Thomas Hoffman's Online Review Report Card

I went to Dr. Hoffman for a scar-like mark near my lip. He decided to do a biopsy to rule out skin cancer. They circled the mark on my lip and I confirmed that it was the spot that should be biopsied. Unfortunately, as my lip healed (it was quite a traumatic experience and took a very long time to heal), I realized he didn't biopsy the correct spot -- he took off skin about 1/4" from where I told him to. I now have TWO scars on my lip and look worse than when I started out. I returned to the office a few times to see if anything could be done. He offered a topical cream that hasn't done anything to reduce the appearance of the scar he made. He also offered to cut off the scar... hah! Like I'd let him cut me again!I cannot in good faith recommend that anyone go to him to handle anything cosmetic that could be visible later on. I'm so disappointed in my experience.

I had a rash for a month that got worse and I was worried it's a tick bite. Dr Hoffman took one look and one touch and said it's a nummular dermatitis. Since my insurance is in Florida and can only get urgent care here is CA, Dr Hoffman gave me some sample lotion and changed the prescription to a less expensive one. He provided me the information sheet and explained to me in detail why I would have it and how to prevent it in future. Dr Hoffman is not only top notch doctor, he really cares about his patient. He is one the of the best doctors I have had and I would recommend him to anyone without hesitation.

Dr.Hoffman is an OUTSTANDING dermatologist! A few years ago,my previous doctor at my doctor's office in Belmont,Dignity Health Medical Group-Sequoia,Dr.Dennis Hughes referred me to Dr.Hoffman after I'd developed a HUGE epidermal cyst on my neck. After Dr.Hoffman examined my epidermal cyst,he'd told me "I'm not sure if it actually is an epidermal cyst or not. Therefore,if you want to have it removed for medical reasons,go right ahead. But,if you want to have it removed for cosmetic reasons,just forget about it!" So,I decided to have it removed. Dr.Hoffman's M.A.,Mike Myrick,is VERY confident,caring,fast,friendly,efficient,and gentle. He was very quick,yet very thorough when he'd examined me and took notes for Dr.Hoffman when I'd first came to see him. Mike was also VERY gentle when he and Dr.Hoffman removed my epidermal cyst from my neck,and he clearly explained to me how to care for it until I came into the office the following week to have my stitches removed. When Mike brought me into the examining room when I came to have my stitches removed,he'd told me that the results had just come back from the pathology lab,and it was indeed an epidermal cyst. Mike was VERY gentle when he'd removed my stitches. Mike has also been WONDERFUL about returning my phone calls to Dr.Hoffman. Dr.Hoffman was also just WONDERFUL about treating my horrid dandruff! I HIGHLY recommend Dr.Hoffman to EVERYBODY in San Mateo County looking for a dermatologist!

I've been a loyal patient of Dr. Hoffman's for close to 25 years. I had a serious staph infection on my skin that after 3 other doctors could not cure but Dr. H did and right away!!!! He gave me penicillin at his office and rushed my prescriptions by calling them in ASAP. He's knowledgeable, well informed, and never in a rush. The office staff, nurses and medical assistants make the office visits pleasant. Very professional and approachable. I've referred several friends to his practice. Thank you again!

In the last 17 years of living on the peninsula, I've had at least six dermatologists. I was just trying to solve minor skin irritations here and there over the years. Every one of those dermatologists got it wrong and never solved my problems. Enter Dr. Hoffman. For every little issue I've had, he diagnoses it within seconds, prescribes the proper medication and I'm cured.I have read some of the other reviews, and obviously some of those folks are looking for more of a relationship with their dermatologist like they have with their hairdresser. Dr. H. is quick and solves the problem, not much chit-chat, and I'm okay with that because my time is money. He's doing me a favor getting me in and out of there quickly. I find his team to be professional and there's a caring environment in the office. The good doctor has a bunch plaques of recognition for his involvement with the dermatologist community, and his works shows it. If you're disappointed with your dermatologist, like I was, give him a try. He knows his stuff and he fixes the problems efficiently.

