Big Apple Skin - Judith Hellman MD

Do not recommend! VERY UNHAPPY. Whenever I read bad reviews, I always wonder why people go through the trouble of posting them. I now have a reason to do so, unfortunately, and am sharing so YOU will have a full picture of this particular office/dermatologist.



I read reviews on Dr. Hellman and thought she would be a great dermatologist to visit for a problem I was experiencing. I went to visit her and she diagnosed me with a condition and prescribed an ointment/lotion. During my follow up visit, I told her that I researched the condition that she diagnosed me with and that my rash didn't match it...at all.... so I stopped using the prescribed medicine. The rash went away on its own in time for my follow up visit, but I took pictures to show her.



I then allowed her to inspect the area. While inspecting my skin (and possibly in an effort to make up for the previous diagnosis), she asked about the products I used for some light acne she was seeing. I told her what I used. She then gave me some free product samples to take home for acne. I left the office and was told that my insurance covered everything, and that there was no copayment.



A few months later, I received a bill in the mail for about $200, for services including an ACNE BIOPSY and SURGERY for my follow up visit. Of course, I was highly confused, as not only did I not have a biopsy/surgery, Dr. Hellman didn't even TOUCH me during my second visit. So when did this biopsy/surgery happen??????



I called the office and was told, "No worries. That was probably a mistake from our old billing system. Don't worry about it." I received an updated bill later, which was lowered to about $50, but not itemized. So, I called the office for clarity. The receptionist stated "This is a deductible for the acne biopsy you received." I laugh and again explain that this must be a mistake. I didn't have a biopsy. The front desk staff member stated again "No worries. I'll look into this."



It is now a YEAR later, and not only am I still receiving bills, I received a "final notice", charging me for services that I did not have. I've consulted my attorney about this, and determining if I will be filing a dispute. I have been on the phone with the billing staff and front office staff all week, and what have they stated, "The doctor's notes are stating that you did not have biopsy, but you had surgery." Not sure when this mystery surgery happened as she literally did not TOUCH me, only inspected my skin with her eyes.



Dr. Hellman is still trying to charge me for services I did NOT receive. The price is not the issue, but the fact that Dr. Hellman is continuing to state that she gives me services that I did NOT have is a MAJOR issue. It shouldn't have been a surprise, after I was diagnosed with a condition that I did NOT have. It's my word against hers, I'm being told, and she's not budging. Are you kidding me? It's so silly and honestly absolutely ridiculous. What kind of professional can't own up to their mistakes?



It's shame because I really (thought) I had a great experience at Dr. Hellman's office. I will NEVER return. I haven't ever had a bad experience with a physician, and I always pay my copayments and deductibles, but of course it's for services that I've actually had.



Please do yourself a favor and visit another dermatologist. Unfortunately, my first review is a negative one.



- New Yorker that simply wants fair service