Juliana Cinque, MD

I called in advance to see if she would remove numerous itchy pre-​cancers. First visit it was as though I had not called in advance & she would remove nothing, waste of time & money. Second visit it was as though I had not called OR come in before. After I finally convinced her to freeze off some spots she burned me VERY BADLY. I still have scars. Go elsewhere!

Dr. Cinque is a great, smart, caring dermatologist! I have been a patient for over 16 years. I started seeing her for a minor issue, then I brought my two young kids to see her when they had a bad case of poison oak. Recently she correctly diagnosed me with a very rare lymphoma and sent me to see the world expert on this condition at Stanford. She is still involved in my treatment and has taken a personal interest in me and my case. Although I have had to wait longer than I expected on occasion, she has also spent more time with me than I expected. I feel very lucky to have found Dr. Cinque!

I saw Dr. Cinque December 3, 2014, to remove age spots on my hands and a few on my forehead. She did an amazing job and I would highly recommend her. She is warm, friendly and truly professional.

Dr. Cinque and I were a little leery of each other at the first visit. Didn’t bother me, because I’m quirky and have some odd medical/​dermatological conditions. Also bothered me a bit that Dr. Cinque had to spell common medical terms for her obviously new MA. Second Visit was much better, and 3^rd visit was outstanding. My dermatological problem is stress induced, and since they sting and itch, having fingernails gouging my skin also didn’t help. She gave me the best cream for when the hives pop up, so I’ve been able to stop the problem. Scars won’t go away, but that’s OK. I would have no problem recommending Dr. Cinque, and I’m unsure why there are some really crabby reviews — go and form your own opinion.

If you are at all concerned about skin cancer, as any adult should be, definitely give Dr Cinque a try. A few years ago my primary MD sent me to Dr Cinque, due to a lot of moles I have on my body. Year after year she has carefully looked at and taken care of suspicious moles. She is direct and compassionate. Recently, I pointed out to her a mole with a different feel, and after her careful examination, she removed it. To my delight it was skin cancer that was caught at an early stage, and not at a later stage. I am clear now. I thank my primary doctor for doing his job, and I thank Dr Cinque for doing hers very well. Complaints from waiting times or rescheduling will happen in any doctors office from time to time. What happens inside the patient room is what is more important to me. Five stars indeed!

I don’t understand the negative reviews, as I have nothing but respect and appreciation for Dr Cinque. She’s the best Dermatologist around, certainly as far as moles and skin cancers go!
I had seen Dr Cinque for a few years, and found her thorough, caring, extremely knowledgeable, and overall wonderful. I have fair skin, covered in moles and love the sun, so I am very concerned about skin cancers. Dr. Cinque has removed a couple of moles over the years and maintains an accurate account of all of my moles, which she carefully examines and measures each visit. SHE IS THOROUGH!
For the past couple of years, I had changed healthcare provider so was not able to see Dr Cinque. The Dermatologist I last saw (with Kaiser, Pleasanton) was useless. His idea of a skin examination was a quick look over. And I mean quick. That experience was a major contributor to the decision to leave Kaiser and return to my previous insurance. I was once again reunited with Dr Cinque this morning. She still had all of my charts, diagrams and notes, and I am so at peace knowing Dr Cinque is in my corner.
If you have moles or concerns about skin cancer, melanoma, etc, Dr Cinque is the right Doctor for you!!!

I have written 2 reviews in my life including this one. But lately reviews have been a great help to me so I am now reciprocating. So, I have lived in Pleasanton for thirty years. I have been to Dr. Cinque on several occasions over the years. The care has always been professional and expert. She has a good sense of humor. I have never had to wait for an extended period. Today I was seeing her at another doctor’s request. She spent time with me. We discussed progress on previous conditions and she spent time researching my past records to pinpoint my diagnosis. Her staff is also professional and expert. They give out samples and because I was leaving on a trip I asked if I could have a few because they are travel sized. They let me have as much as I wanted and gave me others I didn’t even ask about. I am not giving stars for that. I am illustrating a degree of helpfulness. After having experienced subpar services with other doctors I am not a push over for a doctor to handle. I ask questions and expect knowledgeable answers and can tell the difference between a quack and an expert. Dr. Cinque is more than knowledgeable. She is compassionate, ethical and diligent with her diagnosis. She has been here for years and I doubt she is counting man hours with relation to profits. Her attire tells one that she has wealth if one is concerned. The behaviors that have been described in these reviews can be attributed to trying to help all the patients she can, her good sense of humor and her inquisitiveness. She is curious about her patients to get all that she can to be able to give a diagnosis. She is warm and human and this may be off putting to some who expect the dull coldness of the «doctor persona.» If a doctor were to comment negatively on another’s performance, without complete knowledge of the situation, in my presence I would seriously question his ethics. Her’s are fine.

