Fran E Cook-Bolden, MD, FAAD – Skin Specialty Dermatology

There are few dermatologists of Dr. Cook-Bolden’s caliber, and even fewer of that caliber who would not only take the time to read their Unilocal reviews, but go so far as to make changes based on those reviews and reach out to reviewers via phone. She has been my dermatologist on and off for some time now, so I know it’s not just good business sense on her part, it’s good bedside manner and it is consistent and genuine.

When i started attending this location (4 years ago) it was based on a referral and i met a great physician assistant who no longer works here and moved into her own practice in another state. Unfortunately, I’ve returned for the same issue. There’s new management and a few new medical assistants. When you have issues concerning your skin, or anything medically related it affects you deeply. This new staff and new physician assistant, i didn’t feel or see the compassion nor the attention or at least the «want» to help me. It’s just another patient. After 3 months of not seeing progress on my issue, and not seeing any concern from the physician i moved to seek another opinion, and found a private location that is just as helpful and concerned to help me as when i first met skin specialty years ago. It feels like skin specialty is now concerned with billing your insurance and then next patient please attitude. Sucks because I really liked this place in the past. I just needed to give a review since there’s no management that i can speak to and state my concerns and feelings, not only to help me, but to let the location know, «what’s happened to you?, instead of improving you’ve gone many notches down». A business should improve or stay great not wither and crumble. So i hope skin specialty gets better, and hires heart. Only one medical assistant has heart but I’m sure she’ll move on because she has passion for great things not just people.

So my friend conceived me that I HAD to come back and see Dr. Fran herself since that’s who she saw and adores.
Cons
Appointment was too long, waste of my time — I had an 11 am appointment. I got there at 11:11pm and left at 1:10pm. About 15 minutes of the two hours were spent with the Doctor, another 10 with the assistants. All else spent waiting. This was just a consult. The office wasn’t packed. If all that time wasn’t spent with the doc or getting a procedure there’s no need for me to be there that long. It wasn’t until I asked if I would be done soon that they hastily tried to round things up with me.
Trying to sell me chemical peels — I am actually interested in these but didn’t like that the doc didn’t explain them and offer recommendations based on my skin. Instead, her assistant handed me a price list and a couple of reference sheets. I also noticed there was a 75 dollar or so increase to have the procedure done by the doctor vs an assistant.
Trying to get me to use her products — I get it, selling products is a way of making extra money. I told her that I like the current products that I was using for general skin care but just wanted something clinical grade to combat scars and dark spots. She tried to gently convince me that her product range is «better» but she was missing «how». Tell me what what’s in them and how it’ll address my needs then you’ll get me coins but until then, I’ll pass! She said that my current regiment had too many steps — cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer. BUT, when I came the first time the PA prescribed me with just as many products, I believe even one more. SIDE EYE!
«Extractions» — I’ve never had this done before and was pleasantly surprised that it was offered. She mentioned that my insurance will likely cover. She said I stuff all over my face that should be extracted So I was like why not. SIDE EYE! She sent in the girl that uploads my patient info to do the procedure! The whole thing took no more than 4 minutes. I was like that’s it? First off, no shade but I thought a PA or the doctor should have done it. Second, I had black heads and white still on my face. Third she put a spf on me that had me looking like Casper. Some moisturizer would have been nice. I’m sure my insurance is giving them cool penny for that. Felt shamy.
Prescription — she gave me a prescription for a cream but other than saying its really good didn’t offer much of an explanation as to how it really works, how to use it, what to expect, etc. Maybe it’s me but I like substantive information. Granted she’s the expert but I think it’s important to be able to speak in laymen’s terms so I can understand what I’m doing to my face.
Pros
Dr. Fran has a very warm and friendly demeanor.
Dr. Fran’s well known expertise would be my only motivation for continuing to come to this practice again. Not particularly impressed with how the office is run but I’ll rather deal with the best of the best. I haven’t decided if I will try the product she recommended.

Once the PA (I say Physician’s assistant, because you will never see the actual doctor) realizes you are not interested in botox, peels or other cosmetic procedures then their interest in you will disappear completely. I would describe this as more of a salon. Need an annual mole check or skin cancer concerns? Run, don’t walk elsewhere. Front desk staff is difficult, and you will have to call and call and call if you ever need results or records or to confirm appointments.

