Fulkerson Alvin R

Although I have been a patient of West Dermatology for over 10 years, I recently switched to the SLO office and was very impressed. The check in staff at the front desk were cheerful, efficient, and pleasant to work with. The provider, Antonia, was wonderful; she was upbeat and interested in my case/issues and helpful in laying out the future of our journey. Great staff - great experience.

I was put on constant antibiotics for over 2 years for my serious acne issues. Once my acne stopped responding to one antibiotic, I was swiftly prescribed a new antibiotic. Now I've developed a tolerance for a wide range of antibiotics, and for what? My acne hardly improved while visiting Dr. Shiell. I finally brought up my concerns about this constant and ineffective medication, and all they did was prescribe me spironolactone.

It wasn't an antibiotic, sure, but it was just as ineffective. After reading these reviews, it seems I am not the only one who has received poor treatment for their acne at West Dermatology. I recently switched to a new dermatologist, and I have been put on accutane. My skin has been so much healthier ever since. Given that accutane can be very effective for people who have serious acne like I do, I wonder why it never occurred to Dr. Shiell to even mention it as a possibility. TL;DR, don't go to West Dermatology if you are struggling with serious acne.

Nurse Practitioner, Antonia Garner, is one of the ONLY NP's I have ever received amazing care from and and seen good skin results! Not only is she smart and personable, but she is caring and takes her time with you in the exam room. I was a patient of hers at another office when I was in middle school/high school during my beginning stages of acne and I am so excited to be under her care again in my young adult years.

If you have an appointment it's doesn't matter. You're still waiting at least 45-1 Hr until they call you up.

My favorite staff & doctor. They are always punctual, interact positively. Took care of me efficiently & painlessly, removing a small tumor from my neck. I left without the awful pain it caused & was very relieved. I recommend West to everyone for a smooth visit & personal treatment in a compassionate manner.

I pre-registered for my appointment so check-in took 30 seconds. My lobby wait time was only a couple of minutes. The nurses aide first came in and asked a few questions regarding changes. I then had about a 10 minute wait until the nurse arrived. She did a full body scan and answered all of my questions. The nurse and aide were friendly and professional. I was then sent to schedule for my next yearly appointment. The entire process was done in under 30 minutes. Overall, a very easy and pleasant experience.

This place is very unorganized. The office does not schedule their patients correctly. For it being Covid there was no place for me to sit without social distancing. The small waiting area was packed with people. You would think they'd schedule less people a day. & more and more people keep showing up just standing against the wall. & because they're over booked the wait time is ridiculous.

My appointment was at 10:20. I showed up 20min earlier & haven't been seen yet. It's 11am. They just announced they're 40min behind on schedule.it's very unprofessional to over book. If you can only see 2 patients per hour than you should only have a 10am & 10:30am appointment not a 7 appointments all scheduled for 10oclock. I haven't seen the dr yet so my review may change depending on the service provided. But as of now my first impression is to just pay out of pocket & go to a nicer place instead of coming here because it's covered by insurance.

Wouldn't recommend coming here they slack basic patient treatment. I am a Health care worker so I know what to expect. I came into an appointment and needed a procedure done where they needed authorization from my insurance for it which would take about 2 weeks. I never heard back from them AT ALL. I decided to call back and Check on it and they told me it had got approved and already expired but NEVER notified me.

Not even a single call or anything which is very upsetting since I couldn't get the procedure done. The person who I was on the call with was very rude and told me " you should've called sooner" like it isn't there job to notify us their patients. Called my ins and got redirected so save your time and go elsewhere :

The front desk staff is kind, patient, and informative. I saw nurse practitioner Antonia Garner and she explained everything thoroughly and in plain terms for me to understand. The assistant in the room was very nice and attentive. I felt very well taken care of in the office.

I have been here twice and both times had a very positive experience. I have been on both sides of the doctor's office business and let me tell you. The doctor can do everything right but if a front desk person is new, not at their very best, not willing to be yelled at by a patient, an unkind or unfair review ensues every.single.time! It's not cool. Checking insurance is a courtesy, not their job.

