Do yourself a favor and avoid this place. The receptionist is rude beyond belief. I came here twice and both times I had a $25 copay. The first time I pulled a $20 bill out of my wallet and she started to explain how much a debit transaction would cost and then another patient handed me $5 and said it fell to the ground from my wallet . The receptionist protested and said the dr would not take payment from another patient and that patient said "it's his money take it!" She then gave me a $20 receipt. The dr seemed nice but he misdiagnosed me twice. I basically wasted $50 in copays plus $10 I'm two different $5 copays for antibiotics that didn't help because he was wrong about what I had and then 6 weeks later got a bill for $5. When I explained this was in error I received a very rude text back . There are other dermatologists avoid this place . Ps After I saw the doctor the first time as I was leaving the waiting area the receptionist said "remember to bring the correct payment next time !" Pps At the second visit the doctor did a biopsy on my skin and said the lab should take 21 days to get results . That seemed like a red flag to me that he is going through the cheapest lab out there to save money . I could be wrong but I've had lab work done before and the results were back within 1-3 days. When he first tried to guess at what I had he said it was pleva (it wasn't ) and he said I had to deep clean my house, clothes , car interior. It as distressing for two weeks to think I was so dirty I brought this on? It wasn't pleva and my house , car and clothing were already fine but damn ! He went to med school and has that rude receptionist and is just spit balling/guessing what I might have ? What's the point of calling yourself a specialist ? read more

Tommy H Chen, MD - Message between receptionist and myself - Dermatologists Near Me - Pasadena, California

I had my first consultation with Dr Chen and I am so happy with him. I wish I had found him years ago. I also like Mae, his receptionist. I am looking forward to my upcoming treatments with Dr. Chen. I will write more after my first treatment. read more

I cannot speak highly enough of Dr. Chen and his office assistant, Mae! I have been seeing him regularly for several years now, but today he made a miracle happen for me. Last night I came down with some kind of itching attack all over my body from head to toe. Dr. Chen is usually only at my location in Pasadena twice a week and I knew I needed to see him so I called him first thing in the morning. I was told they needed to first have a new authorization approved by my medical group, and then they had to see if they even had a time they could fit me in because they are usually booked solid. Amazingly both came true!! I recommend Dr. Chen 100%. read more

Even though the doctor is good, the office refused to provide me with a full refund of the service that I paid twice. I made a valid Zelle transfer for the full amount of the service, but then I was told the transaction did not go through. I was forced to pay it again using credit card or cash if I want to see Dr. Chen that day. Short on time and cash, I paid by credit card for $196 (with 6% surcharge of the service fee of $185) and I was promised for a full refund in case the Zelle payment went through. I was informed the Zelle payment went through but they refused to give me full refund. read more

I saw Dr. Chen on Saturday. He was great and answered all my questions. May had helped me to set up this appointment on just one day's notice. She was terrific, nice, everything you want in a receptionist. I read the criticism of her here and I am like....what? read more

This is a really nice office. One Receptionist/Nurse and one DR. They have been kind and thoughtful and thorough. DR Tommy Chen is Knowledgeable and handles things perfectly. They fit me in to take care of me with something that i was concerned about. He put me at ease and explained everything. I would recommend them read more

Waste of money & time. This dermatologist is arrogant. Took my toddler here because he has a rash behind his knee. Of course he recommended using steroids. When I asked what if his rash comes back right after using it? He said then he can prescribe me a stronger one. He said eczema is not curable and he'll probably always need steroids. No thanks. I would never use steroids on my two yrs old. I told him that I personally knows kids that went through tsw (topical steroids withdrawal) & he told me not to believe my friends. These friends were also advised by dermatologists, which they all regretted listening to them. I rather believe my friends than these doctors that only cares about money. After seeing so many kids I know go through tsw, I would never put my child through that. "If potent or very potent topical corticosteroids are used for a long time or over a large area, there's a risk of the medicine being absorbed into the bloodstream and causing internal side effects, such as: decreased growth in children." This is just one of the side effects of using topical steroids in the long run. These are side effects doctors NEVER warn you about. Always do your own research. Don't believe everything doctors tell you, they are not always right. read more

Dr. Chen and his staff were excellent during my visit. I was super impressed with the knowledge and care that they provided throughout the checkup and procedure. In my case, I was looking to remove a small cyst that had formed on my back. Dr. Chen made the process super simple and pain-free which I really appreciated. He provided instructions on how to heal and made great recommendations for a full recovery. I am glad I visited and will definitely recommend to friends and family. read more

