I feel like a complete aberration! I see that this office has 2.5 stars, but my experience was nothing but a solid 5 stars. It started with the office staff. Courteous and professional. They enforced mask wearing in the office and even asked people to wait outside when the office became too crowded, which was MUCH appreciated. I had to wait ~30 minutes. That would've sucked back in 2010, but in 2020, it's actually not all that bad. Still, the awesome staff more than made up for the waiting. The exam room was clean and well-lit. My dermatologist was Frances Cukierwar, who is definitely a 5-star dermatologist. Frances is a PA (Physician's Assistant), but I was going for a yearly full body dermatological scan and to check out a small growth I had on my thigh, and a PA is more than 100% fully qualified for that. She was very professional, competent, and instilled confidence in me, which is important for any doctor (we don't want to lack confidence in our healthcare provider, right?). My normal dermatologist in near my office in Midtown, but due to COVID-19, I'm working from home until a vaccine comes out, and honestly, Frances has my full trust. I wouldn't hesitate to go to her again. In fact, I think she's more competent than the dermatologist I normally go to near my Manhattan office. I don't hesitate giving this practice 5 stars even for one moment. I'm so glad I ignored the bad reviews! read more

I had a very disappointing experience with this medical office. Despite expecting to see a doctor, there never seems to be one available. All visits are handled by physician assistants, which is not what I was looking for when choosing this practice. In addition, the overall service feels impersonal and frustrating. Scheduling is difficult, and there is little transparency about who will actually provide care. If you are specifically looking to be treated by a doctor, this may not be the right place for you. read more

If I could give zero stars I would. I waited four hours in the waiting area and the oriental girl in the front desk was very nasty and laughing . I was there for a Moh's surgery and the Dr. Couldn't even find it. Asking me where it was, do yourself a favor and go elsewhere. The worst experience ever. There is no excuse for this type of waiting. read more

I wish I had read the reviews before booking this appointment. I arrived early for my 4pm appt. and asked if I was at the right location - she said, you're here. I look around and I see about 20 ppl. I ask is everyone here for the dermatologist? She said yes. It's now half hour later and I still haven't been seen. Totally disrespectful to overbook by 10-15 ppl. The front staff is very nice. read more

Absolutely no way .... No way , Dr oksana is a nasty ass doctor, don't know where she practiced before , but I suggest she goes back , doesn't return calls , used the wrong diagnostics code, wasn't able to receive my cream, with out asking me if I want to pay $50 dollars for a cream, when I never had an issue with my old dr, receiving it for free, she just assumed and requested a pharmacy to order it and send it and bill me, when you assume you make an ASS of your self, staff , front desk , manager completely unprofessional nasty rude read more

Scheduled an appointment 3 weeks ago in advance for 9 am and arrived 10 minutes prior as they requested. Half hour later I asked receptionist when I'm going to be seen by the doctor since my other appointment was scheduled at 10 am. it t turns out that I have 2 more patients ahead of me and I won't be able to make to another appointment on time and had to leave. Triple booking is complete disrespect to the patients and our time is also valuable , Vanguard Dermatology. read more

I am an RN and a health care proxy for an elderly friend of mine. I accompanied my friend to an appointment he was supposed to have had yesterday at Vanguard's Ocean Avenue location. To make a long story short, with the exception of Stephanie who was nothing but pleasant, I find the office staff, specifically the young man at the front desk whose name would not be provided to me and a supervisor who identified herself as "Aaliyah", to be exceptionally rude, unprofessional and incompetent. I merely suggested that some patience be exercised with my elderly friend (their 91yr old patient), because the young man at the front desk was upset that he got the dates wrong for his follow-up appointment, and in return I was called "old" and told to "shut up". I have never been so insulted in my life and will never set foot in this establishment again. I understand that Dr. Shapiro is an excellent dermatologist, but based upon the treatment my friend and I received from his staff, I could never recommend this establishment to anyone. read more

Igor Romanov is an awful doctor and the nurse was rude. I accompanied my girlfriend while she was having cysts under her arms checked out. She comes out of the room fuming and in tears. Not only did they tell her it's nothing they didn't give her any actual means to treat the cysts or even try to help at all. They pushed her out of the office with no proper information. Mind you these cysts are painful and inflamed (they told her it wasn't despite the fact that it clearly IS). To make a long story short they just told her to get over it. Horrible, just god awful. If you need a dermatologist don't come here and if you really have to make sure it isn't Igor Romanov checking you out because he won't help. read more

