 people ahead of us! Dr. Shapiro is top in his field, BUT this is overbooking. We left realizing we would have been seen about 11PM for a 6:45 appt. DISGRACEFUL. The staff (after so many people were frustrated and complaining), finally told us the dr. came in late, so he started late....!?!?) They should have called patiets up to reschedule, OR when we arrived, and signed in LET PEOPLE KNOW it would be a 5 hour wait. The staff was not courteous or thoughtful in any way. We will definitely (along with many others there last night) not be returning. This wasn't fair, and wrong in so many ways. read more

Awful service, unprofessional staff in the office and billing departments. they are out there to make money and have no problem sending paid bills to debt collectors saying "it's your problem". Will never go there again. read more

Dr. Shapiro may be a good doctor but his scheduling of patients is HORRIBLE. My first appointment was midafternoon and I had to wait almost 3 hours to see the doctor. Trying to avoid the long delays to see the doctor for follow up, I made a 7:30 AM appointment, the office opens at 7:00 AM, I got there about 7:20 AM, and was not taken into the examining room until 8:05 AM and did not actually see the doctor until 8:40 AM, an hour and ten minutes after my appointment time at 7:30 AM. I was told by a staff person the way to beat the long wait is to get there before the office opens and wait on line to get in. TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. read more

If it would be an option to put zero stars i would definitely put one. Dr. Shapiro is a money maker, he doesn't care about his patients. He works to reach certain quota of patients a day. The office manager doesn't take responsibility for the personnel actions. The place is filthy with no customer service!stay away! read more