Helena A. Longin's Online Review Report Card

I made an appointment. I had to wait for 3 months to get in. That was ok. Near the time of the appointment I was given a call to tell me know that Dr. Logins would not be available. I was NOT offered another appointment. I was told I needed to go to my primary care doctor to get a referral. I told them I had a PPO insurance that allowed me to make appointments directly. They told me NO. They said MY INSURANCE POLICY HAD CHANGED. I told them that I had not received any notice of this. Its changed for everyone she said. I called my insurance company and discovered NOTHING HAD CHANGED. She was telling a lie.I called them back about it and was told it was actually THEIR decision to change the policy to make things easier for their office. That is NOT LEGAL. That is not the TERMS of the INSURANCE they signed on to accept. Also, that is not what they told me before I wasted 3 months waiting for the appointment. When I spoke to the manager about it she tried to defend their policy and said its actually because they are 'backed up'. This is not what they referred to at all in the first, second or third time I asked for an explanation. And its not legal to arbitrarily tell me I have to operate as if I have an HMO insurance, because its convenient for THEM. If they are too busy they should take themselves OFF the "Accepting new Patients" list, and NOT make appointments they cannot keep. Their management lies over and over, and does not follow the terms of their contracts.

Dr. Longin is fantastic. Very caring and knows just what I needed. Fast relief. Really knows her stuff. Great explaining medical issues. I’ve had lots of experience (50+ years with dermatologists) and Dr Longin is by far the best!

The reviews here unfortunately are based on scheduling issues, and not Dr. Longin's ability. She has amazing bedside manner, she fully explains what she sees. She makes her recommendations, but never pressures you into taking action if you're not comfortable (i.e., removing a mole). Scheduling is tough because she's amazing and highly sought after. I also have always liked the Medical Assistants working in her office.

I have had a similar experience with scheduling. I had an appointment booked for a number of months ago. Then I received a letter stating that my appointment was cancelled due to the fires. It was rescheduled for a couple of weeks ago. They called to cancel that appointment and wanted me to see another Dr. I told them I wanted to see Dr. Longin, and was told they didn't know when they could schedule it, but perhaps in a month. I don't understand these delays, and I don't know if they are the same for other doctors at Sutter. I'm very disappointed with their services.

Dr. Longin is the best dermatologist I've ever had, and I've had several. she's incredibly caring, thorough, and professional. I've never had a scheduling problem with her.

They do not honor insurance contracts. The office staff does not know what they are doing and lied to me over and over. I made an appointment 3 months out. When it was almost time -they called and said the doctor would not be available. They cancelled my appointment. I would not be allowed to make another appointment WITHOUT A REFERRAL. I told them I have a PPO (which means I can go direct to my choice of doctor). They said my INSURANCE HAD CHANGED. I called my insurance and it had NOT CHANGED. So I called them back and they said -well actually- its their OWN OFFICE POLICY that had changed - because its easier for them. They are backed up. (They felt it was ok to just LIE to me). They insist its their right to demand a referral from PPO patients, even though THAT IS THE DIFFERENCE between HMO and PPO Insurance policies.

I feel very grateful for the great care Dr. Longin has provided for me, and the other members of my family.

This is not a review of the doctor but of the office staff. They booked me three months out, after arriving for my appointment they said the doctor was out sick (didn't bother to call and tell me). They rescheduled me for the next week. After arriving and waiting half an hour they told me they couldn't see me due to a bureaucratic reason. I certainly won't be booking a third time. Extremely inefficient and a waste of time. If your time is valuable, don't book here.

This is not a review of the doctor but of the office staff. They booked me three months out, after arriving for my appointment they said the doctor was out sick (didn't bother to call and tell me). They rescheduled me for the next week. After arriving and waiting half an hour they told me they couldn't see me due to a bureaucratic reason. Extremely inefficient and a waste of time. If your time is valuable, don't book here.

Dr Longin has been my dermatologist for a few years now.  She's thoughtful, efficient, communicative, on time, caring and helpful at every appointment I've had with her.  She's also resolved an issue I've had for 10+ years with a slow and patient treatment.  I think she's wonderful, I just wish she were available in a reasonable  timeframe rather then months away when you call in for an appointment (not her fault).  I highly recommend her if you can wait!!