Demar Leon K, MD

Dr Demar’s assistant was not professional in answering and dealing with a simple question on the phone when I called to request slides and history of a visit to be faxed to the surgeon who would perform the procedure. It is a disgrace for a person in the service industry to not treat a patient with respect. However, the doctor himself is competent and civil but unfortunately that is not enough in this environment when competition is fierce.

I saw four dermatologists who all claimed that I had an allergic reaction on my feet — external dermatitis. It never felt like the right diagnosis as the condition kept persisting. I finally saw Dr. Demar and he actually took the time to do a few biopsies and examine me head to toe and figure out that I had a staph infection — he was many times more thorough than these other doctors and took a bottoms up approach it rather than just assume they were right and prescribe more steroid cream. I feel a lot more secure having seen him and glad that he tackled this early rather than end up with an incredibly severe sickness later — so feel very indebted to the guy and glad that he is still practicing medicine.

Why 5 stars? Because Dr. Demar and his whole team are the best I have encountered in the dermatology field. Now, to qualify that statement, let me just say that I’ve been to dozens of dermatologists from a very young age due to an unfortunate condition — Eczema.
Eczema is embarrassing and a definite eyesore, however, Dr. Demar immediately put me at ease with his professionalism and knowledge. It meant a lot to me that Dr. Demar listened to my concerns and was innovative with his solution — really getting to the root of the problem.
Thank you, Dr. Demar and the wonderful team at this office (especially Ruthie!)

What a great dermatologist! He was great when I saw him and amazing with my 5 and 7 year old. I guess he really likes children.

The staff at the front desk was really helpful.
Dr. Demar was running on time. My appointment was quick (it didn’t need to be long). Dr. Demar was helpful and even drew a diagram to help me understand.

I met with Dr. Demar and staff today for the first time and could hardly wait to return home to express what a wonderful and positive experience it was. I was greeted warmly by the lovely ladies at the front desk and once my paperwork was completed I was promptly escorted into the exam room.
After a short wait Dr. Demar came into the room and introduced himself, I immediately knew I was in like and under great care! I had a minor surgical procedure and Dr. Demar and his nurse couldn’t have been any kinder or gentler.
I was given a prescription and told to call on Friday for the lab results, and was further advised to set up a follow-​up appointment. I left the office smiling confident in knowing that I was being cared for by a true professional!

Stay Away. The worst MD I have been to in 45 years — and that’s a long time! Waited 40 minutes — Demar breezes in for the ‘exam’. It is a cursory once-​over; he is abrupt and rude. His attitude bespeaks: If I have to put up with insurance co’s paying me nothing, I will put patients on a conveyer belt and ship them through like cattle. If there was less than one star, he would get that. This doctor is old and bitter and needs to retire — the sooner the better. The time he spent on my ‘exam’ was FOUR MINUTES — I timed it (I looked at the clock in the ‘exam’ room when he flew in and again when he left). He is Disgusting. And he billed my insurance co for that! STAY AWAY.
P. S. I went to another dermatologist one month later and got a real examination.

Dr. Demar is wonderful. Very pleasant and very intelligent. My first visit with him was scheduled for 3:15pm but I had about a 25−30minute wait (I expected this from other reviewers so I was not too upset/​suprised – plus a 20minute wait is soo typical here in New York). When Dr. Demar did come in the room, he was VERY thorough and spent at least 20−25minutes with me (there was also a pleasant, smiling/​reassuring nurse in the room during visit). I left the visit so much happier and relieved than I arrived ha ha. I returned for a 3 week followup (8:30am appt) and was seen right away. Again, Dr. Demar was thorough, pleasant and reassuring. The receptionist/​nurse were very friendly as well.
You must pay your copay when you arrive.
I recommend him to anyone. Thank you Dr. Demar!

I wouldn’t even like to give a SINGLE star but since the receptionist and physician lady was nice, the star belongs to them.
This doctor is first of all– horrible at listening.
Isn’t one of the doctor’s role is being concerned and keen about patient’s condition/​thoughts?
He acted like he knew everything (mentioning ‘I have taught dermatology for 30 years’ blah blah and mocking me down), rushing through, writing so busy whatever that handwriting was all about.
I had to kindly, nicely ask «Doctor I think… and I experienced…» and he just chopped my words and looked at me as if I’m some alien?
I wore makeup on my cheek area and my concern was on forehead area but he was basically sending a message-‘don’t even talk to me if you have a make up on’. I understand that I shouldn’t have makeup on even on my cheek area so he can see my overall condition but the way he was putting was SO RUDE.
(I’m not even here to talk about my cheek area. ugh!!)
I’ve been to twenty or more dermatologists to find the right one and this one is so far the WORST EVER in NYC.
ps. The waiting time was about 40 mins.

1. He does not respect other people’s time
On average, people wait minimum of 30 minutes. I know that it is like a norm to wait long at doctor’s office but why do we have to accept this selfish and greedy practices? All of his appointments are 15 minutes apart and I saw 11:15 appointment seeing doctor at 11:40 and I had 11:30 appointment and I was called at 12:03. I was there to take off the stitches and it took him just five minutes. I was out of his office at 12:08.
The first visit it took me total of 2 hours and 40 minutes. Travel time is about 30 – 40 minutes (15mins each way) and I got there early so I must have waited about 40 minutes after the appointment time. I had biopsy done it took about an hour so probably other people had to wait for 45 minutes even though they were on time!
I suggested him that perhaps you could customize appointment duration. For something like taking off stitches, could be done in 10 minutes and for people coming with rash should have one hour. I rather wait for weeks to see him than wait there for 30 minutes! This way he may not see as many as patients, but no one has to waste their time! He just smiled at my suggestion and said good day and walked out. He didn’t say sorry you had to wait. And I was totally friendly!
2. Insufficient communication
I was having weird rash and my PCD referred to him. Dr. Demar looked at it and said «it looks like bug bites. Let’s prove it» I never seen a dermatologist before so I don’t know how things get done. I just said ok. He came back with his nurse and he poked my skin with needles. Apparently he was performing biopsy. I guess this is the only way to find out what the rash was about but I wish I didn’t find out by surprise.
Today I had a few questions about the result but he was keep cutting me off so I actually couldn’t finish a single question. He wouldn’t even tried to explain to me the result. This was his exact words. «Don’t read it here. Read it at home» I told him I don’t understand the terminologies I need you to explain to me. Go to other dermatologist, he’ll say the same thing. Clearly he wasn’t listening at all!
He is nice old guy, but he is also stubborn ego driven old man.

I agree completely with the other review. Dr. Demar is very cheerful and friendly, and an observant and attentive doctor. But that front desk staff is something else altogether. They act really put upon, and they’re rude in a sort of bitchy/​sarcastic way («Well that’s why you’re supposed to bring your CARD!» *deep sigh*). I was actually pretty surprised at how unprofessional they were. I mean, these are not overworked, stressed out women — the office is not very busy. One of them (who swanned it at 10 am) had a Coach bag and matching purse so they’re clearly not underpaid either. I’m not really sure why they’re so angry. My advice to prospective patients: just try to minimize interaction with the evil front desk girls and focus on the real reason you’re there, and you’ll be all right.

Dr. Demar is lovely. He is attentive and does not over treat you with samples or procedures. His reception staff, however, is snotty. They can’t be bothered to buzz you in or process your copay or do much of anything. They’re good at giving you the wonk-​eye and fighting in front of patients. I’ve spoken to Dr. Demar regarding their attitude and he is aware. I just don’t know how aware.