Dermatology & Laser Center of San Diego — Local services in San Diego

Cross-posting a review I posted on Yelp on 6/13/2023:

I had a referral to see a dermatologist for a general skin check. I have a lot of moles/freckles and my grandfather had skin cancer, so I felt I should have a thorough skin check by a dermatologist at least once, which I have never done before. The entire appointment was conducted by a PA. She was very friendly and helpful, which is why I'm giving more than one star. But I had really been hoping to see the dermatologist, considering I had to get the referral to see a specialist authorized by my insurance and had to pay the specialist copay. Interesting to have to do that and barely interact with the specialist at all. At first, I thought the PA was just doing the initial screening and that the doctor would conduct a more thorough review afterward - since the PA said multiple times "Dr. Willoughby will come in shortly." However, when he came into the room at the end of my appointment, it was just that: the end of the appointment. He introduced himself and did ask if I had any questions or concerns, but his body language standing just by the door with the PA already having filled him in in the hallway gave the impression that my allotted time was over. I truly feel that he came in just to be able to legally say he "saw" me as a patient. It really felt like a waste of my time and money. If I had wanted to have my skin checked by someone who was NOT a certified doctor of dermatology, I would have just asked my primary care doctor to do it rather than waste my sick time from work to be...

I recently made an appointment for myself with physician assistant Courtney Hopp after I felt I had been dealing with my acne problems for way too long and felt overwhelmed with all the various over the counter treatments that are used to treat acne. I felt like I was not getting the results I wanted as my skin is very sensitive and I did not feel comfortable with putting certain products on my skin, especially on my face. I really wanted some advice from a medical professional who understood more of what I was wanting and could answer my questions. Courtney provided me with exactly what I was looking for. Her confidence and her ability to understand her patients is absolutely amazing. From the moment she walked in the door to assess me, she represented the entire clinic very well. She was able to chat with me about some of my concerns regarding my skin, educate me on various skin reactions related to my age and hormones, recommended me an over the counter acne face wash that is affordable and so far works really well on my skin that I have been able to try out due to her providing me with samples, and provided me with a topical antibiotic as well. She even went as far as giving me coupons for the over the counter face wash as well. I knew going into the clinic I needed a single appointment just for some advice, and sometimes that is exactly what a patient is looking for and needing from a provider. Courtney's care has really helped me achieve my skin goals and has provided me with more confidence every...

I'll echo the same things that people are saying about a quick mole removal but no desire to actually look for dangerous skin conditions. Dr. Willoughby quickly removed 2 moles from my face and 2 from my ear. No desire to see any others unless I was "cosmetically" just trying to get then removed. He made it seem like I was dumb for even trying to get them checked out...

Even worse, the bills don't stop coming. I'm getting bills from several companies for this procedure and everytime I pay one, the next one comes triple the amount of the last. I called today and got a person who just kept repeating 'pay this bill and it will be the last one FROM US'. I asked for clarification if there were even more companies involved that would bill me and she wouldn't give me a straight answer. They will just keep billing you if you make it easy for them to collect from you. Beware that the cost estimate for procedures will only be a fraction of the costs that they continuously bill you for.

Now I have to call my insurance and figure out how much I'm being...