I usually don’t write reviews, but I felt I had to for this one. This happened a few years back, but I felt that I needed to do this. This clinic is so unresponsive. In my first appointment, I had to wait an hour before seeing her. There was no apology for her tardiness. After the first appointment, someone in the clinic was suppose to call me back in a week to notify me if the insurance company would cover the procedure. That call never came. I called back after a month, and the lady said that the doctor will call me back as soon as the insurance notifies the clinic. Again the call never came. I followed up 2 weeks later, and I complained that no one called me when they promised to call me back. At that point, the lady got agitated, and said that someone will call me back. I told her that was 5 weeks ago. I requested that they sent me a report of my visit so I can take the report somewhere else. They never did.
Overall, this is a TERRIBLE doctor. Thanks to Unilocal,I can inform other patients who may be considering this doctor.

I took my 7 year old daughter to see Dr. Cinque. She had to have a wart removed from her face and was terrified. My daughter was rather challenging because she had been traumatized by another experience with the dentist. Everyone took their time with her and explained everything. Dr. Cinque was very kind and patient~she was great! The office staff was outstanding! We are really glad we found her!

I’m really surprised at the bad reviews. Apparently I always see Dr. Cinque on her good days.
I’ve been seeing Dr. Cinque for about 1 year now, and I I love her. She calls me her «Mole Princess».
I have a long history of suspicious moles. I’m in the double digits for the number of «suspicious moles» I’ve had removed. This is an inevitable procedure that I never look forward to, and always results in stitches and an uncomfortable recovery afterwards.
Dr. Cinque removed my most recent suspicious mole 3 days ago so I spent about 45 minutes with her and her nurse.
I find that Dr. Cinque has an excellent sense of humor. Maybe quirky for some folks, but I love it. During my procedure I chatted with Dr. Cinque and her nurse about everything from interior decorating and favorite actors to world travels and art.
At one point during my procedure Dr. Cinque noticed I was becoming tense, and she instructed me to «close your eyes… now imagine… you’re inside a… big giant bundt cake» I didn’t hear the rest of it cuz I started cracking up.
In all my meetings with Dr. Cinque she seems to bring just the right amount of humor with her professionalism to still give me the information I need but take the edge off with some light-​hearted chatter.
Sometimes there is a wait to see her, but it’s never been so long that I started wondering what was taking so long. I have 2 young children but I have always left them home with their Dad.

I have been a patient of Dr Cinque’s for over 20 years — and the reason I continue to be a loyal patient is due to her genuine professional care and extensive medical knowledge. I have referred her to friends and always look forward to seeing her (even if I get lectured about my sun exposure — nicely of course!) — as she and her staff are friendly, accomodating and the yearly visit is positive.
Recently I had skin cancer surgery and felt I could use OTC medication; well, once the anesthesia wore off — I was in severe discomfort. Dr. Cinque was leaving on vacation — and she took the time with professional concern to call in a prescription for me on a Saturday morning. This is the professioal concern and care that has me returning.

After reading the mixed reviews here I was reluctant to go to this doctor. However, I was desperate to see someone for my condition before the weekend. Their website offered a way to book my own appointment day & time online via ZocDoc which was a breeze. Wish more doctors used that service! Sent me an email confirmation and download link to my iCalendar too. Sweet!
A few minutes after I booked my appt online, doctor Clinque’s office called to let me know they had an opening sooner, which was awesome! The office itself has a small but pleasant waiting area. Every staff member there couldn’t have been nicer. As a new patient, who it turned out had insurance that they didn’t accept (contrary to what my primary care physician told me so not their fault), they did everything they could to minimize my costs and help me until I could see an «in plan» dermatologist because my condition wasn’t obvious to diagnosis.
Dr. Clinque was very friendly and thorough in reviewing my medical situation. She took her time discussing my case, possible causes for it, and next steps for treatment. She gave me prescriptions (wirelessly sent via computer directly to my pharmacy during my visit) to ease my discomfort until I could see another doctor. Her assistant was an absolute sweetheart, so empathetic and helpful recommending another doctor in my insurance plan. I can’t remember the last time I had treatment as personal and caring.
I’m very sorry that Dr. Clinque was not in my medical plan because I would have loved to continue seeing her and her staff. Nothing but rave reviews from me! Having seen a few other dermatologists in the Tri-​Valley, she is definately top on my list!

