Dermatology Associates of Central NJ — Local services in Old Bridge Township

This comment was originally written in February 2024. I updated my decision but it states that it was just written. ( THANK YOU TO ALL WHOM ARE WRITING THE NAMES OF THE M.D.s, P.A.s, N.P.s, since I originally made the comment below. )

09/2024* I did have a recent exam, routine body check with a nurse practitioner by the name of Justine. She was friendly, as was the staff, but from start to finish, my visit with Justine, lasted about 4-5 minutes at the most. My exam was a total of approximately two minutes and the rest of the time was spent with me asking various questions.

I read, unfortunately and sadly, after my visit -I should know by now that one cannot rely on the fact that just because one has medical training and a job, that things will be done properly... furthermore, a full body check should take a minimum of 10 minutes and a full exam up to 20 minutes, however, this doesn't include the initial visit which would take longer because there are questions to be asked and some questions asked with every visit. The body is our largest organ and when the dermatologist uses a dermatoscope, a small magnifying glass, some with lights, it makes sense that it would take longer, especially when checking one's mouth, hairline, scalp, in between toes...I encourage anyone going to a dermatologist for the first time to look into what is expected and please don't be shy for the practitioner to look everywhere nor that they will do their job the way it should be done. That's why these reviews are so important.

I may give her another chance, letting her know that the visit was too quick and I felt that many things were missed. I also feel that pictures should be taken,during the initial visit, as a baseline, at no extra charge, and compared from one visit to the next should something have changed, it's seen. Yes, I suppose that I could take pictures on my own but the pictures would be in a different light than what is in the office and look differently. I wouldn't be able to take pictures of my sides, scalp, nor my back beginning with my neck. My hairline, ears, and mouth weren't checked either. I have never had a full body check and doubt that I will go back next year, I may see someone else.

*( Original note ) I checked Google Reviews in order to see whether or not I would like to join a particular practice and see the practitioners within the practice. Unfortunately these reviews state,..."the doctor"... " the N.P."...but the name of the doctor or nurse practitioner is not stated. This is NOT HELPING ANYONE who is looking for a good dermatologist, in this particular case. I just read that a full body exam went too quickly, apparently 2 minutes and many things can be missed especially in the early stages of skin cancer; I certainly do not want this practitioner, however, I will never know who it is because the practitioner's name was not mentioned.

I write Google reviews so that if I have had a bad experience I can hopefully, help prevent someone from having the same experience that I have had with an insensitive, bad practitioner.

PLEASE WRITE THE NAME of who you are writing about. This will help others avoid what you have already been through and if enough people are complaining about the same practitioner then they can be avoided and hopefully, something will be done about that practitioner, perhaps the practitioner doesn't even know what he or she is doing incorrectly as seen via their patient. On the other hand, if you've had a great experience, this person should also be named so that those reviewing other people's comments can have the option to make an appointment with this so-called good practitioner.

In future comments and maybe those that are reviewing others comments, one can always edit their comment and name the practitioner with whom they've had a good or bad experience, in order to help those looking at the reviews to get the best practitioner possible.

I will follow up with my experience. Good luck! *June 2024- As of yet, I have not made an appointment at...

I was disappointed with my experience with Justene and the front office staff.

I initially scheduled an appointment to address hair loss. During the visit, Justene ordered blood work but did not include several key tests. I have a known history of low ferritin, and I specifically requested that this marker be added, as it is not typically included in a standard iron panel. However, Justene assured me it was already included and dismissed my concern. Quest confirmed that ferritin is not part of the standard iron panel, validating my concern.

In addition, no test was ordered to assess DHT levels, which is a central hormone related to hair loss and would be expected as part of a thorough evaluation.

When I called the office to request a follow-up with another provider, the receptionist seemed more focused on defending Justene's approach rather than addressing my concerns. She suggested that a primary care provider should have been responsible for ordering those tests, which I found confusing, as this was a dermatology visit specifically for hair loss.

Unfortunately, this experience left me with concerns about both the clinical knowledge and the responsiveness of the staff. Due to the lack of attention to relevant diagnostic details and the dismissive approach to patient input, I no longer feel confident in this practice and would not recommend it based on my experience.

P.S. After my experience, I took the time to read through other 1-star reviews and was struck by the tone of the responses from the business. Rather than showing concern or taking accountability, the replies often came across as defensive and dismissive. In many ways, how a medical practice responds to criticism speaks louder than the criticism itself — and it further confirmed my concerns about the overall approach to...

I am a new pt with a tight schedule as I work 2 jobs. I called here for a cosmetic procedure, a procedure that I’ve had before at a different location, but since that office is now too far for me, I decided to come here, since I noticed from a previous office visit here, that they offer this procedure. I called to make an appointment, and I was given an appointment for a consultation, not even the appointment for the procedure, and was told I had to pay $150 for the consultation that will later be added to the procedure total. Finally, the day of my appointment arrived. I paid the $150, and was told by the provider that saw me, that she had a cancellation, and can have the procedure today. I told her “ I’m on lunch and need to rush back as I have an hour break, she explained that “it’s ok, schedule for another day, because I don’t want to rush.” in my mind…if I had been called by the office staff and told there was a cancellation, I would have worked something out with my job so that I can get the procedure done since I was already there. I walk over to the front desk to make my appointment and was told there are no appointments until 4/3. I’m like seriously! To make matters worse, staff tells me I have to call if there is cancellations, so that I can reschedule. Like work something out, especially with a new pt. I’ve been to many Dermatologist offices, and I’ve never encountered something like this. This is absolutely horrible service, and now I am stuck with going here for this procedure because they already took $150 from me. 3/14 Update: I have to add that the PA I saw Allien is great, the problem is with the scheduling, the staff working the front desk. Also, I did get a call back today, and got a refund. No accommodations for schedule, that wasn’t mentioned, but...