Dr. Tommy H. Chen, MD is a very knowledgeable dermatologist....He provided me with great service. I highly recommend Dr. Tommy Chen. Ms. Mae the receptionist is very thorough and sharp.....all in all I had a good experience with Dr. Chen's office....... read more

Dr. Chen has been our family's dermatologist for many years. He is brilliant, thorough & has always provided us with the utmost care. Having been a sun lover during my teenage years (and beyond!), I have had sun damage. Dr. Chen has identified many areas on my body and treated them with excellent success. Our entire family recommends Dr. Chen, he is personable and friendly. Lovely office & staff. Parking adjacent to building. read more

I have been trying now, for 2 weeks to schedule an appt for my daughter and it has been the most frustrating experience. The office offers texting as an option so I took advantage of that, assuming that it would be efficient and quick. Let's just say, it has been neither. Don't bother calling the office either because you'll go straight to the voicemail. I was told that my daughter's insurance was "not active" so I contacted my insurance and was told that nothing has been terminated, and that her insurance is good. I sent an email stating what I discovered on my end, requesting to schedule an appointment. Three days later, I receive a text saying that this issue still needs be be sorted. I don't know what else to sort out if her insurance is active. Needless to say, I requested a change of doctor and was approved. Thank goodness! Find another dermatologist. read more

I had been coming to Dr. Chen on and off for well over 10 years. I have always loved Dr. Chen; his bedside manner is amazing and he always knows what to say and do when it comes to any derm issues that I have. My issue is with May his only receptionist. May is unprofessional, nasty & rude. Dr. Chen, you are losing patients because of your unprofessional receptionist! Keep in mind your patient's pay & keep your business afloat with their insurance. I have had to file a grievance with my insurance because she refuses to schedule me although I am in the network. I have the screenshots telling me that she does not accept my insurance and I provided the screenshots that I am in the network. Will never go to Dr. Chen so long as May is there. read more

It's hard to speak to the experience of Dr. Chen as I was turned away twice by his receptionist claiming my insurance had been cancelled. After contacting my insurance company I was assured all was good but still couldn't get an appointment. Another dermatologist was glad to take my money. Bizarre experience and aggressive unfriendly scheduler/receptionist. read more

Awful experience--avoid this place. There are many other doctors and staff who are far friendlier and more accommodating. When we questioned a discrepancy between the copay and our insurance coverage, both the doctor and staff became upset and ultimately decided to dismiss us as patients. Can't believe how unprofessional and emotional this place is. Usually if we have questions, staff will professionally explain any confusion or discrepancies...but not get emotional and dismiss a patient. And it was only about a copay discrep!!!! Not a huge deal. Crazy people!!!!! Stay away. read more

Make you a favor and don't come to this office. The receptionist is very rude and unprofessional. The worst experience I have ever had. She denied me the service because she said she can do it. read more

I really liked Dr. Chen when I met him today -- he was kind, attentive, respectful, clearly skillful, and had a wonderful bedside manner. I felt like I was in completely good hands and I really appreciated him immensely. However, the office experience was something altogether different. For such a prominent doctor, he should have a better office! The tiny waiting room was completely crowded with humans - children crying, older people trying to find a place to sit down, someone standing in the plastic tree because there was nowhere else to stand, people just standing in the middle of the tiny room b/c there was nowhere to stand or sit, no one wearing masks, no masks available at the counter. I couldn't even hear what the front desk person was saying because it was so crowded and noisy in there. I had a morning appointment and he was already almost an hour behind schedule. I went across the street to get a coffee at Jones, then I found a trash can in the mail room, turned it upside down, and sat in the lobby till my appointment was ready. In and out in 10 minutes after almost an hour of waiting. He should definitely upgrade to a nicer, bigger office and an administrator who takes cards! Who doesn't take cards nowadays? Only Zelle or cash. Crazy. I never want to go there again, although I would be happy to see Dr. Chen again. read more

I wish I would have seen Dr. Chen earlier! Clearly explained my skin issues and how to resolve. Thank you Dr. Chen. Front desk lady was also very nice. read more

Both of my teen daughters have been seeing Dr. Chen for several months now and we are very happy with the results. Dr. Chen has great bedside manners. He is patient, understanding, listens well, communicates what's the status and what the plan of action is. The office is clean and his receptionist, May is sweet. She is helpful and works hard to make sure your needs are met. We have never had an issue with getting an appt. I am pleased and recommend Dr. Chen as a dermatologist. read more

