I was hesitant bc the lower ratings online, but had a friend suggest this place. The appt was for a 2nd opinion for my toddler. There aren't many ped dermatologists in the area. Dr Bakal gave me lots of good info and resources. And he seemed very knowledgeable and up to date on the medical condition in reference. The staff were kind, all but one receptionist who could smile more. They take credit cards. They catered to my kid by bringing her crayons while we waited. Were easy to find. I'd def come back here if needed in the future. read more

While the doctors may be good at Bakal Dermatology, the staff is not so great. Had two horrible interactions with Mary Beth, one of the nurses. She was beyond rude and condescending. Absolutely disgusting behavior by her. That is enough to warrant going to a different dermatology office. read more

I just had cancer removed from my neck by Dr Jeffry Bakal. He not only found my cancer, he did a great job removing it. He has great bedside manners! From the front desk staff, nurses and of course the doctor is great. I have been going here for 4 years and I highly recommend this office read more

Had surgery a year ago and returned for skin check. Staff at the desk were friendly as were the nurses. Dr. Bakal is very bright, no-nonsense and confident. He is down-to-business as a doctor but certainly enjoys interacting with patients and exhibits a humorous side that is reserved yet genuine. He waits for you to ask questions and replies with informed and thorough information. His informal side is there if you engage him with decent conversation; conversation lightens the impact of being at the office but it is a two-way street. read more

Lauren Akers the esthetician is so skilled and kind, I absolutely recommend her services!

There was a nice place nice nurses. But the doctor came to room watch my face and talk too much. He didnt try to explain how it happened. He said it looks only scar and gave me scar cream. The cream wasnt work on my face, problem is still continous under my skin. I dont even know what happened on my skin& what should i do read more

Go somewhere else. Dr. did a procedure on my husband without asking or even looking at his chart to see what type of meds he was on. Ended up in emergency due to excessive bleeding and having stitches placed in two areas to have it stop. read more

This review addresses the office staff only. I have never been to this office before. I called to make an appointment. The staff member who took my call was pretty rude -- unfortunately, this was my first impression. I stated "I would like to make an appointment and I have never been to your office before." The first words our of here mouth were "What insurance do you have?" in a pretty rude tone. Seriously? That's how you approach a brand new patient? What insurance I have is more important than even my name? As a potential new patient, I was made to feel very unwelcome. Then I was told "Her first available appointment for NEW patients is _____" again, in a pretty rude tone, making me feel like a second-class citizen because I am a new patient. Again, I felt very unwelcome. Although I was annoyed, I made the appointment anyway because this derm was recommended to me by a co-worker who is a patient of hers, and she has nothing but good things to say about her. After I made the appointment, I was asked if I had access to the internet and a printer, to which I answered yes. Then she told me to go to their website and to these various links, print the form out, fill it out, and bring it in, all in this monotone, robotic, and uninterested manner as if she was simply reciting a script into think air rather than another human being. The whole phone call left me cold, and I continued to think about this throughout the evening and into the next day, when I found myself to be even more annoyed than I was yesterday. I promptly called and cancelled the appointment. Why? Because to be honest, as good as a doctor Dr. Bakal may be, I am sick to death of medical office staff persons who treat patients in a rude and unprofessional, unwelcoming manner. If you can't be NICE to the patients, you should find yourself another job that doesn't require you to deal with people. And if the doctors allow this, shame on them too. read more

Seriously, this is the worst doctors office I have ever been to. Dr Bakal himself seems smart, but who cares when his bedside manner is borderline apathetic. The guy was litterally upset with me because I wanted to ask him a few questions The receptionists act and look like they hate their jobs. Stay away from this office. read more

This is a terrible place. Took my son for wart on his foot. They told us not to do use any over the counter wart removal and kept asking us to come back to get liquid nitrogen. We spent over $1000 for treatment. Finally they charged me $30 for late payment fees although I paid off the balance and reported it to credit agency. We then started going to Derick dermatology which is a great experience. They asked us to use OTC wart remover in conjunction with the liquid nitrogen and the warts were gone with just a few treatments. I strongly advise against going to this practice read more

