California Skin Institute - Lakeside's Online Review Report Card

This place is a textbook example of how a dermatology practice should not operate. My visit here was a complete disaster from start to finish. In a 12‑minute appointment, they managed to squeeze out an office copay, then quietly sent another bill weeks later for a so‑called "treatment" that lasted maybe three seconds. My insurance was hit with more than $800 for that single visit. Then the provider told me to come back in two weeks--only to repeat the exact same thing: another ~$800 charge, another useless appointment, and still no proper treatment. The billing department clearly pushes every code they can get away with, and they do it aggressively. It's predatory, plain and simple. It's no surprise you can walk in here same‑day while every reputable dermatology clinic in the area has a long waitlist. People catch on fast when a practice prioritizes billing over care. I had to go elsewhere to finally get real medical attention from a dermatologist who didn't treat patients like billing opportunities. If you value your skin, your wallet, or your sanity, avoid Schweiger. They've turned dermatology into a cash‑grab machine, and patients are the ones paying the price.

They recently merged with another group, Schweiger, and they now use Zocdoc to book online appointments. I scheduled a 3pm with Susan Wang, NP since she was wide open and it worked for my schedule. I get a call from this practice the day before that Nurse Susan won't be available in the afternoon and I can come either 9am or 11am. Note they didn't cancel my appointment immediately when they called which leads me to believe Nurse Susan didn't have any other appointments and wanted to leave early for the day. I called and left a message that I suppose I'll have to cancel the appointment since I can't come at 9am or 11am the following morning. They then proceeded to cancel my appointment after this message. So if I didn't call back to cancel it, she would have seen me? Regardless, it's a crappy way to do business. Why bother having appointment slots if you want to leave early and try to cancel them? Way to treat your patients. Listen, I get emergencies happen and I would have gladly cancelled my appointment or if she and the office just owned up to wanting to leave the day early rather than lying to me. Won't be coming to this practice.

The office is clean and well maintained. I was taken on time. The staff were all professional. Parking is readily available. I would recommend the Lakeside office to anyone.

Quick and easy experience. Very up to date with digital intake forms. It was also very easy to book an appointment.

PA Karen was absolutely wonderful! She preformed a biopsy on the tip of my nose, which went was painless! Highly recommend her!!!

Great all around experience. Everyone was very nice and helpful. I was taken care of on time and all my questions were answered. Highly recommended Karen and her team.

Dr. Ellison quickly diagnosed the issue and took good care of me. I’ve been coming to this office for many years and I highly recommend them.

Karen is so sweet and so is the staff!

Doctor turnover leads to issues refilling prescriptions. To get a refill, they will make you come in. There was no exam, just a 10 second “how’s it going?” They won’t do this by phone and want you to come in and pay every year or whenever your doctor leaves the practice just to get refills.

Very impressive with my visited with Dr. Ellison, and Sarah at the front desk is very helpful and courteous.