The best doctor ever! Dr. Chan has been our family dermatologist for years. We visited countless dermatologists before finding him. He has treated both my cousins with their misused cortisone medication for psoriasis on their faces for a long time without realizing it is actually damaging their skin. This not only causes redness on their face but itchiness when they stop using. Other dermatologist was not able to come up with the correct diagnoses and prescribed them unnecessary medication that did not help. Now, both my cousins were healed entirely. I recently have an inflammable ruptured cyst that was sitting on the carotid artery. I would not trust anyone to do the minor surgery of removing it but Dr. Chan. We could not thank Dr. Chan enough in regard to our health and for providing us with excellent medical and physical care. He truly is a wonderful doctor who is knowledgeable and attentive. I highly recommend Dr. Chan to anyone looking for a dermatologist. read more

Dr. Chen, please get a new scheduler/receptionist. I missed my appointment with you that I had scheduled because my dog died that morning. I reached out to the number that I have been texting with that same day to apologize and ask to reschedule. I did not hear back so texted again today. This evening I got such a rude response saying why don't I call back when I'm serious about seeing you. I am a nurse myself and know that this type of behavior would NEVER be tolerated in any respected practice. I will go somewhere else, no problem, but you really should let this person go. My dog died. That morning. My appointment was at 10. It was an honest mistake and I reached out as soon as I could... that same day. She should really think before being so rude and inconsiderate. read more

Dr Chen is the best dermatologist, very patient and knowledgeable. I have seen many dermatologists and only Dr Chen can diagnose and get down to the root of the problem. Highly recommended. read more

I went to Dr. Chen after being dissatisfied with the lack of explanation the prior derm gave me for the specific procedure she wanted to schedule me for my Basel cell carcinoma. Dr. Chen was very patient in explaining why different procedures are done, as well as explaining why they also wanted to remove a few moles. You would think this would be standard practice, but my prior derm only told me what I needed to do and not why. I gladly switched to Dr. Chen. The reviews about the receptionist are 100% accurate, unfortunately. However, I will deal with that to get the better care Dr. Chen provided and I think it's not quite fair to bring his reviews down by giving one star on account if the receptionist. In my instance, I made the appointment by text which did not include the cash only policy. When I double checked the text at the check in, I confirmed it wasn't there. She insisted they always provide it, as if she didn't believe me. I told her I could get cash but only after my appointment-I told her I wasn't going to lose my appointment because they didn't tell me this when every other office accepts cards. She then proceeded to explain to my the charges on credit cards, which I told her several times that I'm fully aware of and I have no problem with cash except that I was not advised and I needed accommodation. She literally went on for 5 minutes about credit card charges. She was very argumentative and somewhat gaslighting and the encounter was 10+ minutes long. It made me incredibly anxious for the appointment but luckily Dr. Chen made up for it. read more

This review is long overdue. My mother in law got a very bed allergic reaction to seafood which gave her horrible rash all over her body, her skin was extremely itchy and those rash were not going away after 2 weeks... so she finally agreed to go see a doctor. My MIL speaks a little English and she was lucky to find Dr. Chen who could speak Cantonese with her. Dr. Chen is patient and he is also a good listener. We both can feel that he is the kind of doctor who would truly care about his patients. My MIL felt better in 3 days after she went to see Dr.Chen, we were grateful :) read more

I visited as a new patient with a referral from my general practitioner. Dr. Chen called me personally from the waiting room and led me to an exam room. I informed him of an issue I was having, and he right away understood that I had sun sensitivity due to medication I take for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sjögrens. He put my fears to rest, and even offered sample tubes of sunscreen with a higher SPF to help me out. His receptionist is amazing! I dealt with her via text for scheduling and due to an error, she informed me two days prior that she needed to reschedule and gave me available days as options for a new appointment. I informed her I was not available either of those days and I would need to move some things around on my calendar and let her know. Instead, she totally accommodated my schedule and got me in despite the error. Upon meeting her in person, I found her to be very sweet, and I noticed she was friendly and chatted with the other patients in the waiting room as well. One thing to keep in mind is that your insurance copay is cash only. Also, the parking lot does have paid parking, and I believe it is cash only as well. read more

Doctor Chen is the best dermatologist that I ever had. He understands my issues and knows what to do and take care of my needs and gives useful advice He is a caring doctor and spends time with patients. Doctor Chen is knowledgeable and professional. He takes time to explain the issues and gives treatment options that are available I am very happy to have Dr. Chen as my dermatologist and highly recommended read more

