My husband and I have been going to Dr Burns for almost 20 years. He is great. very informative! Highly recommend. read more

Any review less than five stars should be questioned. Dr Burns is a perfect combination of professionalism and caring. I drive 35 miles to see him and it's worth every extra effort. read more

Dr Burns is extremely professional, knowledgeable and polite. Was able to get an appointment within a month. read more

Dr. Burns and the ladies here are absolutely amazing. I am most comfortable when seeing them and always leave feeling like I was just visiting family. Dr. Burns is extremely knowledgeable and very helpful with any question or concern I may throw his way! I trust that I am in the best of hands when visiting Dr. Burns office. read more

My experience with Dr. Burns felt more like a high-pressure car salesman than a doctor. His main goal is to push products and have you pay for unnecessary medical procedures. After doing a quick examination, he described my treatment options but soon became irritated that I did not want to buy his products or get any of the "optional" medical procedures. I will not be going back. read more

Big Fan! Great Doctor who is thorough and super professional - which is what you want with someone looking out for skin cancer. My husband saw him first, and Dr Burns did awesome work to remove some skin cancer with great care & focus on cosmetic result. I saw him for a skin cancer once over and he removed a mole quickly and without pain. Honestly...it was all done before I knew it. He checked constantly to see if I could feel anything...Nope! What...you're done??? Great staff in the office, will hold you hand if you are iffy with needles etc. New equipment, rooms etc... I felt in super good hands. They cant do enough to make you feel comfortable. Their skin products are v good. People go there just to buy them. read more

Very thorough very professional answered all my questions made sure I was well informed and I left very happy his staff is super pleasant as well read more

After a couple of office visits and semi-minor procedures - I think this guy deserves 5 stars. I've been to rough dermatologists before, and Dr. Burns isn't one of them. He is ultra professional, and actually takes the time to provide detailed overview of treatment options... no hard sell. Pricing can be a little more expensive than the average - but worth it in my opinion read more

Very professional. Calm. Has very good mindset as 'improve not remove' saves you the pressure of unnecessary surgery etc. I was very shocked to find so many negative reviews here so I wanted to set the record straight. Dr Burns is one of the best medical professionals I've been to. Highly recommended read more

I have been a patient of Michael Burns for 10 years. He is very thorough, explaining in simple calm detail why he is doing what he is doing during an exam. Michael is always engaging and consistently creates a sense of professionalism. I am a fan! read more

I had one of my worst doctor's office experiences with Dr. Burns in late 2004 (so this review is a bit outdated, but... can a leapord change its spots? :-) ). This is how it went down: Me (complete and utter newbie to the world of dermatology, having had no issues with my skin pretty much all my life - thank you, parents' genes): I've been having some issues with serious hairloss very recently, and perhaps coincidentally, my scalp has been itching quite a bit recently. Dr. B: Sure, we can take a look. [asks me a bunch of questions... mentions that we may need to do a BIOPSY!?!] Anyway... he tells me to lie down, so he can "take a look". Next thing I know, I feel a pin-prick here and a pin-prick there, and I'm missing a small section of my scalp!!!!!! People... I may be a dunce when it comes to dermatology, but WHAT part of "let's take a look" sounds like "I'll be snipping away part of your scalp without adequately mentally preparing you for it"? ok then... the biopsy comes back fine (or negative, or whatever it is they say it is when it's fine). And now what? Dr. B: You're going to need rogaine - that's the only way to retard this hair loss. You are going to have to use it for the rest of your life or else the new hair will be gone. And that may cause some unnatural hair growth on other parts of the body, including the face. But that's often easily taken care of with the technologies we have today, such as laser hair removal (WHHHAAAAATTT????) Me (totally not sold on rogaine, but mildly interested in not having to tweeze the ol' eyebrows anymore): um.. right.. I've been thinking about laser hair removal -- Dr. B (totally cutting me off - to nurse beside him): we talked about laser hair removal - please make sure to take note of that. Dr. B (to me): we do that right here. By the way, I see you have an outbreak (now let me tell you: this was A, as in ONE, minor-ish pimple which I'm guessing 50% women sometimes get once a month). Do you want me to take care of that? Me (not knowing what on earth this meant, but thinking that I finally shut off the accountant in him, and switched to the doctor's bedside manner): er... sure. One pin-prick later, we're ready to go. I see no immediate visible difference, but I give him the benefit of doubt that he must've done SOMETHING... after all, he's the dermatologist. His staff then tried to sell me some skin care products, which I artfully dodged. After a few days, lo and behold... a bill for the "cosmetic procedure" in excess of $100!!!!!! And guess what it really turned out to be, folks? I had tried a new shampoo that had done a number on the scalp, and was still reacting badly even though I had stopped using it a week ago. All this just randomly stopped a week and a half later. If only I had taken a chill pill for that amount of time... read more