Dr. Cook-​Bolden and her colleagues have helped me overcome a number of dermatological issues overs the years including irritation and inflammation caused by my immunological disorder. I appreciated the level of expertise they brought to my uncommon situation. I recommend them highly as a black woman to all of my friends, black, white, and Asian.

After my last review, I used up all the refills on my prescriptions (that took me about a year and a half because I’d get 3 refills, and each one lasted between 4 – 6 months). I read my review and decided I would figure out my skin issues on my own rather than go back or deal with the hassle of trying to find a new dermatologist.
Recently I noticed a few lines across my forehead. And then I looked down at my chest and realized that I have LOT more moles than I used to have. I got my first sunburn last year and I also have little white spots all over my body– alarming. So I decided to suck it up and just go back to Dr. Cook-​Bolden.
Improvements:
1. I got an appointment within two weeks from the day that I called.
2. I was called into the back right on time.
3. I actually got to see the doctor. She examined my moles and white spots herself. She asked me what my concerns are re: my acne. She also said she’d be prescribing a few things and wanted to see how they worked first before doing anymore peels, which I appreciate because peels are expensive!
4. Her new PA, Ami, is funny and also addressed my concerns. She was the one who gave me the cortisone shots (for once, I actually had an acne flareup on the day of my appt) and did the full body scan. Turns out I’m just a moley person and I need to stay out of the sun if I’m not going to wear sunscreen regularly.
I had some extractions done, got some coupons for my prescriptions, and made a follow-​up appointment, all within an hour and a half. Not bad. I left feeling confident that I’d made the right choice to return.
Here comes the bad part:
So my appointment was on 5÷14÷15. They told me they would call in my three prescriptions (Finacea, Epiceram, and Ziana) to my local pharmacy. On Saturday I call my pharmacy and they have no prescriptions for me. Ok. I call the office, there’s no answer. I don’t think they have weekend hours anymore.
On Monday, I call the office and let them know that my pharmacy has no prescriptions for me. The girl I spoke to (wish I’d written her name down) checks my record and tells me she’ll send over the prescription for Finacea and Veltin today. I’m like no, that’s my old prescription. The doctor didn’t give me Veltin this time because it didn’t work! Homegirl sounds confused, tells me the office manager is not there but she’ll get it straightened out.
A few busy days go by. I look up and realize it’s Thursday, a full WEEK after my appointment, and I still don’t have my freaking prescriptions. So I call the office again. Woman I spoke to apologizes profusely and says she will have someone call me back to explain.
No one from the office calls me back, but three hours later I get a call from my pharmacy that my prescriptions are in.
I go on Saturday to pick them up (I kept forgetting the coupons at home and I am not paying $ 700 for some face cream). I get there and they give me Finacea, Ziana, and Desonate. I’m like WTF is Desonate, that’s not what the doctor told me I was supposed to get!!! The pharmacist was rude and just said, «Well that’s what they sent over here.» I’ll have to write a separate review about him later.
The point is, I had to wait a week for them to send over my prescriptions and they didn’t even send over the right shit! And I can’t even complain to them because it’s a holiday weekend and no one is around.
I think I will basically do what I did the last time… use up all my refills (unless Ziana doesn’t work for me) then go back to my Skinceuticals. Because I really cannot deal with inefficiency.

I wanted to submit a review because of so many complaints of this practice. Granted, I have not gone for cosmetic purposes. I first went here about 2 years ago after dealing with a terribly itchy, spreading rash that no one was able to identify. I went to two PCPs, and made two visits to another (quite trendy and popular) Dermatology practice who made it worse. I was so uncomfortable during an appointment with my kids’ pediatrician that she felt bad for me. She gave me Dr. Cook Bolden’s #. I saw a Doctor named Elish, who is no longer there, but within minutes, she gave me a regiment of meds and moisturizers to use and the rash disappeared! The only knock I have on her was that she was pushing anti aging procedures on me quite aggressively. Fast forward two years. Rash is back. I made an apt to see the nurse practitioner because honestly I just need some more meds and they fit me in quickly. My wait today was very brief considering (about 15 mins) and I got in the room and was told Dr Cook Bolden was going to see me. It was like I was going to meet a unicorn, I have heard so much about her and never expected to actually see her! She was warm and so knowledgable, exceedingly polite and thoughtful. She went over everything very thoroughly and even suggested a routine for my kids when I mentioned their eczema. (She threw in samples for them too.)
I can see why everyone loves her and I hope I get a chance to see her again. But honestly, her staff really knows what they are doing and after suffering so long with something so uncomfortable, I’m happy to have found them. I had no drama at all. Maybe the secret is go on Good Friday in the morning. :)

