Great dermatologist for psoriasis Ive been a customer of Paul Yamauchi for approximately a year and a half so far. I came in to Paul's looking for treatment for my skin condition psoriasis after doing some research for a dermatologist that specializes working with my condition, as well as someone how accepts my health insurance from Health.net. Overall the experience has been very positive, even if not entirely without some small frustrations. I liked the fact that Paul is up to date with the latest medication for my skin condition. Sadly I cannot say the same for all dermatologists I've worked for. Paul appears to be down to earth, listens well, and offers suggestions for the best treatment in a very calm, matter of fact way. He had suggested a biologic treatment for me that worked for about a year and a half. Recently he suggested a new medication that has worked well since. I liked the fact that the Dr and staff will initiate paperwork with the health insurance, if not also pharmacies efficiently when it comes to starting a new medication. I recall the procedure took less than 2 weeks on both occasions, a welcome relief at times when my skin condition had flared up to more worrisome levels. Ive had mixed results working with the nurses there when it comes to correspondence and timeliness with the pharmacies that deliver their meds to the Dr's office. My best experience so far has been with nurse Sandy, whom I highly recommend with attentive, thorough, and time sensitive follow up. The phone answering is not always consistent, so I can empathize with negative reviews to some extent. There have been times when I can't reach anyone. I believe their lunch hours are leisurely and longer than most from noon to 1:30 or 2:00. Seldom have I not been able to reach the reception within 3-4 calls at random during the day. The parking situation is far from optimal sadly. The parking lot the medical center uses can be hectic at times finding a spot. Prices can be higher at $4-6 when I park for 30 mins or less. They only take cash. Metered parking in the area is scarce if you can find it. Overall highly recommended. read more

I'm very disappointed with how unprofessionally this dermatologist office handled my visit. I called a day before my appointment to confirm whether they accept my Medi-Cal insurance. The receptionist assured me that they did, asked me to email photos of the front and back of my insurance card, and scheduled me for a 2:30 PM appointment. She clearly told me I was "all set" and that there would be no copay or out-of-pocket cost. When I arrived today, I was just about to be seen by the doctor when the receptionist suddenly informed me that my insurance is actually out of network, and that I would need to pay to be seen. This was especially frustrating because I was there for what could have been an emergency reaction, and I had done everything I could to confirm coverage ahead of time. This kind of last-minute surprise is unacceptable. They should have verified my insurance properly and explained the situation before I came in. It shows a serious lack of professionalism and communication on their part. I do not recommend this office to anyone, especially if you're relying on insurance coverage. Very disappointing experience. read more

Always regret that Yelp doesn't have a 0 star box, which in this case would be more than deserved. I was referred to Dr. Yamauchi by another derm. During my appointment, he barely examined me and a young woman (not a physician's assistant nor a nurse) was in the exam room. After his "diagnosis", he prescribed a medication that would have to be pre-approved and special ordered. At the office front desk I asked for some information about this med. I was given an illegibly written post-it with the name, nothing more. That was in early November 2024, and that was the last I heard. Until March 2025, when I called their office to find out what had happened. I was transferred to someone who told me that the medication approval process had not been done, and he would move it along, along with his attitude. Several weeks later, a pharmacy I'd never heard of, called with the good news- approved at close to $1000.00. When I called the Dr.'s office back, the same warm person argued with me after I asked why it was that the Dr. himself didn't know what was going on in his office. this person shrugged (if you can shrug over the phone), "I wasn't here then". I forgot to mention that "diagnosis"? Completely wrong. read more

Dr. Paul Yamauchi is great dermatologist! He seems to have an answer for everything. Highly recommend. Highly intelligent and professional. Never late and always comes with a positive attitude! read more

My son's appointment was today at 12 noon as you could see in the picture he called and confirmed it himself then drove about an hour to get to this location. He parked his car at 12:05 (pic below) gets to the front by 12:08 and noticed that their office is closed until 1:30. He called them left a message and then called me to ask how could that be possibles ? I also called and left a message. Well no one called either one of us back. So I called again at 2:30 and spoke with the manager who claims that they were there and door wasn't locked until 12:15. No apologies As medical professional myself if or when my patient is late I call them to make sure they are still coming This manager, Veronica, is very unprofessional, didn't apologize about the mess up, didn't acknowledge any wrong doing or attempt to reconcile the issue. Extremely unprofessional. Didn't even offer to pay for his parking for the mess up. Btw I can imagine the doctor has no idea that this is going on in the front office which is really sad since he seems to be a great Doctor. read more

