Dermatology and Laser Centre

Reviews 6

CH

Chad Smith

*** WARNING *** The Dermatology and Laser Centre / Gergana Gallacher, M.D., is a poorly ran business with horrible customer service. My experience largely relates to their negligent billing department where they didnt bill me post insurance. However, nearly one year later they refused to see my daughter until the unbilled and known balance was paid in full. Having no idea there was a balance due, I promptly paid despite being surprised by an outstanding balance. It was explained to me that they were migrating their billing services in-house and many bills had never been sent out by the prior service provider. Unexpectedly, I received a bill in October 16 and called them to find out why I was receiving another bill, they said sounds like a duplicate and to disregard it. Then, in November 16, I received two bills despite only one new service being rendered (in July 16), so I called on Nov 28th. I was told that they would review all services rendered and my billing/payment history and call me back. However, the next call I received was from a collection agency. Wow, a collection agency!! Shocked, I called Gallachers office still trying to understand what the bill was for. Rather than being helpful, Barbara (billing) was rude, unhelpful, inaccurate, and antagonizing. Barbara was so ever "kind" to inform me that against the advice of the collection agency, she was speaking to me as a "courtesy"! Amazing, trying to reconcile their messed up billing services is a courtesy. Nicely done Gallacher! I surrendered!! Having spent more time than this was worth, I called the collection agency to pay whatever and end the madness. Im not even sure I owed them, but it was not worth the hassle to drag the issue out any further. So, here is the net of my experience and hope yours is better: Dr. Gallacher was nearly an unapologetic hour late for an appointment, charged $184.44 for 5 minutes of her time tops, and sent me to collections as a result of their negligent and admittedly incompetent billing practices. All of this cost me time and as a bonus collection fees. Well, I sure can say this was a first... Check out Yelp too!

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KO

Kofeekat Kat

This is a NO star review. I feel this doctor is dishonest. Went for cosmetic laser treatment. At recheck appointment I asked what a small spot on my face was. She took a look at it for a couple seconds and said. "It is NOT cancer". I never asked about cancer. I only asked what the spot might be. As I left they asked for my insurance card. I didnt know why since I was a paying customer. I thought maybe it was for some emergency protection. Found out that she charged my insurance company $250 for my visit that was supposed to be a no charge recheck visit!! That is probably why she loudly stated the little spot wasnt cancer-to qualify the appointment for a medical visit. Ill be calling my insurance company to tell them the circumstance of the charge and that they should not pay it. Before my first visit I was told there was an $85 consultation fee that would be credited to whatever procedure I decided to have. I was charged the consult fee before the consultation. Then during the consultation I was told the procedure I wanted was $350. I agreed and she did the procedure right then. When I came out to pay they charged me $350 and I said I was supposed to have the $85 consult fee credited to the procedure. They said the $350 was the price with the $85 already deducted. My medical dermatologist doesnt do cosmetic procedures so his office recommended this doctor. I plan to give them a call and tell them about my experience with this doctor. I do not trust this doctor.

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D

D L

After having multiple doctors incorrectly treat an ever worsening skin and nail condition, Dr. Gallacher "nailed" it - I am finally getting the relief that Ive been seeking! I found Dr. Gallacher to be very personable, caring, and highly competent. She advocates for what is best for me, not what my insurance company wants to pay for. She has additional post-doctoral training and expertise, so I trust her professional judgment. Regarding the negative reviews about billing issues... I worked in medical billing for years, and its deceptively complex. People often blame office and billing staff for issues that stem from the insurance companies. Outsourced billing companies are often difficult to work with and are less than competent... and pulling the work back in-house is very challenging. I see doctors for their medical advice, expertise, and surgical skills - so Ill give them some grace on business and billing practices! Regarding the negative comments about costs... All healthcare tends to be expensive nowadays. Running an office is very expensive, as is medical technology and equipment. Doctors spend many years accruing enormous debt while learning how to competently care for our health, and save our lives. The way I see it, Dr. Gallachers 5 minute consultation distilled many years of specialized education and experience to efficiently focus on my situation, and solve my problem where others could not. Totally worthwhile!!

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MA

Margaret Storlee

I can honestly say that Dr. Gallagher saved my life. Not only did she make my teenagers lives so much happier by getting rid of acne and avoiding any scaring. On one of my visits with my daughter, Dr Gallagher noticed a very small mole like dot on my forehead. I told her Id had it for quite a while and it was nothing. She said I think its something we need to look at right away, like today. She finished with my daughter, numbed my forehead and very skillfully opened a small area. What she found was just amazing. It was a tumour. And not just any tumor. This tumor had legs and was spreading out along my forehead. She told made she would do her best to get all of it out so I wouldnt have to have any more scaring than need be. That was over a decade ago. The tumour never returned and you cant see any type of scar at all on my forehead. If she had not been so highly trained and missed that it could have grown into my bones and become extremely serious. I trust her with my whole family. We have Kaiser but for any skin problems, moles, pimples, rashes, we come to Dr Galliher. She keeps us all healthy and that is worth every thing to me. Shes also a wonderful and delightful human being. She is a fabulous listener and thats hard to find today.

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EL

Elle W

I look better at 50 than I did at 30. After a severe run of pregnancy induced cystic acne, my skin was permanently scarred. I hated my face. I literally looked like a burn victim. Even though I went to dozens of doctors and spent thousands of dollars on every type of product and skin treatment, nothing worked. I couldnt leave my home without wearing about a pound of MAC studio fix make-up. Dont give up on yourself. Stop wasting your money and go see Dr. Gallacher. She has the expertise to transform your skin. It wasnt inexpensive, but worth every penny. I am forever in your debt. Thank you for everything Dr. Gallacher. XO

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A

A Private User

Prices for laser hair removal are way over the top!!! Even though I really liked the office and their laser. I will NOT go back. You can find other places offering the same treatment for half the price in this area. Save your money and seek treatment elsewhere.

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