Smith Dermatology

I’ve never written a review about a Dr.‘s office before (which is weird due to the fact that I work in the medical field and have high expectations) but this deserves attention. From our very first encounter (making an appointment on-​line) it was bad news. Took an hour to fill out paperwork online, only to which was never received and «somebody forgot» (their words not mine) to check the online appointments so they had to «squeeze us in»! I had to fill out paperwork all over again in the office, and both my daughter and I were in with the Dr. for less than 5 minutes. We both went in for acne concerns but yet the Dr. never touched any part of our face, shoulders or back and hardly looked at them either. Asked me a few health questions (all of which was answered on the patient paperwork) Gave us both three medications, some samples and coupons and told us to follow up in two months. Fast forward two months later and 4 phone calls to both the Dr. and the pharmacy… the antibiotic Rx was never covered by our insurance, no appointment confirmation and another 5 minute office visit. Dr. wants to try another pharmacy… which will have easier time getting approval with insurance. Rx not covered by insurance per 1^st pharmacy, Rx not covered by insurance per 2^nd pharmacy, pharmacy called Dr., I called Dr. No approval. Staff called to confirm new appointment this week and when I explained to her that we were never able to get the 3^rd Rx she asked me if I used the «RX Card»? After all the denials, switching pharmacy’s, all the phone calls, and two office visits… why did they never give me the Rx Card (gets me the Rx for $ 10) to begin with? She said «They have no pharmacy rejections and no NOTES in our charts» about the non-​coverage on the Rx. Wow. I drive 40 minutes to go to this Dr. because of a friends referral… not going back.

This was our first visit to Dr. Smith. He was able to get us in quickly (same day) which was great, but either he was having an off day or he has a bedside manner that is in need of improvement. My daughter had a rash and within 2 minutes of seeing her he declared it could be «an allergic reaction, eczema, or Lupus». That’s quite a scary range to hear as a parent, not to mention that as the Doctor he should be able to tell one from the other. He was dismissive to my concerns, telling me that «he had four children, too.» That’s great, but we were talking about my child, the patient, not his. He laughed when I asked how long we should wait to follow up or if the condition got worse and said «well, to you, a week would probably be too long.» Yes, I am a concerned parent and sarcasm is not a good medical approach, in my opinion. I was left feeling that perhaps there was a reason we were able to get a same-​day appointment. Or, again, maybe he had an off day, but I doubt we will return to this doctor.