I wish I could write a better review. Typically, I wouldn't even take the time to write a poor review because it's just not worth my time. But health is worth all of our time. It IS our time.
I was referred to Dr. Romine by several individuals I hold in very high regard in the medical industry. Because melanoma runs in my family, and my aunt died of metastasis to the liver, lungs, and brain, I wanted to make sure I was establishing care with a physician and practice in whom I can trust, who would address any and all of my concerns with know-how and heart.
I phoned the practice and was told Dr. Romine was no longer taking regular patients and would only see me for Mohs speciality surgery. Her partner, Dr. Deluca, did have availability nonetheless and so I made an appointment. Four to five months out was the earliest availability. I figured with such a wait, she must be good.
One day before my appointment, the office left a voice message saying they needed to cancel my appointment because I had not yet provided my insurance information. So I had to call to figure out why 1) they didn't have my insurance information because I was required to provide it when I made the appointment, months prior, and 2) why they were calling me ONE DAY prior to get the information and potentially cancelling the time I had been waiting months to get. Turns out, they DID have my insurance information and they weren't sure why someone had called to advise they didn't.
Mistakes happen. Water under the bridge.
The morning of my appointment, I was greeted by front desk staff. The Medical Assistant was pleasant. I filled out pages of paperwork, as per usual, and waited to see Dr. Deluca for a full body skin check and to address some other specific skin concerns as a first-time patient.
Dr. Deluca was in the exam room for a total of FIVE minutes. I am not confident that she even looked at my medical history. When I brought up several concerns, she blatantly told me I didn't have those issues (when I absolutely do) and when I asked questions about specific moles/skin abnormalities, she expressed no concern. She told me they were "fine" without offering any further information or if/how I should watch the areas with specific reference to cancerous changes. Ultimately, the only support she offered was to burn a few pre-cancers that I had to point out (and "they could come back so you may have to come in again"), refer me to an aesthetician (I could have gone to a med spa but chose to go to a Medical Doctor), and write me a script for a cream I could have requested from my PCP. For a speciality physician, she provided little specialty care and did little to instill confidence in the practice as a first-time patient.
Upon receiving my bill a few weeks later, I phoned the office to express my discontent with the services rendered, or lack thereof. I spoke with two different office staff, on multiple occasions. They offered no solution and no options for recourse but to pay a bill for second-rate services. They felt the charges were justified even though the doctor's service was sub-par.
I would encourage you to seek dermatological care elsewhere, especially in Arcadia, where there are plenty of reputable and high-end dermatology offices from which to choose. Unless, of course, you want to spend more time with a Medical Assistant than with the physician you (and your insurance) are presumably compensating for professional medical experience and advice.
This is NOT the practice you want to visit to establish good dermatological care. read more