They don't make the prices either, js. I found the staff very pleasant, one woman was new, so she made a slight error which was corrected immediately- no harm done. The PA I saw was awesome, professional, informative and very helpful. Her name is Sharon Mohale MPAS, PA-C. The MA was also just perfect. I had a great visit and will definitely return.

They are human beings dealing with a population that's often unkind and demanding. During a pandemic! Despite that, they did a wonderful job for me and I appreciate them 100%

I have always had a good experience with West Dermatology SLO. The office and environment is very clean and organized. They are really helpful at scheduling appointments. Antonia Garner has been very helpful and can tell she really cares for her patients health. Highly recommended.

The professional dermatological services I received were excellent and I have no complaints. The reason I am not giving 5 stars is because the support services have been extremely poor. It is nearly impossible to reach the staff by phone or email. I have left several voice messages regarding scheduling that went unreturned. I was never able to speak to a live person other than about 1 year ago when I scheduled my initial appointment.

I have emailed them many times to request appointments and conversation on their Contact option via their marketing emails. I have never received a response. I hope this review can go to the Marketing Team so they can know that they are sending out emails with options for sending a message to the office, that are NEVER responded to. While I was West Dermatology yesterday, a woman in the waiting room came up to the front desk to ask about when she was going to see her provider since she had been there for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

The support staff looked in the computer and said her appointment was for the next day! How had she checked in, taken a seat, and no one told her that her appointment was not that day? I realize you are probably experiencing a staffing shortage, hence the poor service. If nothing else, please have your Marketing team stop sending emails that allow for appointment requests within the email.

I have met a couple doctors and medical assistants now for two different appointments and I have nothing but positive things to say. They were gentle, kind and informative. Very thankful for my positive experiences

West Derm always does quality work. never had a problem until recently. I had a appointment later in the day and I got a phone call from the staff to see if I could come in at 11:30. So I did. then sat there for an hour I dropped what I was doing to come in at their request and sat on my butt for way to long. Time is precious. so do t waste mine

Every staff member I spoke with was super friendly, from front desk to medical assistant, to FNP. The wait was very short. I didn't even have time to sit down in a chair in the waiting room before being whisked back into the exam room, where I only waited a few minutes for the FNP. Once the exam began, the Nurse Practitioner was EXTREMELY thorough with the exam and with educating me every step of the way. So knowledgeable and competent. I haven't been this satisfied with a doctor's office in a long time.

I was shocked when I read some of these reviews. My two experiences at West Dermatology were fantastic. The front desk staff was friendly. The waiting room and patient rooms were clean. Getting an appointment and scheduling a follow up appointment was easy. The doctor was friendly and took care of all my needs. I would highly recommend West Dermatology.

West Dermatology office staff were friendly and welcoming. A medical assistant took me to an exam room promptly at my appointment time and I was seen very quickly. Sarah, the PA who provided my care, listened to my presenting concern compassionately, explained my condition and treatment options to me clearly, efficiently treated me, and then made a follow up plan with me. I was in and out of the office quickly and am pleased with the care I received. I recommend the practice and the provider.

If I could give a 0 rating I totally would have. I'm glad they didn't treat what I was looking for, the receptionist was rude from the get go. Can only imagine what the doctor was like. Don't waste your time calling, nurses and receptionist are a huge factor in a doctor office.

Pleasant lobby and waiting room with efficient office staff to quickly check in. My appointment was for 11:15 and I was called at about 11:30. The PA I saw for a yearly skin exam was thorough and informed as well as her assistant. Gave me time to ask questions and questions were answered and very helpful. I felt comfortable there. After my check up I made an appointment for the next year. Which was also done promptly. They are currently booked out for a year at least with the type of exam I had.

