Advantage Dermatology

Reviews 4

A

A Private User

I had overall good results from a recent MOHS procedure on my face but, there are many problems with this practice. While I’ve come to expect medical practices to be busy, this one is very hectic; leaving professionalism/customer service sorely lacking. Here are some of my experiences: 1. I’ve been to this practice four times and have seen a physician only once. Physician’s assistants and 2-year degree medical assistants have provided the bulk of my services here. 2. In the rush to get me into a room and situated prior to the MOHS procedure, a consent form was thrust at me with little information on it about what I could expect. Although I have had MOHS in the past and was familiar with the procedure, I did not appreciate NOT knowing that the physician would make the initial incision and that the incision would be closed by a physician’s assistant. I learned that the PA would close about 5 minutes before the closure. Not acceptable. On my leg, maybe. On my face, not so much. Further, prior to the procedure, no one explained that I could experience facial swelling that could force my eyes closed and that I should probably have someone else drive me home. Also learned that AFTER the initial incision had already taken place. Made it home without incident, but it would have been nice to know about needing a ride ahead of time. 3. While waiting in the room where the MOHS procedure took place both prior to the first incision and while I was waiting to be closed, there were numerous intrusions into the room by staff members who failed to knock before opening the door, never introduced themselves, never explained why they needed access to the room, or ever acknowledged me in any way. Rude and unprofessional. 4. When I think of it, with the exception of one PA, none of the staff, (who do not wear name tags) has ever introduced themselves to me and, more importantly, told me what their positions were. Since even the physician wears the same gray colored scrubs, it is difficult to know who the players are at this practice. 5. After being in the office for the nearly four-hour MOHS experience, the last straw was being treated rudely by the front office person who literally refused to work with me to schedule the one-week follow-up appointment. Although late morning appointment times were available one week from the day of my surgery, she refused to give me a later time until all the earlier morning slots were filled. She claimed that she wasn’t permitted to “leave any gaps” in the schedule and, since I couldn’t come for an earlier appointment, I literally had to select the next day when I COULD come earlier. Turns out, the person I was scheduled to see was a medical assistant anyway! Amazing. 6. Finally, during the follow-up visit, the hectic pace was again apparent and after being quickly shuttled into an exam room, I quickly realized that in the rush of business that morning, the previous patient’s electronic medical record remained on display on the computer in the room while I was sitting there waiting for the MOHS incision to be examined. A huge HIPAA violation, to be sure, but it made me wonder who else would be seeing my record after I left. I was very disappointed by my experience at Advantage and I won’t be returning.

---

MU

munks069

Dr. Bernhardt would not return my calls seeking clearer instructions on the two medications that he prescribed on my initial visit. I left him a voice mail on a Monday, left his PA a voice mail on Tuesday, left a message with his office staff on Wednesday and finally emailed him on Thursday utilizing their portal before I received a response. I wasnt informed about their portal until Thursday. Next I asked if both meds could be obtained by Mail Order. One was sent to my MO pharmacy, the other was not. Contacted him twice regarding the request for the 2nd med to be sent MO; no action taken by Dr. Bernhardt. After using the meds for several weeks, I emailed him through his portal to let him know that one of the meds was not causing my rash to improve. I asked if there was something else that I could use. Never received a response from Dr. Bernhardt. My treatment by him caused my spouse to cancel her appointment with him and go to another dermatologist. I also went to the other dermatologist, whom informed me that the med that Dr. Bernhardt prescribed that was not helping my rash is not prescribed by them for the reasons that I experienced with the medication; it is just not effective in treating my rash. The other dermatologist prescribed a different med than what Dr. Bernhardt had prescribed, which is more effective in treating my rash and providing me relief. I have experienced better care and communications from the other dermatologist, which is unfortunate since Dr. Bernhardt was highly recommended by one of my other doctors whom stated that there was no one better in this field. Luckily I found someone better.

---

MA

Marilyn -

My Father was referred to Dr. Bernhardt by a neighbor for a suspicious spot on his face. I made him an appointment to have it looked at. We had to wait about a month to get in. When we checked in we were not greeted very warmly. The front office could use some serious customer service training. Then we waited and waited and waited for 45 minutes after our appointment time. We were brought to the back and stuck in a room where we waited another half hour. Finally the Dr. came in and examined my dad for 2 minutes and said Im referring you to our surgeon Dr. Perez. We received a treatment plan to do a biobsy. We had to make another appointment for 3 weeks out to see the surgeon. Once again it was a waiting game. Once we were in the back Dr. Perez introduced himself briefly and began surgery without preparing my father of what was about to happen. He stuck a needle in him and walk out. he came back in the room removed the area for biopsy. We were then put in a waiting area with other patients in the middle of the surgical hallway. While we were waiting we could hear Dr. Perez reprimanding an employee. It was loud demeaning and unprofessional. I was embarrassed for the poor employee. The entire office could here the incident. If your employees are treated like dirt then i have no use for your service. Not to mention there was absolutely no bedside consideration what so ever. We will not be returning to this office for any treatment due to Dr. Perez treatment my father like he was not a person and treating hi employees poorly.

---

JA

Janie Jones

This office is not a professional place. I had to call four times before I could make an appointment because I was always transferred to the referral coordinator, who never answered the telephone. After I left messages, I had to wait for her to call me back, and too bad if I missed her call--then I had to call again to leave another message. When I finally got an appointment and went in, the staff members at the front desk were rude and would not return my drivers license and insurance card until the second time I asked for them. When I walked in on the first floor, a huge screen with a very loud volume was advertising their Cool Sculpting. It was surreal. I went up to the office on the second floor, which had extremely bright lights and resembled a cosmetics counter in a department store. I know with this kind of place that its all about up-selling and not simply performing the needed services. I felt so uncomfortable with the lights, the noise, the crowd, and the rude people at the front desk that I canceled my appointment and left. Ill never go back to this place. Its Kubrickian.

---

---