Saddleback Dermatology Laser + Cosmetic Center

I'm dismayed to read all the negative reviews which compels me to write my own. Yes, I had to wait a long time past my appointment. And I live over an hour away from the office. It was definitely worth the wait! Dr. Tang spent a lot of time with me. This was my third appointment with her. We reviewed my prior appointment concerns. The antibiotic cream she prescribed took away the rash behind my ears after 2-3 applications. She thoroughly explained why I should continue with the shampoo she recommended as my scalp is irritated. Yes, she recommended products but I wasn't forced to purchase anything. I chose to purchase a vitamin supplement.

Since Dr. Tang was not available for months I finally got in with a PA, Kim Pham. I had sudden hair falling out like crazy, a lump on the side of my neck and another on my upper chest, little under-the-skin bumps popping up all over. When I expressed my serious concerns the PA blew my concerns over my hair with "don't touch it." Then she told me the lumps were a genetic thing and glossed over that. Later at home I wanted the name of the genetic thing so I could read up on it and was told it was sebaceous cysts which I seriously doubted, I wouldn't trust her with a pineapple, let alone a human being. As it turns out I got a biopsy of the lump on my neck and it is cancer that has spread all over my body.

I went to see Dr. Kim Tang to do a full-body skin cancer check and to specifically inspect a small spot I discovered on my forehead. I was very unimpressed with the entire visit, which began with sitting in the waiting room, oddly having to watch the repetitive cat videos that play on their TV screen.

From the moment she entered the room, she seemed to lack warmth and compassion, was a bit argumentative, and seemed to be in a hurry. She asked if I was in my 60s, which I thought was strange, because had she looked at my chart, it would have shown my exact age. Even though I dressed in the gown they gave me so she could check my body for skin cancer, she never looked at any part of my body - my whole purpose of going to see her!

In addition to not checking my body for skin cancer, she also didn't check my face or forehead, so I showed her a strange spot I had noticed, at which time she quickly reacted by taking a biopsy without explaining to me what she was doing. Had I not shown her the spot, she never would have noticed it. It turned out to be Basal Cell Carcinoma. I later received a follow-up call from their office, telling me I should schedule to come in for Mohs surgery. However, after my experience of meeting Dr. Kim Tang, I had no confidence in her to allow her to perform the Mohs surgery, so I told them I wanted to get a second opinion, and ultimately ended up finding a different wonderful dermatologist who performed the Mohs surgery for me.

Lastly, before she left the room, she made a point to tell me that I had dry skin (which I disagree with and have never before been told), and began promoting a skin lotion she sells. After she left the room, her assistant applied some of the lotion to my arm so I could see if it impressed me in any way. It didn't - neither did Dr. Kim Tang.

If you want Botox or fillers this place is probably okay. If you have a skin condition that requires a diagnosis or treatment RUN! from this office. These doctors are the worst! I have been misdiagnosed by two different doctors in this practice. I saw Dr. Tang. I was her first patient. She flew in 45 minutes late and began treating me, out of breath and with her purse still flung over her shoulder. She diagnosed a spot on my forehead as a cyst and was very anxious to cut it out. She never did a biopsy. I went to another dermatologist a few weeks later where a biopsy was done. It was not a cyst. It was cancer!

Had an appointment with Dr. Kim Tang and both my wife and I waited for over an hour after our scheduled time. Once in the exam room she couldn't wait to rush through everything. My wife learned that she may have skin cancer and now we have waited over 3 weeks for results. We have called several times without any response. Also $50 charge to simply schedule the next appointment and another $50 if it was cancelled. This practice seems to be just about making money and less about caring for patients.

Dr Tang examination was not thorough. She did my examination from four-six feet away. I thought it was weird. I even commented can you really see from that far away. But saddleback still managed to bill my insurance company. Dr Tang was more concerned with selling other services. I ended buying the below pictured product. I tried returning the other product unopened but they say there is a 14 day policy but nothing mentioned in the receipt or the packaging except a small piece of paper. They will return if you are allergic. Obviously they don't stand by the product they sell. I will never go back to them. I told my referring physician to not refer any other patients. Very disappointed about quality of service & poor customer service. I am being generous to give it 2 stars only because they did a removal of a "lesion" according to my bill.

Would give Dr. Tang and this office zero stars if I could. Showed up early for my appointment. Waited 30 minutes before asking the status. Was taken to an exam room 10 minutes after that where I waited another 20 minutes. No doctor showed up. Walked out. Waiting more than hour for the doctor is beyond unprofessional.

Incompetence permeates this office, from the staff to the Drs. In particular, Dr. Meshkinpour has her head up her own backside.

Title: Disappointing Experience with Dr. Benik's Practice

Review:

I recently visited Dr. Benik's practice for an appointment, and unfortunately, my experience left much to be desired. I had scheduled a 4 PM appointment, but to my disappointment, my wait time far exceeded what I anticipated. After spending 15 minutes in the waiting room, followed by an additional 15 minutes in the patient room, I was informed that they would assist me in reaching my 5 o'clock appointment, which, regrettably, did not happen.

The purpose of this review is to caution others about this particular practice. I made the decision to switch doctors, parting ways with Dr. Tang, due to consistently enduring hour-long waits. Although my previous visit with Dr. Benik had been a positive experience with prompt attention, this time around, I encountered nothing but evasive apologies and a lack of communication. It is crucial for prospective patients to be aware that they should not expect to receive their scheduled appointment time and may be subject to extended waiting periods at the discretion of the practice.

In conclusion, I must express my disappointment in the unfulfilled promises and lack of timely service experienced during my appointment with Dr. Benik. It is my hope that this review serves as a warning to others, prompting them to consider alternative options where their time and appointments are respected.

Additionally, prior to my appointment, I received a reminder confirming my scheduled time. The reminder explicitly stated, "Appointment Reminder for Thu, Jul 6, 4:00 PM at Saddleback Dermatology Laser & Cosmetic Center." As a conscientious individual, I made sure to plan my day accordingly and promised to be there on time.

Regrettably, this commitment to punctuality was not reciprocated by the practice. It is disheartening to realize that despite my efforts to be prompt, I was met with a significant delay and a lack of consideration for my time.

I believe it is essential for potential patients to be aware of these issues, as they can significantly impact one's overall experience and satisfaction with the practice.

I told my daughter that Saddleback Dermatology was great and that Dr. Beneck was the best. But she had no openings. so she saw Dr Kim Tang, which was a big mistake. My daughter has acne problems. Dr Tang barely made time for her. Didnt even examine her much and proceeds to prescribe her Accutane. My daughter asked the side effects and Dr Tang said only "mood swings"
Dr Tang immediatly left the room and the assistant walks in and my daughter asked her of the side effects. The assistant tolc her the side effects could be anxiety, depression and high cholesteral. My daughter suffers with anxiety. Had she not asked and just taken the meds like Dr Tang advised, this would have not been good. Dr Tang is uncaring and gave no her no advice. She did not explain anything and should have not prescribe anything without going over the side effects. I dont recomend you see her.