I’ve been a patient of Dr. Cook-Bolden’s for several years. I’m always more than satisfied by the level of care that I receive and with Dr. C-B’s warm manner. She cured my persistent (and sometimes severe) acne and hyperpigmentation. Moreover, she helped me resolve an issue with a keloid at a surgical incision site after my plastic surgeon said that it would have to be surgically corrected. I cannot say enough about how important her care has been to me. I’m writing today to give Dr. Shelley Fox her due credit. Lately, I’ve rarely made an appointment with Dr. C-​B. I’ve found Dr. Fox to be so knowledgeable, caring and fun to chat with that I make my appointments directly with her. When I went in today, the office was packed! Apparently, there was a Black Friday special on elective procedures, and the office looked booked WAY beyond capacity. My appointment didn’t happen on time, but that’s unusual, so I took it in stride. What impressed me today was that Dr. Fox was as pleasant, professional and thorough as ever. She was the definition of grace under pressure. I couldn’t recommend her more highly.

I was very wary of going to this place because of the poor ratings and reviews, but I’m happy to say that my experience has been nothing but pleasant and effective every time I’ve gone.
I went for a consult with Dr Fox and she was very warm and answered all my questions. Her assistant and the front desk people were also very pleasant and accommodating.
After the consult, I decided to do a test for the area I wanted to do laser hair removal on. Again, everyone was very informative and gave me specific instructions for what to do as aftercare. I decided to buy a 6 session treatment and the results are getting better and better as I get more sessions.
I saw in another review something about not going here just because «people of color» go here, but frankly, that was my main concern about getting laser treatment. Every time I go I feel like I’m in the right place. That might sound cheesy, but it’s my perception and I wanted to put it out there in case anyone else feels apprehensive about this. The bottom line is that if you have darker skin, there are a lot of potential issues that could come up with these treatments and it’s nice to see that this office seems to know what it’s doing when it comes to that. Of course, I highly recommend doing your own research on the types of lasers, risks, and getting second opinions which I did as well.
I will update my review again when I’m done with my sessions. For now, I’m very happy!

The reason I went to Dr. Cook– Bolden was because she specializes in African American skin care… My first experience was not pleasant at all. I waited a VERY long time in the office before the doc came in and when she did, she was out of there faster than I could say my full name (exaggeration, but point is… she didn’t spend more than 5 mins with me…) In addition to the regimen she prescribed not working, I did not return for some time. After two years I needed to see a dermatologist again so I figured I would give it another try…
Second time around, I met with the nurse practitioner, Shelly. WOW! what a breath of fresh air. She did take a while to meet with me because they were double booked, BUT when she sat down, she really listened to me and took her time to look at my skin and diagnose my issue.
She prescribed a cream that worked wonders for me! My skin has never been better!!!
Now, for my follow-​ups, I only request to meet with Shelly. She’s awesome and friendly.
Also, they have a patient portal that is rather neat. When I had a question about my regimen I sent an email through the portal and someone responded to me within a day! I really like that feature.

I have been going to Skin Speciality Dermatology for a few years and I have to say that my acne has gotten better over those years. The staff are always nice and are very professional. I have seen various doctors and assistants (due to my changing schedule) and all of them are top notch at what they do. They explain everything and also give you alternatives if you see that a medicine isn’t working. They give you samples of your prescription so you can see for yourself if this medicine is actually for you. I love this place and will continue to go here.