If I could give zero stars, I would. I went into Dr. Hoffman after having rash-like reactions on my face after eating certain foods. After putting that I have a history of SIBO, food allergies, and bacterial imbalance problems on my "medical conditions" portion of my new patient info sheet, he proceeded to tell me that food has nothing to do with skin. FALSE. I couldn't believe it. Of course if someone has food allergies, they can have a reaction, either on their face or elsewhere. I showed him pictures of all of the times my face had broken out in this rash, and he said "well yes, that is a rash but I have no idea what it is. It's not there now so I can't tell you anything. It could be acne" Um what, acne is not a rash? And a rash is not acne? On top of it, if he looked at my chart, he would know my family has a history of eczema. He didn't even care to consider the possibility. He proceeded to shove prescriptions down my throat and not listen at all to my previous medical history. He definitely did not even understand what SIBO is and he jumped quickly to prescribe me oral antibiotics and RetinA. First of all, any doctor with any experience at all would know not to prescribe someone with non-SIBO specific antibiotics unless they were trying to make the condition worse. I told him this. He responded "well, don't you want to get better? Antibiotics will help your face." Maybe so, but they would make other conditions I have extremely worse.He completely dismissed any photos I had shown him of my condition. He interrupted me, didn't care to listen, and belittled me. After showing my concern for him prescribing me antibiotics, he said "have some milk and yogurt and you're poor tummy be fine" EXCUSE ME WHAT? My poor tummy? Too bad I'M ALLERGIC TO DAIRY. Not to mention dairy is known to make people break out EVEN MORE because of all of the hormones in milk. At the end of our 10 minute appointment, he didn't care to say goodbye or thank you. I'm sure he could sense my frustration and instead of providing comfort and maybe some alternatives, he stepped out in a rush and proceeded to (from what it looked like) slam his papers on his desk across the hall. The level of incompetence of this doctor (and lack of compassion/care for his patients) had me in tears on my way home. I am never coming back.

I saw Dr. Hoffman for a couple of skin conditions and was quite dissatisfied with my visit. He spent a total of about 5 minutes with me and asked few questions regarding the history and presentation of my condition. Most of my symptoms had subsided by the appointment, so that was the only way he could have gotten an accurate picture and diagnosis of my condition. I went in part to confirm my condition was not contagious, but I don't feel he took the time needed or demonstrated a thoughtful approach. He took little time to explain his conclusions and rationale and didn't check to see if I had any questions about the diagnosis or proposed treatment. He practically had one foot out the door as I tried to ask a questions. Overall, I felt he was not attentive, thorough, or thoughtful. Should I need skin care in the future, I will seek out another dermatologist.

I'm in my 50s, have been to Dr Hoffman twice so far and greatly appreciate the depth of expertise and experience he brings to visual examination of my various skin conditions, and the quick and efficient removal of growths. His staff and office are caring and efficient, and he is a great resource for my health care.

I have been seeing him for several years now, and thought I was getting good treatment. Had skin cancer show up on my temple last year and he removed it with "good margins". It came back and we did it all over again. When it came back a third time I went to see another doctor. I was asked why MOHs surgery wasn't performed, to which I replied that I had never heard of it. Long story short, is if I had been referred to a MOHs surgeon the first time, it likely would not have spread and I wouldn't have a 1.5 inch hole on the side of my head now. It's very painful, and now I will have a large scar on my face. Whether his techniques are antiquated, or he wanted to keep me in his office to collect my money I don't know. What I do know is that I don't appreciate that he didn't utilize the latest medical advances, which would have been in my best interest. I highly recommend everyone steer clear of him.

I have gone to the Doc for over 15 years. Yeah, I know his personality is not the warmest around. But, when I go see a doctor I want a doctor, not a BFF. He is no-nonsense, no cute banter, no getting-to-know-you. I agree with another Yelper who said Hoffman can spot things before you even say anything. Look at the diplomas/certifications on the walls. He knows skin and thats what I want.