Unprofessional Receptionist /Terrible Customer Service. Many patients do not understand why there are so many negative reviews. You have to experience it first hand to truly understand. The so-called receptionist/wife by the name of May was very unprofessional, loud, rude and disrespectful. She doesn't understand what customer service really means. I'm just surprised she hasn't drove Dr. Chen out of his practice. I have never experienced such terrible customer service from a doctor's office. May will hang up on you, lie through her teeth and pull the "victim card" when in fact she was the one that victimizes patients. She will go out of her way to do everything she can to stop you from making an appointment. It appears Dr. Chen was aware of this, however, continues to stick his head in the sand. She's got him by the balls. read more

On 11/4/21,I called this practice to make an appointment for my mother.I spoke with May and confirmed they do take her insurance,made the appointment for 11/16/21and gave her all insurance info needed.She said she'll take care of it and see you on the 16th.Well,my mom never got to see the doctor on 11/16/21.We arrived and were the only patient, signed in, proceeded to give May all of mom's info- ID, Insurance cards,Covid vaccination cards,etc.She glanced at my stack of medical records in hand- made the comment of how thick the stack was,and said no need for them.So, I just gave her the most recent 2 bloodwork reports that perhaps the doctor would care to see.She made more side comments of where mom got her Covid vaccines, etc...,yet no action to get mom ready to see the doctor.After finally got 2 forms filled out,handing the forms back to her, I asked where is the restroom here.She asked me,"Who needs to go?You?"I said yes.She told me to"hold"while she'll process the paperwork.I said fine, I'll wait, thinking if she can hurry up,I'll go later.As we waited,she finally decided to get on the phone to verify insurance. My mom has one of the best health plans from an insurance that is quite easy to call on the phone.Why didn't she do her job properly to verify benefits prior to us coming is beyond me.Soon she is frustrated and antsy because other patients started coming in but she was more concerned with her own cell phone calls than getting a simple task done.I saw her call the insurance and hang up,call,hang up and then standing around,moving back and forth like a chicken with its head cut off.She then pointed out the S.S.# was not filled out.I told her you have insurance info, you do not need it. But she insisted,said that she was having difficulty verifying mom's insurance and needed it!To make life simpler for her,I provided it(which I now regret!).After being there for over 20 minutes,we were still waiting and May still shoveling papers and what not,but was not even speaking with anyone on the phone.The room is now filled with 3 more people and her attitude turned from unpleasant to just nasty!She complained about how much time it's taking her and patients are waiting etc. She was blaming us for her own inadequacy (while I never heard her speaking to anyone to verify insurance benefits)so,I finally asked her,"I gave you all the necessary insurance info 12 days ago when I made the appointment,you said you would take care of checking everything. Why didn't you do it?" Instead of apologizing for the fact that she did nothing to verify Ins. prior to us coming,SHE SNAPPED and barked back,"do you want to see doctor or not?! I cannot verify your insurance,and HOW DO I KNOW YOU WERE GOING TO GIVE ME FAKE INFORMATION!" She blurted out,"you can pay cash then!"I said,"Why do we need to pay cash when we have insurance that you accept?"Once she accused us for providing false info (IN HER WORDS "FAKE INFO"),I WILL NOT STAND FOR IT.While blaming us for her own inadequacy with limited education and knowledge,yet had the nerve to accuse us of providing FAKE info. She wasted so much of our time and all the waiting patients witnessed her ugliness.One of the patients told me that's how inefficient she is.At this point, it was clear that this nasty woman is definitely a relative of the practice, not hired(I now know she's doctor's wife,the boss of him!)So then this unprofessional woman made the decision that the doctor "decided" not to see my mom now.She rudely tossed the bloodwork reports back to me and told us she can refuse service.Ok, I said fine,you need to give me back the forms I filled out.Our personal info is in your possession while not being a patient here,doesn't make sense for you to keep them.She refused to give me the forms and said she will destroy it.I asked her to shred the papers in front of me then.AND she said she does not have a shredder!So...HOW WILL YOU DESTROY IT THEN? This lady is senile or incoherent?We left and I called my mom's insurance immediately.Within less than 10 minutes,I was able to retrieve all mom's insurance benefit summary simply with member ID number and the same exact info provided to her.I then talked to an ins. rep,confirmed that no different info would be needed for benefit verification if the provider called.I also called the referring doctor's office,advised them what had occurred and they were shocked and said she could have called their office for help.(this old lady really needs serious help!)Currently,they still have possession of my mother's personal info.If in an event of any ID fraud,I will know exactly where it leaked from.If the doctor allows his rude wife to treat people/patients this way,I wouldn't imagine he is worth seeing.There is something really sketchy going on with this office! Take this review with a grain of salt and go see for yourself if you have time to kill.Perhaps you will have a better experience if you pay her cash!May's eyes will light up for you!!!!!! read more