This was my second visit to the office this year. Both time office staff have been wonderful. First time I saw the nurse practitioner whom was very nice, helpful and knowledgeable. Second visit, I was seen by the medical student, then Dr Cook Bolden, then finished with the medical assistant. She was very nice and pleasant, listened to me and my concerns and gave me good advice. After she left the room, the MA came back with my prescriptions and instructions. The ladies in the front, once again wonderful and funny. They even printed out a coupon for me for the parking garage. My only complaint was my instruction sheet. It looked like it was copied many times over. Was legible however could of been a cleaner copy.

As much as I wanted to like this place, it seems as though they dont take the «Doctor» part of this very seriously. I was giving Hydroquinone cream to lighten a dark patch resulting from their acne wash and unveil lotion. I called to let them know that the cream was cause major hyper-​pigmentation and they told me to continue to use it. After some research, I realized that this product often causes irreversible hyper-​pigmentation.
I had to go to another dermatologist with a not so nice office, to treat my dark patches. This place clearly has an agenda and thats to sell their products and laser skin treatments. Don’t waste your co-​pay on them!

Wow… I feel like I must be going to a totally different practice. I’ve been here three times in the last year, and I LOVE them! The whole staff is extremely professional. This isn’t a spa; it’s a doctor’s office. I think some of the reviewers below are looking for girl chat about beauty. Each time, I booked my appointment online, arrived 15 minutes earlier (like one is supposed to do), explained what I wanted/needed…and it’s been great. I’ve seen the whole staff and all of them – even Kim Nichols – are professional and attentive. I’m consistently impressed by their expertise, and I respect that if you tell them you are not interested in a $ 300 prescription, they recommended generic or OTC products.
They also throw summer and holiday parties for their patients, with lots of freebies!

I went to Dr. Cook-​Bolden many years ago for LHR and Acne treatment and her method was not effective, burned my skin, the hair never fell out and I experienced even more hair growth than when I went in and I still had acne. Absolutely horrible. For beauty care, I probably wouldn’t recommend Dr. Cook-​Bolden at all.
However, medically speaking, she’s a great medical dermatologist! I found a lesion on my leg, Dr. Cook-​Bolden took a biopsy of it and really helped me through a difficult period I was going through. Medically speaking, she was very knowledgeable regarding skin diseases and disorders outside of the realm of cosmetics etc.
For comestic dermatology, I would have to give Dr. Cook-​Bolden, 1 star. As a medical dermatologist diagnosing skin diseases/​disorders, 5 stars!

After reading the reviews today… I wonder if the practice even knows what the customers are saying? I wish I had seen the comments before I paid my copay. They are dead on.
I was mesmerized by there being a derm practice that specialized in skin of color… but I was wrong. Let me preface this review by saying that I have worked at a hospital for 4 years, but I went there with an open slate. Now let the review begin…
So unimpressed. So disappointed. I have lowered my standards of what I expect from MDs, receptionists and humans in general. So when I came for an appointment as a NEW patient, I wasn’t expecting a red carpet or flowers… but maybe a smile? But there will be none of that in this office!
The office is ok looking. From the waiting area, it looks like it could be a spa reception area, if you ignore the visible vacuums and the insulated heating pole that was to my left. The woman who was there before me was talking loudly to one of the unfriendly receptionists about her missing referral. The woman then spoke on her phone, loudly to her insurance co., next to the «no phones» sign. No one told her to leave or talk lower.
But I digress. I was taken back shortly after paying a copay and filling out paperwork. They also asked for my pharmacy, which I didn’t know why, but I would find out why later. I was escorted into a SMALL room that looked like it needed to be cleaned. The medical assistant, who didn’t smile at all, went over my paperwork and said the MD would be in shortly.
I was surprised that the MD would be come into this dirty, DIMLY LIT, small room to do my exam. The ONLY mirror in the room was a 5″ round mirror that HAD spots. Even my mirror at home was clean and had lights… The room just didn’t look sterile. But then the Dr came in… And again no smile, in fact she looked straight up mean. She asked me to look in the spotted mirror and tell her what was wrong and I did. She then gave me a list of things that I need to do… A monthly peel, which is $ 225 and use their products, ~$ 30/​each. I gave the required thank you and ran out. I don’t mind spending lots of money for a 5 minute visit, but at least give me the song and dance, perhaps some instructions…
I had a dermatologist years ago that had me on the reclining examination chair, had a bright light in my face and truly examined my face with a magnifying instrument. You can even get that at Bliss spa, which gives you more instructions and suggestions. I came to this place because they «specialize» in skin of color. I think that is their pull for bringing in every person of color in the tri-​state area. I would rather go to someone that acknowledges me as a patient aka paying customer. Sorry Dr Nichols, I will not be returning. Time to find another doctor… Just because they are women of color doesn’t mean that they are good…
After she left someone came in to instruct me how to use the prescription, and they gave me some samples of aveeno body lotion. When I went to checkout, I mentioned that I didn’t get the prescription. The receptionist informed me that it is electronically sent to my pharmacy. Pretty nifty I thought.
But when I went to the pharmacy, there were 2 prescriptions there. The first, I was expecting, but the other wasn’t even mentioned, although it made sense to one of my issues that I discussed. The issue is that I had NO IDEA how to use it!!! It also had 6 refills even though the internet said that I should use it for no more than a month. Yes I actually used the internet to find out how to use a medication that was prescribed to me by a doctor! So bonkers…