I'm not really sure what these other reviews are talking about (everyone has their own opinion and things they like, I get it), but Bakal Dermatology was awesome. I would suggest checking out the filtered reviews as well, since most of them are 4 and 5 star reviews. I had never been to a dermatologist before, but I was recommended to come here from a friend and see Leigh Ruelo. The office is clean and welcoming, the staff was very friendly, and I was in and out of there in an hour. Leigh is very nice and warm, she made me feel totally comfortable and explained everything she was doing and why. She answered all of my questions and gave her honest opinion. I did see Dr. Jeffrey Bakal for a few moments. He is someone who is going to give you his honest opinion without sugar coating it, which I really appreciate. He explained everything in terms that I could understand and did give me the freedom to do what I want, but didn't push anything. I don't feel that they are trying to get more money out of me or are unethical at all whatsoever. Definitely come here if you want an honest opinion, friendly staff, and to get the facts. read more

I would strongly recommend avoiding using this dermatologist office. I would give it negative stars if I could. The front desk staff is unprofessional and rude. The one lady that I had to deal with most often (unfortunately I don't know her name) was always snippy and awful. My issues started with this place when they recommend I try accutane/ isotretinoin for acne. I previously tried several anti-bacterial options through their office that didn't work out. I told Leigh (the PA that was working with me) that cost was a major factor for me so I needed to understand all that went into it before I could commit to that. She understood and proceeded to give me a cost estimate that I was comfortable with so I agreed to do the initial blood test and schedule the follow up appointment. After that, I showed up to the next appointment as planned. The next day when I went to pick up the medication, the price was literally 4 times what Leigh had told me. I called the office to find out what was going on and they essentially told me that was my problem. I requested to have my 2nd office visit fee waived due to the fact that I only agreed to it with the understanding that my doctor was knowledgable about the medicine she was prescribing me. I agreed to pay for the 1st visit as it was my choice and all of the lab fees, but the front office woman would not budge. She told me it was my fault that I was expecting a different price for the medicine. She said it was not their policy to call insurance companies for quotes. I tried to explain to her that I never asked for a quote, my doctor told me a price and I trusted that a medical professional knew what they were talking about. The woman would not listen to me at all, she just kept telling me the whole situation was my fault. Therefore, don't go here. Especially if you value your time and money. read more

Terrible experience. The Dr himself has terrible bedside manner! He was more interested in figuring out a song in his head than my biopsy. On top of that he dropped the mole on the ground and had 2 nurse's crawling on the floor looking. The office assured me they would call with my results in 7 business days and after 2 full weeks I called in for my results. Additionally, Kelsey who runs the billing advised me I could set up monthly payments which turns out to be false. Terrible. read more

Definitely the first ever doc appt ive ever had this bad. I went in for seborrheic dermatitis and eczema on my face hands and wrists. He (dr. Bakal) says I need to use creams not lotions and thats about it. He never probed and asked what I used to moisturize and how I take care of my skin..he assumed I use lotion which. .no I don't, im pretty sure if someone is coming to your office about a dry peeling face that they would have tried to use more than a lotion. He mentioned some over the counter products like aveeno and eucerin..ive used those already. .I told him im using cortisone 10 now for temporary relief and he said yea switch to a cream..the appt lasted about 7mins. He clearly didn't take my problem seriously and I was made to feel like I shouldve been able to take care of this myself. Im definitely going to someone else. Never going back. read more

Please find yourself a different dermatologist. This was my third visit there. Not sure why I stuck with them for so long... Office people seems to be always too busy to answer any questions and I felt like they were doing me a huge favor by schedulling my next appointment, answering questions etc. Their pricing is RIDICULOUS! My wife had the same procedure done by a different office(mole removal) and she paid 1/3rd of what I was billed for. Not recommended! read more

As an African American woman it is difficult to find a doctor that is experienced in treating dark skin. I went into the office for one thing and was told it was nothing to worry about, they gave me a gel and sent me away and a week later it was worse. Called the office because I was upset and was told just come back in and we will take a look at it. No thanks I will keep my $150 dollars for someone who knows what they are doing. read more

They made my mother cry they were so hostile to her...not to mention all the burns all over her body...feet and ankles.