Paul Yamauchi, MD, PhD - This was my son's confirmation for today's appt at 12 noon - Dermatologists Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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I have been a patient of Dr Yamauchi for 7 yrs and have decided to leave the practice due complete lack of care for the patients observed in last 2 yrs. They have started to rush the patients in the last few years where if you make an appointment for injections, you cannot ask for a refill or a skin concern. Today I had my appointment scheduled with Dr. Yamauchi for biopsy and a skin concern. I was 15 min late so I sat in the lobby for 30 min waiting to be let in, no complaints. When I was admitted I was told that Summer will do a biopsy and not Dr. Yamauchi. Since I have had prior experience with Summer, physician assistant, I agreed. Summer did good. Then I asked if Dr. Yamauchi is planning on coming in as promised to review my skin concern. They said that they would check in. Summer comes back and says that she will check on my skin. I was on a verge of crying at that point and inquired if Dr. Yamauchi really cannot spend 2 min? I have a chronic condition and really wanted his perspective. The nurse came back and advised that Dr. Yamauchi is in a procedure and that it would be a 30 min wait. I agreed to see Summer. My issue is not with Summer and she is great. My issue is with the staff of the office who administers Dr. Yamauchi schedule. I feel neglected, unimportant and completely disregarded. read more

I was referred to Dr Yamauchi by my main dermatologist since he specializes in Psoriasis (that is now turned into psoriatic arthritis for me). I can not say thank you enough to Dr Yamauchi and his staff (specially Veronica). Dr Yamauchi listened well to all my issue with my psoriasis and provided me with all my options. He recommended a Biologics injection, since topical ointments were not working. Plus my psoriasis has now turned into psoriatic arthritis. His team (Veronica) got the approval for the Biologics through my insurance within a week. That is absolutely amazing. Thank you Dr Yamauchi, Veronica and entire staff. You are all amazing! If you are dealing with psoriasis I definitely recommend Dr Yamauchi! read more

I was recommended to this office by my closest friend and upon meeting the Doctor and his staff was treated very very well The appointment went smoothly and was very professional and nice. I was told by the assistant Sandy i would receive a call with 4- 6 business days and we even joked about people calling the next day and demanding answers. I confirmed my cell number with her AND her staff receptionist and asked that the call be made to my cell only and any info be left there on my personal cell so that i would not have to return a call and possibly play" phone tag ". Sandy absolutely agreed as she said she makes the telephone call. There is no HIPPA violation in that cell message 10 Business days later i am leaving at least 2 messages at their office ( and an email) for Sandy who is now in with a patient each time I call with no return phone call On the 12 day she leaves a message only to call back on my office line (not cell) @ 4:45 pm I call back the following day and Sandy is still with patients but the receptionist releases my information re my procedure. The take away is Sandy tells you exactly what she is going to do as you've both agreed then literally does what she would do as if you've never spoken or are simply an inconvenience inventory. I expect more from a medical clinic than " car salesman" tactics. Find another Dermatologist.... there are many with much more capable staff. read more

I am hard to impress regarding doctors but I was incredibly impressed by Dr. Yamauchi. He was professional and caring and performed outpatient surgery for the removal of a cyst painlessly. I really appreciated his work and his calm demeanor. Further, his front desk staff was beyond wonderful. Super nice and the nurses took great care of me. I would highly recommend him as a surgeon. Thank you again. read more

I would love to give a more extensive review but the office has not bothered returning my call. I have never, and I repeat never, had a doctor's office not follow up. I was also surprised to hear a machine pick up before the lunch hour. That's all. read more

Great dermatologist. Highly reccomended . Professional staff and office is modern and comfortable. read more

Had to wait three weeks for an appointment, let the receptionist know SPECIFICALLY that I had an HMO and a referral with the company name, doctor that referred me, etc. Show up to my appointment only to be told that the doctor doesn't accept my insurance. They literally got every detail of my insurance over the phone three weeks ago, let me keep my appointment and then turned me away at the front desk as soon as I showed up. They wasted a solid four hours of my life. read more

