TONGASS DERMATOLOGY - Juneau, Alaska

Winston Smith

My poor rating is based on the lack of common courtesy in communicating to me that they received payment twice for services rendered: by me on the front end; and by my insurance company after I filed a claim (rather than reimbursing me). In speaking with the office this morning, I was told that it was my problem that I had to resolve with my insurance company. The office person said they shredded the check, not even opening the envelope, but failed to communicate that to me or the insurance company. I sent an email to the doctor describing the circumstances and asking that my credit card be reimbursed for the payment I made initially because he was sent payment by the insurance company, but I received no response. My conclusion from this experience is that they got paid, which was their primary concern (almost immediately after beginning an online virtual visit) and were unwilling to take any steps (not even the common courtesy of letting me know they had received a check) to help with the resolution of this issue. I've cancelled my next follow-up appointment because I want to see a physician who demonstrates common courtesy, communicates with his patients about matters that affect their experience with him, and is willing to help resolve a mistake that leaves their patient "holding the bag".

Winston Smith

I am updating my previous review because I learned new information today from the provider and my insurance. I want to acknowledge that the provider has been communicating with me by email and reached out to my insurance in an effort to help resolve the conflict (hence the higher rating), sharing information that clarified why I am having difficulty getting a refund for payment of services. Rather than formally opting out of working with Medicare, he simply refuses to file claims to Medicare for eligible patients. Had this been made clear to me I would have filed a claim to Medicare rather than my secondary insurance company, which increased complexity and delays in my getting refunded. I also want to acknowledge that the medication he prescribed seems to have worked well and that the virtual visits were easy to schedule and participate in, which facilitated my seeing a specialist during these trying times. Finally, I want to acknowledge that my expectations to have a physician be equally concerned about my getting my insurance refund through assisting with the process whenever possible may be unreasonable.

Bjorn Wolter

Tried for over a week to get ahold of them to schedule a skin check but never got any reply despite their voicemail saying they would get back to me within a day at most.

Harry Rubin

Tyrone Smothers

John Auerswald

David Muldoon