I came to Dr. Bakal's office after hearing from other doctor's how great he is. I had a tumor on the side of my head that needed to be removed. I'll admit the first visit wasn't super friendly. The nurses and admin were pleasant and kind...and Dr. Bakal was nice, he's just more of a stoic and serious man. My second visit was my operation to have the tumor removed and Dr. Bakal was very friendly. He made me feel comfortable and kept conversation going throughout the procedure. The nurses were caring and helpful. I have zero complaints! While it's nice to go to an office that is incredible overall, ultimately doctor's offices are less about personality and more about quality care. Bakal Dermatology definitely offers quality care! read more

I've been coming here for years, love the care that I get. Dr. Deb is caring and very compassionate with my psoriasis. Marybeth is the BEST nurse ever! She is so incredibly friendly and goes the extra mile to make you feel welcome and comfortable. read more

I went here seeking help with a skin irritation on my chest and back of my knees. Mr Bakal immediately asked if I use illegal drugs that require needles. I answered honestly and said no... without another word he started inspecting in between my fingers for injection marks, when he didn't find anything he spun me around, opened my gown and pulled my boxers down to check my buttocks for injection sights again! He diagnosed me with eczema and folliculitis. After another year of suffering with no improvement I went to a different doctor who instantly knew it was an allergic reaction. No medicine needed, no UV light booth like Mr Bakal had insisted, which he was very rude and insulting over when I said I'd like to contact my insurance to make sure it was covered. If you're in the mood to be talked down to, body parts exposed without warning, and still not getting positive results... this is your guy. Otherwise, the pharmacist at the local drug store is probably more helpful. The entire staff was very friendly, with the exception of Bakal. Can't believe this guy is still in business. read more

Having just run across these negative reviews, I felt compelled to set the record straight. Doctor Bakal and his team have been TERRIFIC as I've dealt with a seemingly endless number of growths that have needed to be removed. Everyone has a bad day, and that's what the other reviewers must have experienced. read more

I've been at this practice for several years and I have seen each of the husband/wife team of "Dr. Jeff" and "Dr. Deb". I have also referred friends and family to them and have never heard anything from them to shake my impression that these two are excellent doctors. The medical issues I had were promptly addressed even though they had been wrongly daiagnosed by my regular physician and I was feeling better within days of my first visit. The doctors ask about my family when they see me and I feel like I know something about their children so I think they are both personable. The staff seems to be having a good time and enjoying their jobs which also says something about the practice. I will keep recommending them. read more

Phenomenal office and staff. I called the office yesterday morning, requesting an emergency appt, they offered 10am next day, I said I had an appt then and needed earlier, so they got me in at 815am next day. I got there at 805, was back in the room by 810, seen immedeiatly. Told them I needed to be out of there by 9am and I was out of there by 845am. Dr. Leigh Ruelo helped me, explained everything and helped greatly. I highly recommend this office! read more

I went years ago because my forehead was itchy and had stuff like with eczema and also my scalp. They told me it was because stress and just to put neutrogena on my forehead. they said there was nothing it could be done. It got worse, lost a lot of my hair (I'm now 38 years old female) and all my scalp was with white dandruff layer and my forehead. Someone proposed to me to see someone else. I went and I was diagnosed with seborrhea and prescribed a powerful shampoo. I already saw my scalp getting better, clear. They caused me pain, shame all these years thinking there was no solution and it also cost me a lot of money because I tried so many products to keep my hair when all was a simple seborrhea diagnoses they couldnt see. Don't trust them at all!!! read more

Very disappointed with my results after my operation. I had one large mole removed by Dr. Debra Bakal and was left with a terrible looking scar that never healed correctly. It has been two years since my surgery and it still looks awful. If i could go back, I would've done more research and found a dermatologist who was more skillful at removing moles so as not to be left with a disfiguring scar. Learn from my mistake and take time to find a skilled doctor! read more

The worst visit I have ever had. The Dr was knowledgable but seemed not to care. Every question I asked was answered with its my choice. Seriously, you're the Dr. you tell me what you suggest not what I think I should do. I have a cyst on my face for crying out loud and all he could say was its up to me if I want it removed, it could get larger, but maybe not, it may leave a mark but maybe not. Those arent answers. I also was concerned about my skin but he said it looks fine to him. How is it fine when I have dry skin, breakouts and acne? read more

Dr. Jeffrey Bakal seemed indifferent and cold, but since my issue was not severe I put that initial feeling aside and went again. This time for laser removal of two benign growths. After one month of healing, 1 tumor remained and the office now wants to charge me more for a retreatment without any explanation as to why it didn't work to begin with. Past derms in my life never had any problems with the treatment not working. Bakal's demeanor is just plain creepy and it's nice to know (albeit too late) that it wasn't just me picking up this vibe. read more