I don't yelp often but do when I feel there is a need to. This time it's for the negative. I never received such TERRIBLE customer service from a doctor in my life. It took me 2 months and many follow ups from me (they NEVER returned my calls) to finally get my refund. I also didn't like it because he ALWAYS pushed products on me for each visit. I was recommended to go their because my friend really likes him. I told him that I wanted to lighten my skin and he said it was possibly to make me as light as I wanted- something extremely different from what other specialists have told me so I was excited that he said it was possible. He proceeded with giving me a facial peel by putting some acid treatment on my face. As soon as it went on, I told him that my face felt like it was burning on one area so him and his assistant wiped it off. I went shopping afterwards with a red blotch on my face where it "burned" the most. The area was tender for a few days and then to my alarm, one day I woke up with a scab in that tender area. I called Dr Burns about it and the admin suggested I return back. Since I bought a package peel treatment, Dr Burns encouraged me to try again. I told him I needed to think about it. After some days past, I decided he was a bad doctor because 1) he didn't tell me about the drawbacks nor apologize 2) he encouraged me to get another one despite that I was not pleased with the service 3) I always left his office with him urging me to buy his products. When I finally called to ask for a full refund, they said they'd leave a file on his desk. When NO ONE called me back after a few days, I called again. Same run through...they'd call me back but in fact never received a call back. I did this for a good TWO months until I finally got a hold of the head front desk person. Then the long saga story ended and I finally got my refund but ONLY for the services that I didn't receive from the package and not for the service that burned my skin. read more

I'm a big fan of Doctor Burns, he's a great dermatologist, very relaxing demeanor, and his entire staff is also very helpful. Some of my female friends say that he's a miracle worker, when it comes to making you look radiant before a big to-do or when stress gets the best of us. read more

I'm going to have to say that, first, going to see this doctor, and then reading what everybody else had to day about him, that I have to agree with you all. At first I was impressed with his kindness and customer service, but having some time to think about it, he wasn't really able to tell me anything about the small red dots on my face, and all I can recall from my visit was that he tried to sell me products. I felt award at the time and when i look back on it, it was just weird. My advice ... Try some one else read more

Awesome. Fan. Have been going to Dr. Burns for many years, maybe 15. He was the only one who ever cured my facial eczema after three years of a rash on my face in one visit. I will never go anywhere else. I have had tons of rashes cured, laser treatment for red marks, Botox for wrinkles, chemical peels to keep skin looking young, removal of unsightly bumps, repair and damaged skin from my at home ingrown hair removals, removal of a limpoma the size of a golf ball with a small mark less than the size of a dime to show for it. Introduced me to fabulous facial products to care for my skin. Everyone always compliments me on my skin, even Dr. Burns. The shortfalls in the billing department and the high prices are worth the results in my book. read more