never again. i currently have a dermatologist but wanted to get a second opinion. after googling «ethic skin, «skin speciality dermatology popped up. i was able to book an appointment for the following week. office is in a beautiful building, easy to get to location. walking in it looks like a spa. staff dressed in black, jazz blaring from the bose stereo. i had high hopes.
appointment was at 12, as a new patient i was sure to arrive by 11:45am since i knew i had to complete paper work. 12pm…12:15…12:30pm i ask receptionist how much longer. i think it was the doctor who walked my back. unsure since there was no introduction or apology for delay. i was whisked into a freezing room and asked to undressed. after spending 15 minutes in a gown freezing i decided i’d had enough. i got dressed and left.
would not recommend. no one apologized for delay or even acknowledged it. time is money and they should plan accordingly.

This was the first time I ever seen a dermatologist. I had a horrible cyst that was becoming infected on the bridge of my nose. I booked through zocdoc because I found out they accepted my insurance and heard they specialized in ethinic skin types. Vinita Hom helped me extract and stitch up the cyst with minimal scaring. She even helped thoroughly explain the results from the labs and how I can help reduce scarring by what medicines to use. She was so helpful I couldn’t thank her enough. Her assistants were very nice as well. Would definitely recommend!

Went. Wasn’t impressed.
Felt like they pushed me into buying their in house line of products.
Needless to say, never been back.

I went to Dr. Cook-​Bolden more than a year ago. It may have improved since then, but my experience was terrible.
After arriving for my scheduled consultation, I was told I needed to make my co-​pay before seeing the doctor. I told the woman at the desk that that seemed a bit unprofessional as I shouldn’t have to pay before services were rendered. She informed me that I could not see the doctor, if I did not pay before seeing her.
After making the payment, I had to wait close to an hour to see the doctor. I normally expect a wait when going to the doctor, but think an hour is extreme. Also, I wanted to leave half way through my wait, but couldn’t because they made me pay already.
When they called my name to see the doctor, no one walked me to her office. Instead they just told me which room to go into. I waited for Dr. Cook-​Bolden and she came in a few minutes later. She review my skin and recommended a host of products to «fix» my problem areas. I thought it was odd that she was looking at my skin while I still had my makeup on, so I asked her some questions. I am African American and especially sought out a doctor that specialized in darker skin tones. She was kind in her answers, but seemed rushed and I honestly didn’t feel like she was listening to me. She wrote down a list of products that I needed to buy from her front desk and rushed out the door.
When I got to the front desk, none of the aides could explain how/​how often I was suppose to use the products on the list. One of the aides was very rude and told me I should have asked the doctor. When I asked her to call the doctor and ask her how the items should be used she got an attitude. Finally, one of them left the desk and went to inquire with the doctor how I needed to use the items. When I asked them to write the instructions down on the list the attitude started again.
Once I paid for the (very expensive) products, they tried to schedule a follow up consultation, but I declined. I used the products until they were finished and noticed no change in my skin issues. Honestly, I don’t think they helped at all and were a waste of money. I would recommend everyone steer clear of this dermatologist if you are actually looking to get help with your skin problems or are accustomed to being treated in a polite manner.