My mom, who is 82, likes Dr. Shapiro... but - she's had to wait over 2 hours each time she has an appointment - there are at least 20 people waiting and her blood pressure goes through the roof! They always have an excuse, but this is inexcusable and unprofessional - all during COVID! The WORST! If you value your time and peace of mind - go somewhere else. This will be my mom's last visit. read more

I went to Park Slope office. This is my email i sent back . find this was the worst medical examination and office I've ever been to. Let me count the ways Unlit and crowded steps leading into the "office".  the waiting room is too small so patients were waiting outside on the steps.   Waiting room area was not in keeping with social distance (too many seats) At least five people waiting while I was there The "examination room" if you can call it that was poorly lit and suitcases left on the floor (a trip hazard). But best of all LOOSE SYRINGES scattered about on a desk along with injectables.  I should have taken a picture My last dermatology doctor used a magnifying glass to look me over  Your Dr Shapiro had me drop my pants, exposed my rear end all the while had a female assistant present. I have no problem with that but he should have asked me first I will never use your practice or recommend you to anyone. My Vets office is cleaner and better maintained.  Your receptionist didn't even take my temp . read more

This place is awful but Dr. Shapiro is a good doctor. This place is ALWAYS overbooked and you have to wait HOURS to see the doctor. Wish they would reconsider overbooking, especially with Covid still around. read more

I have been coming to Dr. Romanov for years now, he has helped me get rid of acne scars I once worried about. The waiting area is very clean and pretty and the receptionist is friendly. I would recommend this facility to others. read more

Vanguard Dermatology - Waiting area - Dermatologists Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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If you're in search of a good dermatologist, go right on over to Vanguard Dermatology at 2148 Ocean Ave. in Brooklyn. It doesn't matter which one of the doctors you see although I'm partial to Dr. Romanoff, ( only because he is the only one I've seen personally) you can expect efficient and detailed service. I had my second visit there today and Dr. Romanoff had no problems 1st and checking these site where he'd operated on my first visit then addressing a NEW issue that I wanted him to take care of. He didn't say "you needed to bring back a referral or you I need to fill out more paperwork...he just took care of it! I had a tag right under my right eye that I have hated for over 20 years but as I write this review, it's not bothering me anymore as Dr. Romanoff made quick work of removing it. I also like the fact that he uses the smaller needles that are less painful for injections. And as I was leaving, he made sure I had everything to take care of my skin at home. I don't have a long history with dermatologist. I really didn't need one before but as I've gotten older, more issues with my skin have come up and I'm just so glad that I found Vanguard Dermatology. The place is clean neat & large with great leather sofas for seating. The entire business is state-of-the-art and that's including the bathrooms.(see my attached pictures.) I hope this helps you in making your decision of a great place with great doctors who will gladly handle all of your skincare needs. read more

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The Staff in Brooklyn are very rude! My appointment was 10am and right now is almost 1150am y nothing. When i ask them, they said like a robot: "we don't know" specially a lady in the left, she yelled and she is not educated. read more

Vanguard Dermatology - The Staff in Brooklyn are very rude! - Dermatologists Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I've never written a Yelp review but ... I was referred to Vanguard, and followed up to make sure they had all my info. I went in for the procedure on Christmas Eve. When I arrived they had no idea why I was there, nor could they find my info. The doctor apologized and said I would need to make an appointment to have the procedure done. It took them 5 minutes, but 4 hours out of my day. Then they sent me a bill for $125. I called to explain that they had made a mistake and they said they would look into it. Then they continued to send bills with the final one saying "Avoid Collections". That is called extortion. Not the end of the world but I won't go back, or recommend. read more

Doctor Shapiro saved my grandma's life. She was treated by a different dermatologist for 2 years and was given some over the counter creams but the condition never got better. It was only Doctor Shapiro that discovered that it was cancer, immediately operated for 5 hours and the condition went away. I've also been treated here and was always happy with the care and medical knowledge. Yes, you might need to wait for a while before being examined but I rather wait and receive professional medical treatment as opposed to being quickly seen by another doctor with limited or outdated knowledge. You may also be surprised that his Brooklyn office starts seeing patients at 5 a.m. Yes, 5 a.m. :) I recommend an early a.m. appointment before 8 a.m. to avoid a long wait. The earlier, the better. read more