Frozen Food Fairy is obviously a newcomer to the world of dermatology, because their adaptation of what happened with Doctor Burns is completely off the mark. If you want a doctor who takes his time and talks openly to you about your skin issues, etc... then Dr. Burns is definitely the person to see. His staff is very friendly, and they are always willing to offer samples of new products so you can try them out before filling your prescription. He is definitely an advocate for removing things he finds to be "off," and performing a biopsy... rather be safe than sorry! I appreciate that he is overly cautious and doesn't wait around to see if a mole or growth changes, he'd rather remove it and move on. Out of the few dermatologists I have been to in the Bay Area, he spends the most time with his patients and develops user friendly regimens for skin maintenance. Definitely an A++++ read more

Dr. Burns is wonderful. I made an appointment with him specifically because a yelp reviewer said that he cured their eczema. I have been battling a horrible bout of it on my leg for over a year, and Dr. Burns cleared it up within days. He was very patient and answered all of my questions, including general health questions that had nothing to do with my eczema. He reviewed some lab work that a different doctor had ordered, explaining each test and what my results were, which the doctor who ordered the tests couldn't take the time to do when I called and asked. The office staff was also very friendly and remembered me when I called back to make a follow-up appointment. Don't hesitate to visit this office. You will get the doctor's undivided attention and he won't rush you through the appointment. read more

I couldn't agree more with my fellow "One-Stars". When do you (as a med student)attend a salesman class? Well I am sure there must be one because "Dr. Burns" must have taken it. So pushy with his products, it was ridiculous. I was also sold La Roche Posey products (which didn't do jack for me) and I was told that these products were only available through his office at of course outrageous prices. Oh!!! the nerve!!! in this age everything is available through the internet :) I found the same products for 40% less. I highly discourage anybody to see THE SALESMAN aka Dr. Burns read more

Dr. Burns really takes the time to get to know his patients and their concerns. You never feel like you're being shuffled in and out. He's spot on with his treatment and is a perfectionist when it comes to care. read more

I've visited Doctor Burns once and it was the weirdest experience ever. I went in for sun damage on my back and he rambled on and on about how he is a doctor and talked about esoteric stuff, all the while fidgeting around and looking uncomfortable. Then when it came time for him to prescribe something for me he asked if I drank a lot and gave me a lecture about drinking and effects on your liver. He told me he couldn't prescribe me a pill if I drank, I told him I didn't drink and wouldn't if i took the pill, he still refused to give it to me. He finally prescribed it to me but It was an odd experience. read more

I went to Dr Burns for my acne He recommended a lot of products that he was selling! It was expensive and I was ready to try anything so I bought them Come to find out those products are sold at Walgreens in the East Coast! I felt a little manipulated. Any way the products work great so I have not complaint about that. Dr Burns and his staff always returned my call when I have a question. So I would recommend the Md s consultation but I would be aware of buying anything in a medical office read more

I've been to Dr. Burns once and will not go back. He's an odd duck....I went to see him because he calls his office the "Acne and Rosacea Clinic" and I thought I might have acne or rosacea. However, he seemed very unsure of the diagnosis and wrote three different prescriptions (tore up the first two), suggesting three different treatment regimens until he apparently convinced himself one was right... his bedside manner was a little strange and made me feel funny...then the kicker was that he tried to sell me some expensive skin French products ($100 total for cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen). He even came out to the reception area and sat down with me to continue the sales job there...."you could buy something cheaper at Walgreens, but you never know about the preservatives and colors in those products," "this sunscreen contains a UV-blocking chemical not available over the counter," etc. etc. read more

two stars because it's been six months and i haven't received a single bill from the office; i shouldn't have to call over and over and over again to ask them to submit the claims. i don't even have the same insurance anymore! i'm giving the office two stars instead of one because the doctor is actually very cool, but this is unacceptable. read more

TERRIBLE. No, I'm not talking directly about Dr. Burns because I wouldn't know. After sitting in the examination room for 50 minutes I left. Highly unprofessional. Too many great docs in the city to waste time on this quack. read more