I liked that you were offered to register online in advance, even uploading images of your insurance cards etc. There was virtually no wait time upon my arrival. Robin went over my medical history and gathered more necessary information. Dr. Siebenlist was very personable, thorough and made sure I understood the treatment and procedure completely.

He also provided some extra very useful new information about my condition. I'm from outside of the San Luis Obispo area. The office was a little difficult to find so if you're going for the first time give yourself a few extra minutes to find it. The maps are a little misleading. It would have been easier to turn on light at Aero Dr. than on Aerovista as Google maps indicates. There is lots of parking around the building so don't worry about the restricted parking signs on the street which apply to airport visitors.

Very friendly and professional front desk. I had an 8:30 appointment and was in only 5 minutes after I arrived. The NP was very knowledgeable and explained everything she was doing. Overall, very good service.

Excellent professional communication skills. Precise and accurate information delivered with excellent service intended for present and future improved personal health. This group of professionals is definitely practicing character traits such as patience, caring, kindness, and perseverance delineated in The Fruits of The Spirit excellent traits for any individual or group to experience during the grand journey of living. Godspeed to all and enjoy the services available here as needed. Excellent place to obtain kind and caring medical treatment for skin conditions.

I should have read the reviews first. It's funny how they slap you with the bill and there is more fees on there then they told you over the phone. Then when you ask them about they act like it's normal to not explain fees or charges over the phone. They quoted $100 over the phone for skin tags removal cause my insurance didn't cover it. I'm then when I went to pay they say it's $175.

They said "oh we charge for the office visit. We don't add that in the quote" I just don't think understand how this is good business practice. Especially when I called for pricing. The look on their face was like they don't see a problem with it either. Why can't they just be transparent instead of sneaking extra money on it. That's why I called for pricing in advanced so I can be prepared

I never leave negative reviews for places. But the astounding amount of incompetence this office displayed from beginning to end, I am still in disbelief: - even before my visit, they emailed and texted excessively asking for confirmations, check-ins, etc. I probably received over 10 needless messages - they randomly changed my appointment time, without telling me, and without being able to explain why (they clearly have serious clerical and organizational issues) - the receptionist was about as grumpy, unprofessional and rude as a person can be; super unfriendly about check-in details, payment and taking cash. - I received poor quality care from the PA Roger Bellamy; he was condescending and seemed to want to get me out of there as quickly as possible.

A MONTH AND A HALF LATER this office sends me a bill for more money for the visit. They quoted me one price at the time -- I paid in full -- then their billing department told me that the office mis-charged me so I had to pay more or face collections! Are you kidding me, West Dermatology? And don't expect to be able to reach this office by phone.

In attempting to reach them to tell them about their billing mistake, I was given the run-around for 20 minutes, as apparently their lunch breaks can last anywhere from an hour to over two hours. It's places like this why Google Reviews and Yelp exist. Do yourself a favor and go elsewhere, especially if you are paying for anything out-of-pocket. This was the single worst experience I have ever had at a medical office. Hands down.

Last year, one of my moles turned out to be a melanoma. Since then, I was instructed to come every three months to be checked. Each time I have come, I am always greeted by two friendly faces. When I take a seat in the reception area, I never have to wait long. The assistants are very friendly and thorough with their questions. Again, the wait for the actual provider has never exceeded 5 minutes.

The exam is very detailed. They take their time to really look everywhere for anything suspicious I am grateful for the care I have received at West Dermatology and I always refer others to them.

Very unprofessional. I scheduled appointment for my treatment 3 weeks out and received a call the week before stating could not verify my insurance when Erin was provided all the information beforehand. I asked to speak with the manager Veronica and she states two different stories about the medication not being received but changes her story and states that it's the insurance.

She proceeded to have the audacity to blame me stating it's my fault. The only reason I go is because Dr. Shield is Amazing. His staff however is thee most disrespectful unprofessional group I have ever encountered. I have no idea how Veronica could call herself a manager blaming a customer for the staff not being able to do their job.