I’m baffled by these negative reviews. My experience with Dr. Cinque was phenomenal. I brought my 1 year old son in for a mysterious set of bumps on his scalp that he had since he was about 3 months old. His pediatrician could not explain what the problem was and when we found a new pediatrician she sent us to Dr. Cinque with a great recommendation. She was right! Dr. Cinque knew immediately what the virus was and gave him 2 in office treatments that completely cleared up the problem.
I would also like to add that the staff in the office made my son feel so comfortable and were delightful to deal with. I have nothing but good things to say about the entire experience and I’m so grateful to Dr. Cinque for healing my son.

Although reviewing a dermatologist isn’t the most appetizing thing in the world, I just had to share my experience with the world at Dr. Cinque’s office:
The first time I saw Dr. Cinque, I’ll admit it– I was slightly creeped out by her. She came in the room to remove a cyst from the back of my leg (hot right?). Anyways, I’ll leave the gory details out. She came off as an overly excited cat lady. But I have no reason to judge her… at least she’s passionate about her job, right? The appointment got slightly weird when she had her assistant come hold my hand… it wasn’t open heart surgery for crying out loud!
ROUND 2: Came in to get a biopsy done on the same cyst. Being the extremely punctual person that I am, I was aggravated after waiting 20 minutes for my appointment. But I’d be happy to wait if I knew what I know now! As I laid on the table getting quite painful shots in the back of my leg, the elderly nurse chatted away with me about her extensive knowledge on Bravo’s reality television series, past marriages, and her sweet and obnoxious grandchildren. After an hour and a half of hilariously entertaining conversation with the staff, I realized the cyst was somehow removed.
I mean, shoot! Take my whole leg off, if it’s going to be that fun!
For the future, I’m secretly hoping to acquire some kind of topical ailment so I can hang out with these people again. That’s all.

She is very calm, very smart and very efficient. A friend recommended her for my teen’s acne, but she has treated me for 2 basal and squamous cell carcinomas. She also did a slower but better job on Botox injections than any of my other docs and the price was right!
I would recommend her. Her receptionist is always helpful too!

Best dermatologist that has treated me. My general practitioner and other dermatologists have tried to help me, but I’ve never been given a solution to my issue. I’ve had rashes for years and have basically ignored and lived with them thinking that I just had sensitive skin or summer heat caused it or working in the yard gave me an allergic reaction. However, I developed a different looking rash around my eyes recently that greatly concerned me, as my internet search warned of potential vision problems. Nothing like fear can motivate action, so I decided to try a dermatologist after my GP couldn’t provide a solution. My wife had seemed to have good luck with Dr. Cinque a couple of years ago, so I figured I’d make an appointment with her in February 2011.
I’ve been to see Dr. Cinque twice now with her and her staff being professional, cheerful and engaging. Maybe I have a peculiar sense of humor, but I thought it was funny when my skin issues were described by Dr. Cinque as a dermatological cornucopia. So, why didn’t any of the other dermatologists I’ve seen over the years figure out my odd skins issues? I can’t answer that question, but Dr. Cinque accurately diagnosed and treated the three different conditions I have. In six weeks I’ve gone from having cronic skin irritation of unknown origin on various parts of my body to knowing how to combat each one.
Even when I questioned Dr. Cinque’s diagnosis, she didn’t act indignant, but asked me to wait a moment and came back with a thick book opened to a picture of one of my conditions. She obviously knew what I had and was confident enough to bring in published photo backup. Furthermore, all the creams, oinments and drugs she prescibed worked beautifully. Unfortunately, I have a chronic condition that I’ll have to manage whenever it flares, but that’s not her fault and at least she’s given me tools to deal with the symptoms and provide me with comfort.
I know they say that consumers always complain more than they compliment, so I guess I’m not surprised I’m the only positive review. Dr. Cinque sure helped me and I recommend her.