Dr. Burns is a nice soft spoken man, but I think he may have taken too many drugs in the 60s. Once, I thought he confused me for someone else because he started talking about oily skin even though I have excessively dry skin. And I was really annoyed that my insurance had me pay for a pimple that he popped and then injected with some type of cortisone that cost me about $160. However, he did recommend a lotion that is the only lotion that doesn't sting my skin. It's the Roche Posay Toleriane cream and I love it. read more

I've been going to Dr. Burns for a few years and have been impressed with his professionalism, knowledge, bed side manner and willingness to take the time to thoroughly explain my symptoms and treatment. I've never had to wait more than 10-15 minutes. He's also gone the extra mile and helped me with insurance hassles. read more

First off, Dr. Burns is AMAZING, as well as his fabulous staff ! VIcki his Asst is also amazing and beyond professional , his staff is truly on point. He is the best at his craft meaning a true gem of a dermatologist ! He is Beyond kind and his bedside manner is impeccable .So if you care as much as I do about having FLAWLESS skincare , he's a must , by far in SF! read more

I'm from a family of physicians, and I appreciate excellence in health care. That's Dr. Michael Burns, the dermatologist I have depended on for about 15 years. He's a perfectionist, which I appreciate, very professional, and has an excellent bedside manner. His staff are great too - and very organized. Always a positive experience. read more

I went to see Dr Burns for Rosacea, and he spent a lot of time with me telling me about the condition, etc. At times I thought he was almost trying to kill time. I was probably there 45 minutes in his room. He did give me some skin treatment also (cleaning, and popped a few pimples). He did recommend quite a few products also. Then I got a bill for $600!!! Luckily my insurance paid most of it, but it was outrageous. I have never in my life been charge more than $295 for an office visit with treatment. Yes, he took a long time with me, but I don't think it was warranted and I think he should tell people what the first appointment entails and how much it will cost, given that it is more than double any doctors visit I've ever had in 25 years! Never again. read more

Dr. Burns is awesome, plain and simple. I went in for some "product" and asked if he could check this little thing on my nose that I've had on and off for months, even years. He made time for me and his staff even stayed on so he could do a biopsy. I felt NOTHING! No needleprick, nada. He's a master. And also very nice and personable and that goes a long way with me. I've been to dermatologists I couldn't even meet with -- always a nurse practitioner (but they charge my insurance just the same). He's also very sensible. I was asking about all kinds of radical resurfacing procedures, and he said, let's take it slow and see how some of this product works. Hey, it's cheaper, I'm in control of the administration, and I don't have to hide under a rock with a face that looks like a turkey vulture. Yes, he'd do more radical things if I wanted, and he'd probably make more money off me in the process, but I trust him for this realistic approach and you bet I'll be a loyal patient. Don't know the outcome of the biopsy yet, but if I need anything done, I'm going to ask him. to do the fixing up. UPDATE: The biopsy showed the spot to be benign. It healed great.. read more

Dr Burns has been my doctor for over 20years. I had cancer on my lip and he was quick to identify it and treat it. I've had no more problems with it since. I continue to get check-ups and skin issues treated by him and am always treated professionally and have learned he really knows what he is doing. I think he is GREAT and the staff is wonderful. I buy products from him and am grateful he has them and that I don't have to make another trip someplace else. They have never Pushed them on me but will recommend if I ask about products. read more

i've been to dr. burns twice. the first time, i saw him for a rash on my lip. he dismissed that as trivial and found more interest in a 'discolored' piece of my lip. he then removed a sample for a biopsy. obvious,i don't like the possibility of cancer, so i agreed. he was very good with the procedure but in the end, i felt like he just inflated the bill with lab fees. the second time, i saw him for a growth on the outside of my eye lid. i didn't mind the mole b/c i couldn't see it. anyway, he removed it. another great procedure. he's good with the needle and knife. and his staff is kind with the bandages and gauze. i wouldn't not go to dr. burns for a serious skin matter. i had the impression that he was a dermatologist trying to be a plastic surgeon. nothing is wrong with that. it is a good business and he does it well. read more

