Ucla Health Santa Monica Allergy & Immunology's Online Review Report Card

Part of me feels assured that I am not the only person who has been fleeced by Dr. Anderson and the UCLA Health Allergy & Immunology office, although it infuriates me how easily she (and her office) is able to take advantage of people who are supposed to be in her care. My experience was similiar to Shahzad K's and I echo what he said: whatever you do, STAY AWAY FROM DR. ANDERSON'S OFFICE. My first visit to Dr. Anderson took place in September 2021. This was a regular introductory visit, no special tests, for which I was billed $1,360.00 and required to pay $155.83. A bit high, but something I could manage. I had gone to Dr. Anderson to see if I was allergic to any foods. To her credit, she said that my situation might not be a food allergy because I was mostly experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, and she said that a food allergy would manifest as difficulty breathing (a.k.a. anaphylactic shock.) She offered to go ahead and do a test to be safe. I tried to determine the cost prior to accepting the treatment by going to the front desk and asking them how much the test would cost. They said they could not give me a number because it depends on what exactly the doctor orders. I didn't want to spend a couple hundred more just to ask the doctor what she had ordered, so I researched how much allergy tests cost online, and saw results ranging from $60 to $300. I would've been okay paying $300, the highest number, so I got the test. Overall, for this single skin-prick allergy test, Dr. Anderson billed me $5,412.00 and my insurance said that I was responsible for paying $2,125.82. Yes, a bill of over $5,000 for a single skin-prick allergy test (not even a blood test!) This shocked me, so I disputed it with my insurance. My insurance said it cost that much because Dr. Anderson had tested me for everything under the sun, from pollen to pet allergies to mold. If I came in for food sensitivities, why was she testing me for items that weren't food? In retrospect, I could've asked about every item that was being tested to make sure they were all relevant, but is it now the responsibility of the patient to ensure that their doctor is conducting medically necessary tests? I had trusted Dr. Anderson to act in my best interest, and she betrayed that trust for the sake of making more money (or, if I give her the benefit of the doubt about the money, she was simply negligent in ensuring that I was only given medically necessary tests.) I contacted UCLA Health billing, and their reply was basically "well, you agreed to pay whatever was charged, so we can't help you". So she could've charged me $10,000 or $50,000, and it would've been fine? I always thought there was a barometer for reasonableness, but I guess not. Seeing this bill caused me a lot of mental anguish. When I sent an email to the UCLA Health Allergy & Immunology office stating that I was suicidal over the charges, I received a barebones reply stating they apologize for my experience, am glad I brought it to their attention, and they will let Dr. Anderson know. There was no mention of being flexible with the extortionary charges that I had been charged, nor any consolation or resources regarding my suicidality. Even by just listing the suicide prevention hotline number, I would've felt some assurance that they actually read my letter, but it seems like they gave me a standard reply and went on their way without any care or concern for me as a patient. Even now, almost 2 years after receiving the bill, I am still dealing with medical trauma over how I was treated by Dr. Anderson. I am no longer suicidal, but I am still afraid to seek medical treatment for fear that I will be saddled with thousands in unexpected charges. Based on my experience, it seems that there are limited to no protections for patients from life-destroying medical bills, and Dr. Anderson is taking advantage of that fact. Judging by my experience, Shazad's, and likely many others who have not posted reviews, it is clear that Dr. Anderson does not care about her patients and is only concerned about the money. I can't state with confidence that I trust her medical knowledge, or that my diagnosis was correct. Please do not visit Dr. Anderson for your own financial and mental wellbeing.

Lovely staff who have always gone above and beyond to help me. Parking is a bummer, but I highly recommend Dr. Anderson and the entire staff here!

I have been going to here for years.Excellent doctors.

This place has cancelled my appointments on over 4 occasions. Highly unorganized absolutely no flexibility whatsoever. I have waited over 4 months to get tested for allergies and each time I show up there is a problem. Receptionists shrug you off and do absolutely zero to assist. I just gave up and will go untested for my allergies because they are impossible. I work in the health care field and this is absolutely not how you help patients, at all. Avoid if you have any alternatives.

Great office!

There is a 4 month wait to be seen, $12 parking with no validation and forget about online booking they will not get back to you.

My sister and I have severe allergies. And we each saw Dr. Lorraine Anderson separately without knowing it at first. And she practices medicine with kindness. She explained everything thoroughly, helped me understand allergies and symptoms, and provided thorough patient education. I definitely recommend her.

Great office I was seen quickly also Dr Anderson was also very nice and understanding she really took the time and care to make sure I get the right treatment I didn't feel any anxiety during my visit which doesn't happen often.

Regarding Dr. Lorraine Anderson. Yes, she does look at the computer and take notes. This is a very good thing. She is actually listening, taking notes, and looking at your past medical records. She is efficient, not cold. I went to her because my allergist had retired. She was disturbed that my allergist had left without giving me any information about how to continue my treatment. She does care. After doing allergy testing, she shared my joy at seeing that I no longer had the allergies I had years ago. But, to be cautious, she ordered blood tests to confirm. A thoroughly professional and caring doctor.Jeanne L.

Great experience with Dr. Lorraine Anderson. She is direct to the point and no nonsense, but also very thorough and caring about the patient. She takes thorough notes and then follows-up as well. Very refreshing experience.