I was referred to Dr. Juliana Cinque last year by my OB/​GYN, located in the same building, for a small bump on my finger.
I arrived with my infant daughter, so I was really hoping to be called on time. I waited about 20 min past my appt time to be called back. No one else was in the waiting room, mind you. I was there by myself w/​my child.
Dr. Cinque said I had a ganglion cyst on my finger and that she could lance it in office that day. Because I had arrived with my daughter, and it had been nearly 45 min at this point after meeting w/​the medical assistant first, etc., I agreed to just get it over and done with rather than having to make a second appt to come back, arrange babysitting, etc.
Dr. Cinque said once she lanced it, a «beautiful white pus» would ooze out of the cyst. Once drained, it would go away. I thought her terminology was weird, but I brushed it off.
Dr. Cinque applied a topical numbing agent before the lancing which was supposed to take 20 min to take effect. I walked the halls pushing my stroller for those 20 min while my daughter fell asleep.
After 20 min had passed, I was brought back into another room where Dr. Cinque attempted to lance my cyst with the help of her medical assistant. The numbing agent did nothing and I felt everything she was doing! After the first lancing failed (nothing drained), she attempted to lance it a second time. That too, failed. Nothing drained.
At this point she referred me to a «hand surgeon» (which ended up being another review) at Tri Valley Orthopedics. Dr. Horner expressed shock that Dr. Cinque tried to lance a ganglion cyst in office. Dr. Horner said that because my cyst was on a joint, it needed to be removed in an OR because joints are highly susceptible to infection when cut open and exposed in non-​sterile environments.
After feeling like I had received sub-​quality care from Dr. Cinque, she billed my insurance company for «surgery». Did you know lancing a cyst (poking it w/​a needle) is considered surgery? My insurance wouldn’t cover it. I tried to fight it because 1) it FAILED and 2) apparently she shouldn’t have tried to lance a ganglion cyst — but I lost. Dr. Cinque’s office refused to budge on their charges. I paid to be put at high risk of infection! I would never go back to her and I am disappointed in my OB/​GYN too for referring me there!

I went to Dr. Cinque to get a cyst removed, but all she did was diagnose it as a cyst. She didn’t even explain why she wouldn’t remove it, she just said she usually doesn’t. She did refer me to a plastic surgeon who «absolutely loves removing cysts» but it turns out I would need to have a separate consultation with him and *then* get an appointment to have it removed. Why the unnecessary steps? I called other dermatologists in the area afterwords and all of them said yes, if I come in, they’ll be able to remove it.
When Dr. Cinque came in to examine me she kept darting her eyes up and down my bare chest with a fake smile, making me feel very uncomfortable.
Really, just go somewhere else.

I wouldn’t give any stars but the dr at least fixed my minor problem but then billed my insurance falsely for surgery which I am now having to dispute.
Upon walking in the office it was apparent there was no organization to the point that you could hear the employees behind the front counter speaking rudely to each other; very uncomfortable. You can even here the lack of professionalism in the automated phone system. I don’t know who’s «running» this office but if this is any indication of what goes on behind the scene I’m glad I was only there for a minor issue!

You Be The Judge:
First Phone Call: Very short, no details asked, as I was going to confirm directions I was hung up on. (I thought um ok, I“ll give the office a shot at least)
First Visit: Waited 15 mins to be called in (15 mins after my appt start time, I arrived 15 mins early for paperwork… so 30 mins in all). The Dr. was average, nothing great, nothing terrible about her, I spent all of 5 mins with her and was written a prescription and was to be seen back in 4 weeks. When I approached the scheduling counter I stood there for 5 mins while the lady chatted away with a co-​worker and then finally made my follow-​up appt.
Second Visit: I walk in and state that I have an appt, they tell me the wait is an hour long, I offer to reschedule to the following week. The Dr. personally thanks me.
Third Visit: I check in, wait in the waiting room for 45 minutes with not a word. I am called back, wait in the patient room for another 20 minutes… nobody acknowledges the fact that I’ve been there for over an hour. The M. A has the wrong paperwork in my chart and is totally confused. The Dr. comes in and has no clue why I am there and has incorrect notes from my first visit. I explain things to her, she wishes me a merry xmas, and writes 3 more refills. Upon leaving I attempt again to schedule a follow up appt and have to wait for the M. A to finish a chart @ the counter I am standing at and I have to listen to the office manager talk about going out to have cocktails after work… in an extremely loud and obnoxious voice.
Again you be the judge… the benefit of the doubt can only go so far!