I've seen Dr. Burns twice now. He listens, spends as much time as necessary without feeling rushed, is methodical in his approach, and gets it right the first time. I will return to SF from Denver whenever I am in need of skin care or cosmetic procedures! Thank you Dr. Burns and staff. read more

I'm not a patient I just came with a friend. when you go in it doesnt feel friendly . I don't want say but I don't think he doctor knows what's going on in that office with what his staff are doing. well beside that my friend doesn't like he office esp billing . she's been there few months ago and until now she hasn't receive any bill from the office or insurance. or if they even sent it to the Insurance because my friend always gets a letter from the insurance every visit . I looked around there is still alot of dermatology office in that 450 building so I suggest look for a friendly one. read more

Dr. Burns is not a professional. He behaves more like a gypsy; and, I mean no offense to the Roma people who are the actual gypsies when I say this. I went to him regarding a skin lesion. He took a tissue sample and told me he would be "back in touch shortly". Months passed and he did not return my phone calls, although he had immediately charged my insurance. Then he had the nerve to send me a bill beyond the amount we originally agreed to, which I paid. Still, no response from "the doctor". Do yourself a favor- don't get burned by Dr. Burns. read more

I read the last review and I have to agree, really sketchy bedside manner and was constantly trying to sell me on products I didn't need! I switched my dermatologist a year ago but today, I got a phone call from Dr. Burns about an upaid claim from 2007. I had not been notified of this prior to the phone call either by phone or statement. I remember the procedure well, it was a biopsy for a spot on my leg so a legit procedure, so I thought. I had a bump on my leg that randomly appeared so wanted to get it looked at. He insisted that he needed to take a tissue sample. Not knowing what proper procedure is and being scared that it "could be cancerous" (per Dr. Burns), I said by all means- biopsy it. The results were negative so I never gave it another thought until today. The receptionist told me that they had filed my claim a year ago and it was rejected multiple times by the insurance company (does that make ANY sense to anyone? Denying a claim for a biopsy?) and that they had appealed it to the highest level and even negotiated an amount for the insurance company to pay and they didn't even pay that so they asked if I could get involved. I said sure, not knowing what else to do and then the receptionist asked me to PAY the negotiated amount and sort out the rest with the insurance company. This didn't sound right. I'd never receivd a claim from the insurance company nor a bill from the Dr. I called the insurance company and got quite a different story. They said that the claim had first been submitted this past July, a full year and 2 months after the procedure. They also said there were no appeals and that the claim was rejected because of a coding problem that the Dr. needed to resolve and that there is absolutely no patient responsiblity no matter what the outcome is and that the Dr. never should have contacted ME for payment. Makes me wonder what they submitted the "claim" for- was it really a biopsy or did they submit for something else? I haven't seen it so don't know but all I know is that I was asked to pay over the phone for something I didn't owe. I will never go back to Dr. Burns and would advise you have your insurance company on the phone when he's performing procedures so you can make sure you won't be stuck with a fat bill for something you 1. didn't need 2. didn't have a choice in getting done! read more

I"ve been seeing Dr. Burns for over 8 years now. He has been the consumate professional, and I always feel the service by him, and his staff, exceeds my expectations. They are courteous, professional, my appointments are on time, and I always look and feel better when I leave. He has been instrumental in detecting skin cancer areas and eradicating them. I also feel his examinations keep my in great shape with no fear of skin cancer areas going unnoticed. The best part of Dr. Burns practice is appointments needing to happen fast. In every instance where I've needed to come in unexpectedly, they always accommodate. In reading some fo these posts, I find it hard to believe they are writing about the same doctor. I've never had billing issues, problems with them pushing product, or any sense of irritation or dismissivness. I've recommended several friends and collegues, and they are always happy with the results. read more