I can't speak for the other doctors working here but, Leigh is fantastic! I have been to a handful of dermatologists and after a terrible experience with a dermatologist in Arlington Heights I decided to do my research and chose to see Leigh. She gave me full attention, answered all my questions, and helped me understand what was going on with my skin and why. You won't be disappointed in scheduling your appointment with her! read more

I had a great experience here . My girlfriend noticed an abnormal mole on my back a few weeks ago, and I scheduled an appointment to see Dr. Jeffrey Bakal. When I arrived for the appointment, the staff at the desk was very friendly. I was called into the examination room promptly after completing some paperwork. The doctor was friendly and seemed very intelligent. He explained the how this abnormal mole was a cause for concern. He recommended that I have the mole removed that day and he was able to do so, and sent the tissue sample for a biopsy. The procedure was very quick and painless. I felt that Dr. Bakal was informative and thorough. He even tried to make me feel more at ease by playing my favorite radio station while he performed the removal of the mole. I would definitely recommend this office for anyone who has a dermatological need. read more

I just returned from my first visit. I was very cautious and on high alert due to all the negative reviews I read on Yelp and other websites. I just moved to the area and decided to give them a try since they are so close to home. Firstly, I arrived 5 minutes before my appointment and was brought in minutes later. I took the receptionist's advice to fill out their forms prior to arriving. The same receptionist, the lady that escorted me to the examining room, and the the physicians assistant, Lee? (or Leigh), were all very friendly, kind, and attentive. Nothing to complain about. However, I do agree with most that Dr. Jeffrey Bakal is a bit on the stoic side (best adjective I can think of), yet I DO NOT think he was rude or DOES NOT care. That said I do think he could make a better impression on more NEEDY patients with a better and warmer rapport. No doubt, I would like that as well, but everyone is different. He came in, examined my skin, discussed options with me and the PA, came to a resolution, and left. Quick, simple, done. If the Dr. could become more personable, then I do think they are deserving of 5 stars. For that reason alone, I would give 4.5 stars, rather than the 4 Yelp is allowing. read more

After suffering from years of moderate/severe acne, I finally decided to go back to the dermatologist. I had not gone since 2008. Long story short, I worked with Vanessa (PA-C), and my experience was great. She genuinely cares about her patients and takes the time to get to know them. She was never pushy or suggesting treatments that were not right for me. It has been almost a year since I last saw Vanessa (PA-C), and I am extremely happy with how everything worked out. read more

I seriously question the ethical background of this office. went in for a forty five minute procedure and they told me to have a pathological study of the removed tissue even though we both knew it was just to get more money. Since I have a high deductible they knew this would be out of pocket. It ended up costing me $1200.00 to have three moles removed. About $500.00 per hour. wtf read more

Dr. Jeff Bakal is an excellent dermatologist. When I'm seeing Dr. Bakal, his attention is undivided and focused. The nurses and staff are kind and easy to talk to, and Dr. Bakal is easily the smartest doctor I've ever had. When I've been in crisis mode, freaking out over my terrible skin, Dr. Bakal's calm, methodological approach has been very effective. read more

Three in our family have been going to Bakal Dermatolgy for four years mostly for effective acne care and removal of moles. To us, no one is better than Leigh Ruelo. She takes the time to empathethically listen and find solutions. Recently, since Leigh was out, Vanessa worked with us and she was amazingly helpful, too. Both exemplify going the "extra mile" and showing true concern when we have problems and cheer along with us when things are going well. Both Drs. Bakal have been helpful and kind when called upon. Several front desk staff are wonderful. Billing has been well managed, too. read more

My husband + I are both patients. The practice was recommended by our Internest. We are so please and we wouldn't go anywhere else! Dr. Jeffrey did surgery on my forehead (right above my nose) and the only way you can see it is if I point it out, and I don't wear bangs!! I see Dr. Deb, my husband sees Vivian. We are totally happy that we found this great team! read more

I went in to have my moles looked at. The first time I went I had the Nurse practitioner. She took her time measured each one and charted them all. Three years later I went back and saw Dr Bakal (male) he came in glanced at my moles quickly and said I was fine! I asked if he was going to check to see if any have grown since last time, he told me they all looked fine! Very rude and unprofessional along with the receptionists! I will not be going back! read more