Vanguard Dermatology - Dermatologists Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Saw doctors not physician assistant. Dr Romanoff great experience he took off the mole. Saw him 2 times each visit went well. Easy appointment and short wait time. read more

Everyone should know they had my first review removed. Obviously they know they are wrong. I will keep posting until the review stays. I went to see the doctor this am. I said I wasn't going to write this but I am so upset and disappointed I feel I need to. Firstly, from what I have seen most of the reviews seem pretty on point. There is very little if any caring about Covid in this office. When I first walked in they were more concerned with insurance and what I was going to pay than anything. After I filled out the initial info and paid. The receptionist then said "oh I need to take your temperature". I was there at least 20 min at that point. Everyone who walked in after me same thing happened. Shouldn't the temperature be the first thing they check? As I waited, there was another woman her husband and her two kids. the kids had no mask or they were off and they were running around the entire room touching everything and no one said one word to them. The lady behind the desk finally walks over to them after what seemed like an eternity and scans only the the lady and her husband and not the kids??!!I guess in this office children cant get Covid? I felt like I was going to jump out of my skin waiting for the doctor. Next the Doctor took me and next people at same time. No social distancing. No caring about anything. Ok skipping to when I was seen. Doctor came in with NO chart. Wrote nothing down. Anything I told him he told me with a smirk that what I had was a minor problem and he was going to give me a shot and medications. I asked him if my rash could be a reaction to medications or possibly something from a dog (I work with dogs). He looked at me and said why I look pretty healthy what medications could I be taking????? What does anything have to do with dogs? Are you serious?!!!!!!! I am a diabetic if he had any kind of chart he would have known this. I didn't even want to tell him I work with dogs!! Not to mention the medication he mentioned is not great for diabetics!!! Its a good thing I knew that. I guess the chart was for insurance and taking money purposes only. Next I tell the doctor I didn't want any shots or the medications he wanted to use. He started saying so why was I there. OK at that point I told him I was going to leave. He starts trying to convince me about the different procedures he was going to do. I hope he reads this too. Did he really think I was going to allow him to do any procedure !!! He had no chart, knew nothing about me, no way he remembered all the medications I told him I was on. He was only to eager to do a procedure that really he didn't make me feel confident he knew anything about anything!! I left as fast as I could. Will NEVER go back. I had so much anxiety by the time I was leaving I felt like I had to pass out!!! I felt way worse than when I walked in!! What a complete waste of time and money. I feel like I ripped up $50 to be seen by a phony!!! read more

They don't care about your concerns and the treatment is subpar. Don't make the same mistake we did.

This was a really miserable office visit. For starters, there was over an hour wait with no apologies. Zero. Not from the desk staff and not from the doctor. Second, I was asked to fill out paperwork with medical history which was ultimately pointless because when finally called into the examining room, all that information had to be re-delivered a second time to the nurse entering it all into an iPad. What was the point of having anyone go through that rigamarole in the first place? Then, there was the doctor himself who literally blasted my child in the face with liquid nitrogen without asking my permission. I had to ask three times what he'd just done and why before receiving an answer. Finally, a follow-up appointment was arbitrarily given to me on a business card. I called today to cancel, only to learn this appointment never existed - which yes, explains the hour-long waits at this place. It is run like the meat counter at a deli. Unprofessionally, without rhyme or reason or accountability. Avoid if possible. read more

Most of my experience was a nightmare. My wait for my appointment was 2:05 minutes. I told the receptionist early on, that I wanted to wait outside because I was uncomfortable waiting indoors due to Covid. She was wearing her mask at her lips or below more often than not. She kept telling me that I was next and showed me the list. At one point, she sent in two people on the list ahead of me and when I asked, she lied saying that no one went in before me and I was still next. The medical assistant apologized, later, for taking them ahead of me. When I told the receptionist who was standing 2 feet from me, talking, that she was wearing her mask wrong, not above her nose, she said it "really doesn't matter anyway". Wrong answer for a medical staff person. About 1-1/2 hours into my wait, I was given papers to fill out. The receptionist told me she didn't realize I was a new patient. No one asked for those papers, or collected them. During my wait, two separate salespeople were let in to pitch the staff inside. Shouldn't my appointment take precedence over them at the 2 hour mark?? This place operated like a meat market and the staff acted accordingly. Not professional. No empathy, no caring, flip answers and lies. I was told to make and appointment to see the Nurse Practitioner in 6 weeks. Not a chance... read more