I've had psoriasis for about 20 years, and have seen countless dermatologists and tried a vast array of treatments for it. I've been through so many doctor's offices over the years, but it is only fairly recently that I feel as though I've found my dermatologist, and found a treatment that has restored what the disease took away. I was happy to have been recommended to Dr. Yamauchi and his staff. He does active research on psoriasis and treatments, and is extremely knowledgeable about the condition. Dr. Yamauchi and the staff here, in addition to being very friendly and professional, went out of their way to provide me with effective treatment for my condition, and I am incredibly grateful to them for it. I highly recommend this place. read more

The office is unclean and does not seem sanitary. The doctor will take your money but he won't return phone calls or answer your questions when you get him on the phone. The staff is rude and stupid, and have bad attitudes. I will never go back to this crummy place. read more

My experience going to Dr. Yamauchi has been incredible. He's very kind and thorough. His team is incredibly inviting and makes sure I'm well taken care of. read more

Dr. Yamauchi is an exceptional doctor and it's always a delight to go to my appointments even though I get a little anxious before having to have a procedure. As soon as I walk into his office I'm at ease due to his friendly staff and pleasant office atmosphere. As soon as I see Dr. Yamauchi 's big bright smile I remember how easy he makes it for me to do any of my procedures. This is due to his complete competency and thoroughness of course , but also because he's always happy to listen and answer any questions and concerns you might have. I have found this same approach goes for everyone who works for Dr. Yamauchi as well. They are consistently helpful and friendly. I come from Hollywood to Santa Monica to see him because I feel very well taken care of and it's absolutely worth it ! K Scarritt read more

I went to see Dr. Yamauchi when I developed a spreading, itchy rash. Before my first appointment, I asked the receptionist how much it would cost, as the doctor was not a provider for my insurance. She told me it would cost $85. After my appointment they asked me to pay $175! When I told the front desk I had called earlier and been told $85, they sighed and said for once they would make an exception. What? The Dr.'s first diagnosis, an incurable skin condition related to gangrene, thankfully turned out to be incorrect. He had not based it on any tests, and the diagnosis caused me severe anxiety for several weeks. When the treatment he prescribed for the first condition did not cure it, I went back for a biopsy. When I called a week later to find out the results, I COULD NOT GET A CALL BACK. I called several more times and eventually reached a nurse, Sandy. She gave me attitude! Apparently they had done only ONE test on my biopsy, as opposed to continue performing tests to figure out what I had. She could not answer my questions, and so I asked for her to have the doctor call me back. Days went back, and no return call. I called several more times, each time requesting a return call and not receiving one. In the meantime my rash was spreading. Finally, on my EIGHTH call, I was put through to the doctor. I told him that I had called and left messages eight times. He didn't directly respond. Then I asked him if this was to be expected. His answer? "Yeah, that happens". Paul Yamauchi must be pretty comfortable in his practice to not return EIGHT calls from a current patient. A simple call saying I am busy but will return your call on Tuesday would have been OK. Plus his office tells patients one price for a visit adn then try to charge over double. Plus the nurse is rude when all I wanted was to know what they were testing for since I was the one with the ugly rash that I wanted to get rid of. I would not recommend this place at all. UPDATE: 7-29-2013 Since my post, I did get a better outcome. The doctor responded more promptly, and started returning calls. Because of this, I went back for another follow up visit. At that appointment, the doctor tried to diffuse the tension with humor, was considerate, and took all the time needed to answer my questions. All of which I really appreciated. So perhaps the doctor was just very busy when I first went to see him. read more

I was sorry to find that this is a greedy and uncaring doctor. Friendly woman at desk, but the office manager is just as bad as the doctor. Go somewhere else! read more

Same as another reviewer here. They don't answer the phone during regular business hours. Arrogant, irresponsible, incompetent. read more

I've gone through many dermatologists and negative experiences until stepping into this office. Most dermatologists just give you 2 minutes of your time, prescribe you something and leave. I never feel that I am taken seriously or that I am confident in what the doctor is doing. I was referred to Dr. Yamauchi and have been seeing him since. I can tell he is very well versed in the field and a great doctor. I recently saw Dr. Kim and she was amazing as well and very personable. Both are extremely professional, honest, and go the extra mile to explain your options/treatment to you to help you understand. I recommend all my friends & family to this office! The supporting staff in the office is great as well. read more

The best doctor I've ever seen! I had had a problem with my skin, and no body could help with! I visited just one time, and got solution of my strong problem! read more

