Preston Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center — Attraction in Cary

My frustration with this place runs deep. Upon my very first visit, I informed the Dr of my skin condition (as advised from previous dermatologist) and how standard antibiotics did not work for me. My skin condition is all over my body except my face and feet. I was prescribed the same antibiotics that I said didn’t work and was told to give it a chance. After 30 days I had a follow up appointment and there was no difference in my skin. The Dr looked at my face, asked if I was sure, and stated my face seemed pretty clear. I then stated that it was because my face never had a problem (which tells me they didn’t note where my problems were from our first appointment). I was then prescribed the same antibiotics and a cream and told to give it another month. 3rd appointment I again stated that there was no difference and asked about other options. On my final appointment I again stated that I didn’t see a difference and the Dr told me she would prescribe me a higher dose of the antibiotics. I informed her I do not want anymore pills because they have not worked (was asked if i didn’t want pills because I don’t like pills or because I don’t see a difference). It’s also frustrating that it took until the 4th appointment for her to recommend a stronger dose when I stated from the beginning antibiotics haven’t worked in the past, nor what she prescribed in the beginning. She then asked her assistant if there were photos of me from my original visit to compare to. Surprise, there weren’t any because they never took any. I then asked about the laser treatment or other options mentioned before and it’s cost. I was informed it’s price and that insurance typically doesn’t help, but if I got a biopsy sent in to them, they might cover part of it. Biopsy is done right there and I am told I will receive a call about results and what insurance says. I get a call within a week and am informed skins fine but they would like me in again (nothing about the procedure and coverage confirmation or decline). I do not schedule another appointment because it is over $80 each time I come in (and at this point I believe they are just taking my money because nothing is remembered about me and it took 4 appointments before I was given different medicine options). I come in to pay my final bill (as I am done with this Dr, and it’s over $200) but ask about potential coverage for the mentioned procedure. There are no notes about discussing the procedure that the assistant at the desk can find on my account. They ask around and finally tell me they don’t believe insurance would cover any part of it (so why was I informed to do a biopsy for the “potential” if it was pretty much known to be a “no”?) Its then stated to me that the Dr would like to schedule another appointment and maybe they can give me different medicine. I decline and inform the assistant about my unfortunate experience at this office and how I do not plan on returning again. Kelly and JoAnne (hopefully I spelled that right) were the last two assistants I spoke to, and they were very kind and pleasant to speak to/work with. I appreciate JoAnne being kind and understanding during my quick vent about why I would not return. I may be an unlucky patient here, who knows, but I am now in the market for a different...

I went to see Dr. Solomon because of reviews, for cosmetic reasons. I had been getting Botox in my forehead and around my eyes. I typically go to a medical spa, but decided to see a board certified dermatologist this time around. I was wondering if there would be differences in the way my skin was treated.

I have fair skin with the occasional breakout, but my skin is primarily clear. However, even at 44, people often compliment my skin. I've used sunscreen my entire life, and am told that I don't look my age. I mention all of this as a preface.

I waited for about an hour in the waiting room, then another 20 minutes in the exam room. The nurse came in to ask why I was there, so I told her I was interested in talking about Botox. She handed me a binder of before and after photos for other procedures and said I might be interested in them, then walked out.

She came back with Dr. Solomon. Dr. Solomon stood by the door (about 4 feet away from me) and did a lot of talking. She explained a bit about Botox, and gave some good information. She then said that she didn't see anything wrong with my forehead that a good chemical peel wouldn't fix. She pointed to the binder of photos and told me about a 60 year old woman who has seen miracles with chemical peels. It was a pretty hard sell. She then went on to tell me that I had rosacea (diagnosed from 4 feet away). I have relatives with roseacea, but I honestly don't believe I have it. I have no breakouts. My cheeks are a little rosy, but definitely don't look like my relatives with roseacea. She said that I needed to treat the roseacea because if I didn't, the skin on my face would thicken and it would be irreversible (gee thanks..). She kept insisting on chemical peels. She went on to tell me all about how she's formulated her own skincare line and kept talking about New York. ...I guess she thinks that's impressive.

I found her generally off-putting and wanted to get out of there. Because she charges $150 for an office visit, and the chemical peel was only another $50, I figured I could get out of there and at least try the peel because Botox with her would be a lot more expensive. It felt like a bit of a wash at that point. I was going to Disney two days after my office visit with her. She kept insisting that I get the peel done the next day (before my trip). I wasn't comfortable getting a chemical peel, then being in the sun for hours every day. That just seemed like a really bad idea, so I pushed the appointment out.

I went back for the peel and the esthetician who met with me was very nice and competent. She did the peel, and it wasn't a big deal. It didn't hurt. It made my cheeks dry, but did nothing for any of my fine lines. It caused my forehead to break out, but now, a week or so later, my skin has cleared back up.

Overall, I spent $200 to spend a lot of time listening to a doctor who thinks very highly of herself brag about accolades and New York, try to make me feel bad about my skin and diagnose me with something I'm 100% sure I don't have, recommend something that I know has a higher profit margin than the injectables I was interested in, and learned a valuable lesson. Don't go back to...

My daughter came back crying from her check up today. She was frustrated. This is what I got from her appointment today:

Since January, I went to Preston Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center (for a total of 5 or 6 appointments).

When you first walk in, you enter a small room with five or six chairs. The receptionists are usually unfriendly. They seem uninterested, whether it is in their tone, personality, or even just the time of day.

Once you are seated, be prepared to wait. Each visit, I've spent nearly 30-40 minutes in the waiting room before entering the exam room.

Guided by a nurse, you enter the exam room. If you are lucky, you may get a great nurse, one that uses their knowledge, skills, and critical judgment to provide the highest quality patient care. However, the majority of the time, you will encounter bad nurses, one that becomes easily frustrated (continuously disgruntled), gossips (badmouth patients behind their back), and ignores protocols (lack of understanding about how to behave in a health care setting). It is paramount to take the time to hire the right nurses for patient safety and the team's happiness and effectiveness.

Today, I encountered a bad nurse. Here were some telltale signs:

1. Gossip - The walls at Preston Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center are thin. Although some patients can be especially challenging to deal with, that is no cause for a nurse to badmouth them behind their back. It indicates a lack of care and represents an abuse of power and trust. I would recommend gossiping after the patient has left the Preston Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center.

2. Bad Attitude, Rude Behavior, and Negative Language - She was sarcastic, dismissive, and controlling. She suggested my feeling were invalid. A customer who wants your help isn't going to be happy about you telling them "you're overreacting" or "it isn't such a big deal." For them, it is a big deal. Your job is to help them calm down and let them know you care about their feelings. It is not appropriate to laugh.

3. Ignores Protocols - She didn't take complaints seriously. She was unaware of simple procedures. She seems inexperienced.

Shortly after, a PA arrived in the room. For the last two visits, I have had a PA, not an MD. I requested an MD. Instead, I saw a PA. It is disingenuous to imply you will see an MD when you will not, although I have high regards for PAs.

I had no issues with the first female PA I encountered. It was pleasant. However, today's visit was not enjoyable. This time, it was male. He was dismissive and controlling. He made stark and negative comments about my skin, especially about my forehead and nose. He lacked knowledge of the medications I used.

I inquired to see the MD multiple times before following up.

In terms of the MD, she always seems like she is in a rush. It is not professional. It is not detailed. She immediately prescribed topicals without any probing about my skincare routine, diet, or medications used before. She did not focus on identifying or solving the problem I had mentioned. She seems focused on cosmetic purposes. Always offers lasers, chemical peels, etc. Overall, my skin got significantly worse until I took it upon myself to...