West Dermatology

It really is unfortunate that typically people only go out of there way to make posts here on Unilocal if they have a bad experience. I seldom leave reviews but was so happy with Dr. Shiell and his staff I decided to share with my fellow Unilocalers.
I had a basal cell carcinoma for over 3 years that i was absolutely dreading to get treated as it was right on my face and quite large. From the moment I walked in the door to set up my surgery I was absolutely terrified especially after doing waaaaay too much research on the internet.
I had tried all kinds of holistic treatments only to have it slowly grow larger over the time I had been waiting. After finally making my appointment I met Dr. Shiell who was extremely attentive to my needs and concerns. He is one of the best in the business as far as I’m concerned and that statement comes from doing hours of research around the subject.
Upon the day of surgery they gave me a prescription to help ease my anxiety and yet my heart was still pounding as they were prepping me for the surgery. His staff was courteous and considerate far beyond my expectations and did a great job making me feel at ease (No small task.) The procedure was performed quickly and absolutely painlessly and he went out of his way to make sure I stayed calm and comfortable.
The MOHS surgery that is his specialty (He is ACMS certified, the most prestigious of credentials for this kind of surgery. He has over 3000 procedures under his belt.) often times takes 3 – 5 runs before it is completely excised and can take several hours. It only took him two runs and I was out within 2 hours. What a huge relief to get this off my shoulders. I feel extremely lucky to have been cared for my such a professional staff and doctor.
If you are faced with getting your skin cancer handled have no fear and don’t make the mistake of waiting like I did. The scarring will ultimately be less noticeable then what you started with and you can take comfort knowing you’ll be in great hands here at this office.
Thank you Dr. Shiell!

While Dr Shiell was attentive, personable and gentle in his approach his front desk staff is anything but friendly. I had to go to this office three times including my appointment and each time was the same with the reception people, unfriendly, gruff and unwelcoming. Some of this may have to do with them not taking my Covered CA Blue Cross, they actually said to me «you do not have insurance» as though my policy does not exist. I paid full amount out of pocket and I was offended and embarrassed. It never got better the next two times I went. Although the Dr seems to be qualified I would NOT recommend this office because of his staff. RUDE.

I would recommend Dr. Messina to anyone. He is so personable and very knowledgeable. He takes his time with us at each visit. We frequently email him with extra questions and he responds quickly and thoroughly. Since we travel in from out of town, our children typically accompany us and he interacts with them as well. The office is clean and the staff is efficient. We have nothing but good things to say about this office.

I will NEVER use West Dermatology again, due to their handling of business matters and lack of patient care !
Their accounting and billing policies are inaccurate and flawed. I owe them for a past bill, due the fact that insurance did not fully pay, when West Dermatology said it would. We agreed by phone on a payment plan, and they STILL referred my account to a collections agency in error, and then put it on my credit report as well. I am making payments in good faith, and double the amount agreed, and they still screwed up !!!
Be aware if use choose to use West Dermatology for any services.
It is not about patient care, it is ALL about $$$$ here, as far as I have experienced.

RUDE RUDE RUDE! The front desk staff doesn’t seem to care that they have patients in the waiting room or not. They talk down to people, complain about patients and are extremly rude to those on the phone. Definitely not service with a smile. Go somewhere else!

Receptionist sounds like a foghorn, I don’t think they even understand the concept of professional manners, much less see the necessity of using them. Have been there 5 times, treated with impatience, indifference, outright annoyance by the staff. The only time they were remotely pleasant was the day Dr Shiell was actually in the office. And biopsy crazy, friend goes to a decent clinic and had several spots removed, they insisted I have mine biopsied even though they had already been diagnosed as benign basal cells. Had to write a letter to Dr Shiell because no one bothered to contact me with the results of all those biopsies (five of them), the «foghorn» at the desk called me clearly resentful of my letter. Nurse Gallagher outright rude and impatient of any question asked of her, Practitioner «Terry» is quite frankly, bitchy and full of self importance. It is an assembly line, would have had better treatment in Tijuana, which the waiting room resembles. About to send another letter to Dr Schiells attention asking why yet again no one has bothered to contact me with my biopsy results. It is a Medi-​cal billing factory, shameful really, we deserve better treatment, you won’t get it here.

no customer service. lack of common courtesy. no privacy
my prescriptions:
–doxycycline hyclate 100mg po tab
–dhlorhexidine (betasept) 4% soap 120m
mathew j. smith is a hurried dermatologist that will make your appointment faster than a fast food drive-​thru.

Totally not impressed with this place!!! Took a month to get an appt. Once I did, waited for 45 min in lobby that is run down.
Finally was seen but not by a Dr, but by a nurse practitioner. Was told I would have to come back for the actual procedure which would be done by the Dr. Waste of $ 60.00 co-​pay! Dr only does procedures one day a week, so hopefully that coincides with your schedule
Nurse couldn’t give me an actual cost for the procedure & insurance doesn’t cover it (of course!)
Did I mention that the receptionist was taking personal phone calls from her BF?
Overall, it seemed to be more of a «sales office» rather than a medical office.

This is my third time going to West Dermatology and by far the worst visit yet. The first two visits were fine with little hassle. This time though I waited in the waiting room for an hour past my scheduled appointment. I told this was because they switched servers and their new server was unable to read my insurance. After the women behind the front desk finally called my insurance, they let me into the back. The only saving grace was the P.A. whom was able to quickly recognize and diagnose my skin condition, prescribe me the necessary products and even threw in some free samples. Overall, I would recommend not coming here unless you absolutely have to.

Unprofessional!!! Had an appointment at 11 am.
Told I needed a referral after doing paperwork. Called family doc, didn’t need one. Arrogant receptionist said I had to pay cash. Wouldn’t bill my insurance. I agreed and then told it was time for their lunch and would need to reschedule. Need I say more?

This Dermatology group came highly recommended. I was treated fairly, felt a bit rushed but maybe that was because i had to wait 55 minutes to get into the exam room. Why do these Dr’s continue to overbook? Others in the waiting room made comments so I know I wasn’t the only one who had such a long wait. One person as they were leaving stated a very loud remark about how long the visit was. The Dr. did apologize for my long wait but that seemed like lip service. I won’t go back just for that waiting reason

The ladies at the counter were so nice! It was my first time so i had a shitload of paper work ehh that didn’t bother me it was the fact that the dermatologist only seen me for like 6 minutes, i felt like a pity fuck.
I love it when a medical professional takes the time and talks with you and treats you like a human, i don’t really enjoy the feeling of being rushed and not important.
Yes i will go back and hopefully next time they take more time on their patients and make them feel more important.