Very unhappy with the care I received. no consideration at all for the patient. They charged me for an office visit when they did not even take the time to give me a full skin check. I received a 300 dollars bill for just a shaved mole sent to biopsy. They are now pretending that the mole has been removed. This is a scam read more

Fantastic staff. Excellent practice. Warm hearted and genuinely concerned about the well being of the patient and not to just make fast buck. Sudi the PA is so kind and pleasant. She took her time to diagnose and made me feel at ease. Highly recommend this Doctor! read more

I used to think he is the best but no way dr Nicholas lows was the best This guy , staff they are not smart they are not Rn at all , and dr yumcho does not have no ER which is surprised and the office manager answer the phone, I pay out of pocket to him and he mis dignoses my sickness from psroises to eczma ok and without, i had to tell him to do skin culture what about biopsy to find out if this is what eczma psoriwse wht is going on, I want my money back now , Dr yumochi , and also you suppose to put me in research and not charge me that much , but you did and that is not cool at all , I want my money back and I want it now read more

Helpful office. Nice staff. Very knowledgeable with insurance. I met with Dr. Yamauchi and his PA Sudi. Both were pleasant to be with. Dr. Yamauchi explained all my options with regards to my skin treatment. I like the fact that he does research and knows all the outcomes and what's best for me. Sudi his PA did a wonderful with my cosmetic procedure. I'm super happy. Will definitely recommend my family and friends. read more

Very professional and easy to understand what Dr Yamauchi is telling me. If there is any procedure he explains what he recommends and why.

Sadly, I didn't get to use this dermatologist. The woman on the phone was super nice and have nothing negative to say here. HOWEVER, I was given this doctor my new health insurance company and was excited to see they offered similar skin treatments as my top notch bev hills doctor I used of years, which is no longer covered! The prices are here are INSANE. I personally know and can refer 3 bev hills doctors and one marina doctor who are half the price of their services. I'm all for making a profit...but this was crazy. Oh well! read more

Very clever doctor. He charges you $125 for a visit (in which he's very condescending) that makes your problem worse, THEN he wants you to return again so he can repeat the process. I wish I was callus enough to do what he does. read more

Dr. Yamauchi is among the best dermatologists in the U.S. I have gone to him for nearly 10 years for treatment of severe psoriasis. He is extremely knowledgeable with a PhD in addition to his M.D. He works tirelessly with the patient to develop the optimal treatment plan. He advises the patient on all of the treatment trade-offs concerning efficacy and risks. He is the type of physician who is not hurried and he will spend the necessary time to insure all patient questions are answered. When warranted he does a very thorough skin exam using special optical equipment. I have had biopsy's and excisions done by Dr. Yamauchi and his surgical technique is excellent. He is careful, precise and he minimizes patient discomfort. After almost 5 decades of seeing dermatologists I think I am qualified to say that Dr. Yamauchi is among the best. I recommend him without reservation. read more

What I love about the staff and doctors (Dr. Yamauchi and Dr. Kim) is their tremendous professionalism and knowledge of their field. I've had numerous moles expertly removed by both doctors. No pain at all. They got back to me as quickly as possible with the biopsy results. They are also very personable, take the time to listen to your problems, and treat you accordingly. And all with a smile! You can tell that the staff and doctors like and respect each other. I would highly recommend either Dr. Yamauchi or Dr. Kim to anyone who is in need of a dermatologist. read more

My wife had a very rare and horrible skin condition and had seen 5 dermatologists prior to seeing Dr. Yamauchi. None gave her sufficient time, empathy nor an adequate clinical understanding to treat her. Two sold her useless products. Dr. Yamauchi was a breath of fresh air. He was professional, empathic, and most importantly, correctly diagnosed her condition and gave appropriate treatment and she is now nearly fully recovered and has her health and life back. He is a remarkable physician, and a terrific human being. He has a very supportive and caring office staff. I recommend him without reservation. read more

I recently saw Dr. Y's PA Sudi Gooch and had a wonderful experience all around at the office! The staff was friendly and helpful, the office was clean and Sudi listened to all my needs and ended up clearing up my acne I came in to see her about and gave me the most natural looking Botox I have ever had and I will defiantly be coming back for more in the future! I have already recommend her to many of my friends! Plus I will probably be heading back for a laser soon! Great experience all around! read more