Very nice staff, skin is clearing nicely, but they are almost always running behind schedule some days 30 mins or more after our scheduled appt time

During my experience here on 4/8/21. This one lady was very rude she was sitting at the left desk. Just in general rude. My mask was below my nose and she's telling me to pull it up because it's policy. but there was a lady in the back room walking in and out chatting with the lady's in the front with NOOO MASKK! Rules for thee not for me?

The lady that was having me pull up my mask kept watching me and basically mad dogging me. Thats not okay, she's a grown lady no need for that. Have you're staff follow the rules if you want the patients to.

After take a scalp sample and some stitches; we sent back to home with no pain relief medication and the recovery has been very painful. Hope next time Dr. take care more on his patients. Very unethical practice.

The 2 1/2 stars that this place has does not surprise me. The name of the place should be changed to "Death Trap Dermatology". As a Melanoma patient, I need surgery and they received the authorization from my insurance company. However, the medical staff is busy on their phone and the office gossip so they are unable to request my prior records from Kaiser.

Their inability to perform as medical professionals should NOT cost me my life. It is sad that people have to retain counsel to complete the necessary tasks that should be handled by medical professionals. Well, there are no medical professionals in this entity. Beware and very cautious about contacting Death Trap Dermatology. Unbelievable.

This location really reached the lowest bar on medical service quality. In short, confusing chain of commands that are ineffective and inefficient in problem solving. I had a billing issue where my insurance referral was not properly applied. Assuming this is just a simple oversight, I went and reached out to the office and got confirmation that "nothing to worry, we will take care of it".

Little did I know that in the following 6 month, such small billing issue became a frustrating bill collection harassment despite the fact that I contacted them more than 3 times with various parties to resolve this. Now the issue is elevated to the supervisor, and they gave me another promise that my bill will go away in 30 days. If this was my first contact, I would feel very assured and happy. However, after what I've been through, I just got a unsettling feeling. Save your time and find a more professional place.

I received a confirmation text for my upcoming appointment. I confirmed, later calling to cancel for the day. She told me call back to reschedule. I mentioned, how about now. She responded.your insurance didn't renew the contract. I Told her that is news to me. I also mentioned how she was going to let me drive to the appointment then tell me?

She said they left a message a month ago. I told her my phone shows nothing. Why was I sent the text, you wonder? By the way, my insurance hasn't confirmed this and does this office know anything about "patient abandonment"? They may want to consult with their legal department on that. Now for the treatment I received.naw - save it for now.

Dr Robert Bellamy and his staff genuinely care about their patients and go above and beyond to help. I am so thankful for their help and for taking me in when I needed their help. They made a huge impact on my life and made a difference in my life as well. I drive from San Diego just to see them and I'd drive cross country if I had to. Trust me they are the best and care the most.

I have never written a review before for a doctor's office but my experience on the phone with them just trying to see if I could get an appointment for my son was ridiculous. I called twice and talked to two different people who both refused to check if they could accept my insurance over the phone. I had all the information they would need and I was friendly and patient. Both were indifferent and not at all helpful. I cannot believe they can continue to operate.

I'm the type who still tips at a restaurant, even for poor service; I tend to assume that someone is having a bad day if I call customer service and the representative isn't friendly; etc. etc. that said, this was possibly the worst experience I have ever had in a doctor's office. The receptionists are rude and condescending, can't be bothered to smile or greet you, and everyone talks to you like you're five years old.

The PA I spoke with spent literally 5 minutes with me, implied that I was silly to want a lipoma removed from my forearm, but scheduled an appointment anyways, then proceeded to inform me that my BMI is too high, without any medical advice or caveat attached just "just so you know".like any woman who is even mildly overweight in Southern California doesn't already know :P but thanks, real helpful. Canceled the appointment, would rather keep a benign cyst than ever see these people again.

Update This quack is now billing me for a procedure that didn't need to be performed and has sent it to collection agency so if you go here expect that parts of your body might be removed that didn't need to be removed so they can meet there bottom line