I would not recommend coming here. If you do, block out an entire day to do so. I scheduled my appointment for 2 pm, received a confirmation text that it was at 2 pm the day before, and then received a call that evening before saying that my appointment was at 5:45 pm, without calling to ask if it was okay to change the time. The two times I have been here, there have been about 20 people in the waiting room and I waited almost two hours both times, only to be seen by the doctor for about 5 minutes. The front desk staff are unprofessional, cussing and ignoring workers and patients trying to get their attention. Hopefully my issue will be sorted out and I don't have to come back here. There is much room for improvement. read more

I'd give ZERO stars if possible! Today is day 9 that I am waiting for a simple call back from their staff. I have called 5x and have spoken with Vicky, Renne & Michelle, who ALL assure me someone will get back to me in regards to prescriptions Oxana prescribed for my daughter back on 6/18. I have been told that messages have been sent to the staff as 'priority' and yet, still NO CALL BACK! You would think they would be concerned since the issue is regarding a child, but apparently they don't care. Do yourself a favor and find another Dermatologist since the service here absolutely is horrendous! read more

would never go back here!!! first time writing a review ! called to make an appointment and i told them what issue my daughter had. went into a FULL waiting room and had waited over an hour! once i got in the office they told me they could not treat her because they needed a pre approval from the insurance to treat her!! they wasted my time because they knew i was coming in to get this treated!! after all , they said come back in a week and i needed to get it done so i rescheduled an appointment. called a representative 3x to see if they got an approval before going into my appointment . no one calls you back. no one knows whats flying. went to get it treated elsewhere. WORST DERMATOLOGY OFFICE. read more

I haven't been to other dermatologists to compare experiences but I wouldn't go back here. I'd be willing to try other places if I need to go see a derm again. The older main receptionist with a nasal smoker's voice was rude and I witnessed her yell at an elderly woman who came in a bit early for her appointment. The doctor tried to sell me over priced products that they make. The tech's were nice and the other girls at the front desk were nice. All in all, this place wouldn't be my permanent derm office. read more

The doctors, especially Michael Shapiro and Susan Bard are very knowledgeable and personable. I'm writing a review for Vanguard Brooklyn location only (2408 Ocean Avenue Brooklyn, NY). This office is setup for most part to treat geriatric patients on medicaid/medicare. The practice is extremely overbooked, and waiting in excess of 6 hours is not unheard of. If you can make it to their downtown Manhattan location, where you will be seen promptly with level of service deserving of anyone, please do yourself a favor and go there. Best of luck to all. read more

I work in a medical office myself so I usually judge every office I walk into. I act as nice as possible and if that isn't returned - well, all hell breaks lose. Double goes for when I take my son for appointments (he's 7). Sorry but I'm not sorry. Let me start by saying - great space. Very elegant decor for a medical office in that area of Brooklyn, although I haven't been to too many in the recent years. The front staff is great. Really great. Very pleasant with patients, great communication, and Luckily (for me and everyone in the waiting room lol) we didn't have to wait too long to see the doctor. Dr. Batra is AWESOME! She's sweet and attentive. She is very easy to talk to and she listens. I don't need to sit in a room with a doctor for an hour, I'm not one of those. The visit took just the right amount of time due, all my questions were answered and no unnecessary products were pushed. Highly, HIGHLY recommend! read more

DO NOT MAKE AN APPOINTMENT HERE!!!! Especially if you have other things or other appointments on that day. You will be here for hours no matter what time your appointment was for. (Especially if you're umhum..black) My appointment was for 1pm, I got there and signed in at 12:55pm, and actually wound up having to leave at 2:25pm without being seen by the dermatologist (Dr. Shapiro). They never called my name although I asked about it a couple of times since I saw patients that came way after me get called a few minutes after arriving. It's not worth the hassle and the peace of mind. Plus the receptionist in the front was of no help and lacked customer service skills. This was a total waste of my time and made me late for a 3:30 appointment that I had on the other side of Brooklyn. read more

I have seen Dr. Shapiro twice now. Both times, the visits were extremely pleasant. He is very thorough; his bedside manner is excellent. I highly recommend his services. I agree with the other patients that the wait is horrendous. Also, don't bother to call his office. For some reasons, the front desk puts you on hold for a long long time. read more

In my personal opinion - the office's staff has a Terrible attitude and is very unprofessional - they don't value patients time is completely incompetent. Would not recommend the office only due to the staff based on my experience. Can not comment on current doctors at the practice. read more