I really hope this drives improvement or acts as a warning for any potential client. Please read the other reviews. I wish I did This is regards to the extremely unprofessional front facing office personnel handling appointments. We called to schedule an appointment. We Requested 1st appointment possible regardless of location for our 5 year old. Scheduled appointment for June 27. Called back June 26 to confirm time. Our appointment wasn't recorded. In attempt to find the next earliest appointment, the office lady started making accusation. Us not knowing our sons name. Us not making the appointment. Etc. after asking her about the appointment scheduling process she tells me with two offices, they print out the schedule for the next day. It's not all on one system. Instead of trying to find a solution, she got frustrated and not being able to work through the system and deliberately hung up. read more

My husband has seen Dr Chen three times and each time was very pleasant. The office is organized and well run. Never had to wait long. The Dr. Is always pleasant and quick to survey the problem spots and treated as needed. He seems very knowledgeable. Happy to have Dr. Chen as our Dermatologist. read more

Dr. Tommy Chen has been my personal dermatologist for over 30 years. He has carefully observed and tracked my abundant actinic lesions, freezing them with regularity and recognizing the malignant ones, referring me immediately to the excellent MOHS dermatologist/plastic surgeon Dr. Vincent Hung. Dr. Chen's professionalism and kindness stand out in this age when insurance-dominated rapid care seems to have become the standard of care. As a family doctor/emergency physician and fellow professional, I highly value Dr. Chen's friendly listening and his patient-oriented care. His receptionist May has been exceptionally helpful, friendly and cooperative in working with me and my unusual schedule. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Chen and his office. J. Donald Thomas MD Pasadena read more

For many years and again today, Dr Tommy H Chen has proved he is the One. Sincerely thanks again Mrs. May and Dr. Chen for your services.

I have no complaints about Dr. Chen. He is a wonderful, caring physician. Sadly, I won't be going back. According to a woman who called me to tell me they don't take any insurance only cash. Then they should be removed from the insurance directory so people don't waste time reaching this office. She was very aggressive and refused to listen to me. That's fine, it's just so disappointing. read more

Dr. Chen and May is very helpful treating my mom who is 90 with excellent care and expertise. We're thankful for accommodating her at a short notice too. read more

I don't understand the negative reviews either. Dr. Chen treated my full body guttate psoriasis over 10 years ago. Because of his help, I've learned how to control the flare ups on my own. He is great and I highly recommend him. Also, anyone who judges a doctor for office staff has their priorities all wrong. read more

I was recently referred to Dr Chen after seeing my previous dermatologist for many years. I had my first appt with him last week and I couldn't be more happy and grateful for the referral! Super clean office. His bedside manner is top notch. He is very knowledgeable, professional, patient, caring and took his time to answer my many question and explained everything to me very thoroughly. I did not feel rushed at all. He even took the time to call me on a Saturday morning to go over some results which I really appreciated! Dr Chen is by far the best dermatologist I have ever been to! read more

One can't go wrong with Dr. Chen. He is extremely knowledgeable, very caring and friendly! Highly recommended!

Doctor Chen taking care of my two skin tags and I am very happy. Doctor Chen is the best dermatologist that I ever had. The receptionist is very helpful and nice as well. Thank you Dr Chen. read more

I was so lucky that I found Dr. Chen since my last dermatologist retired. I have nothing but very good experience with him. He is very kind, friendly and knowledgeable, always takes time to listen and answer all the questions. Very professional and I strongly recommend him. I have had very good experience with the front desk as well. When I called for an appointment, I could tell the front desk lady was very busy helping the patients in the office. Therefore, I left her my phone number so that she could call me back when she is available. And she did call me back and scheduled my appointment without any problem. read more

I don't understand the negative reviews. I found Dr. Chen to be a terrific and caring doctor, who always went above and beyond. Always friendly and courteous, and never impatient. I've been doing quite well, so I haven't seen him in quite awhile, but he made a difference in my life read more

I just returned from my very first appointment with Dr. Chen. I had a very pleasant experience. This was my first time seeing a dermatologist and I had a lot of questions. I had so many that I had written my concerns down on a piece of paper. Dr. Chen answered all my questions with patience and I can tell he was an active listener as I myself work in the medical field. In addition, I suffer from claustrophobia so I asked to keep the door slightly cracked and he didn't make me feel uncomfortable at all do to my request. I also had a mole removed today and it was quick and painless! I would definitely return again and really appreciate how he took the time to write down what I needed to do to solve my skin issues and again, was very patient with me! Thanks again! read more