This review is for the Chinatown office at Canal Street. The staff over there were very friendly to me. The receptionist Karen was very patient and helped me to fill out all the forms. Shannen the PA was very kind. She's a personable, great listener, and empathetic to all of my concerns. She quickly figured out what the causes of my eczema could be and offered me various treatment options based on my needs. She made me feel empowered to improve my own health. I don't know what other offices and other staff of Vanguard look like but I would highly recommend to go to their Chinatown office. Too bad the Chinatown office only open once a week now. I wish they have more days available. read more

This is my first review on Yelp. If I could I would give ZERO to Brooklyn office. Front desk rep's are rude, unprofessional, careless and helpless. They never call back in case something wrong with equipment, so you are getting "surprise" coming to the facility. And it is never theirs fault. I was not able to get laser therapy for 2 weeks and just today the girls informed me that there is no any directions from the Dr Shapiro which machine to use. So I have to come at the day when the Dr Shapiro is in office. They ultimately denied to call Dr Shapiro and raised theirs voices on me. Never ever I'll come to this office. Plus (sooner minus) all treatment Dr Shapiro tried had no effect. So if you want to save your time and get some real results - do not come to this office. read more

Very professional and knowledgeable!!! Always willing to take the time to speak about my problems and concerns. read more

I've now been waiting 2 hours and 30 minutes for a routine body scan. Disgraceful to treat people this way.

My parents are doctors and so is my sister. I know how a clinic should be run. VANGUARD DERMATOLOGY NEEDS TO BE AVOIDED For the following reasons. My gf has been trying to get a prescription resent to her pharmacy now for five days! It was never sent in the first place. When she arrived to her appt (on time mind you), she had to wait OVER TWO HOURS next to orher patients (this is during covid) She could hear the reception discussing how they triple and double booked Dr. Michael Shapiro. Prepare yourself as there is also no direct way to contact the ocean ave location; You will only be able to contact them through their call center. Vanguard's staff and managers promised they would get back to me and we left very respectful voicemails at all times and never did. She was also told that her prescription would be sent BY THE FOLLOWING DAY(something that takes a phone call or a few clicks of a mouse). There is no excuse for this. This office is impersonal, egregious in the way it treats its patients like cattle, and we will contact our insurance company to file a claim for services not received. read more

The medical people here may be adequate, but these people haven't a clue on how to competently run a business. They have twice screwed up my appointments (one they simply lost; another they assigned to the wrong office) and it is almost literally impossible to get them on the phone, and they simply ignore email. The sheer number of one-star ratings here ought to keep anyone away. I'm actively looking for a different dermatologist. read more

I have been to both Dr. Shapiro and Dr. Romanov. They are both incredibly knowledgeable, as well as understanding. Although they have a lot of patients, they took their time and listened to all of my concerns. I always walk into the office somewhat nervous about what they might find, but most often walk out with a smile because of their pleasant, concerned demeanors. I highly recommend Vanguard Dermatology to anyone who is need of skillful, caring doctors. read more

The worst experience ever. I never write reviews, but I just people to know what to expect there. I was greeted by front desk very poorly, they gave me a form and asked for my id abs insurance. No "hi" no "how are you" nothing... But that's not the worst. I was called 10 mins after appointment, good timing. Then the nonsense began. The patient room was dirty with lots of open medicine bottles with weird smell. The doctor showed up with a dirty white robe. I expect sterile environment when going to doctors .. no? He was very aggressive and laud. From the very beginning he called my situation untreatable and that I would have to deal with it all my life. Btw the reason for visit is OCCASIONAL ACNE. From his point if view, the only thing to help me is Accutane, which from what he explained very dangerous and strong. I declined. Then he offered two more options. However, on my attempts to ask him what are the reasons for acne, he said "why does it matter? Who cares?" He also mentioned that medicine is not a perfect science and it's best to try different options in order to get rid of the problem. What??!!!! Anyway, waste of my time and insurance. Very unprofessional and rude. read more

Not respectful of patient's time. Everyone waited at least 3 hours past scheduled appointment time to see Dr. Shapiro. Dr. Shapiro was very friendly and professional. Front desk can use better scheduling and customer service skills. read more

Waiting time is 3 more hours. Patients are asked to wait outside , on a street. Stuff is not respectful. After long waiting time I left an office at 2148, Ocean Ave., Brooklyn without seeing dr.Shapiro. I physically was not able to stand on a street such long time on my walker. Never come there. read more