Dermatology at Virginia Mason

Trish Vo 11 months ago

I honestly don’t know where to begin with how disappointed I am with this dermatology hospital. My primary dermatologist in Federal Way referred me here because I have a painful, growing keloid on my ear that he couldn’t treat. He told me this hospital in Seattle had the tools and expertise to help so I trusted that. When I called, I was told they couldn’t get me in for several months, but after I explained how urgent it was, they moved me up to an appointment two months out which was still a long time because this keloid is growing by the day but I had no other choice but to hope and trust that they will be able to find me a solution when the time comes. After waiting patiently and driving an hour to get to my appointment, I was completely let down. The doctor spent a long time talking in circles, only to eventually tell me that the only thing they could really do was give me steroid injections which something was exactly what my previous doctor with no success. That was why I was referred here: because that approach wasn’t working. And yet, that’s all they had to offer me. They had no real plan, no urgency, and no deeper understanding of my condition. After I pushed back, the doctor stepped out to consult with colleagues and came back with the possibility of doing an incision. But they didn’t have time to do it that day. I had to reschedule for another month out and with a different doctor, because the original one was leaving. Again, more waiting. Finally, that new appointment day came, and after waiting all this time again, I showed up only to find out the doctor wasn’t there because he called out. They had left me a voicemail just two hours before the appointment. It was my fault for not seeing but a 2 hour notice was incredibly short, I had already driven all the way to Seattle and got checked in twice, in multiple floors. When i got to the final check in the nurse just said she’s the only one there, an half-hearted apology and made me sit another 30 minutes just to reschedule, again. And they didn’t have any availability until the next month, again. After months of being told to wait, after driving back and forth and doing everything they asked, I still haven’t received a single treatment, all they did was took photos of my keloid the first appointment. I have only gotten delays, excuses, and vague conversations that lead nowhere. My keloid has continued to grow, and I feel like I’ve completely wasted my time and energy hoping this place would help.

Dale Crawford a year ago

Tried all day, from 8:00 am till after 5 pm to get someone, anyone, to answer their phone so that I to might get prescribed a medication substitute for a medication that was prescribed several days earlier that insurance would not cover because, as it was related to me, the was no evidence that the original prescribed medication had any efficacy for ANY known condition. I also tried to contact the provider's office via the patient portal - again with no response. In total frustration, I attempted to contact Virginia Mason's Patient Relations office, and once again, no response what so ever. Thankfully my condition is not a life threatening one at least not yet...

SP32 8 months ago

I am SO tired of being on hold forever with the dermatology department. They never answer the phone. Been on hold for 30 min at 4:00, I think all operators went home or turned phones off. Beyond frustrating.

Elisabeth Thijssen a year ago

After reading the other reviews, I was a little scared to go to my appointment! But my experience was the opposite of what others have said. I was worried I might have a melanoma and I was able to get an appointment for the next day. All staff I dealt with from the scheduler to the people who checked me in, to the doctor, were all on time and pleasant. I saw Dr Moriarty, who was very professional and thorough. I feel bad for the other commenters who didn’t have this type of experience, but I suppose people are less likely to comment when their experience is good. I definitely recommend Dr Moriarty!

Mark Brigden a year ago

I have been a Virginia Mason Patient since 1983. It has been getting difficult to get appointments at VM. But Dermotology is the worst. I confused my appt times and they were unable to schedule me until three months later. Jeez hope it's not skin cancer. They have no mechanism for innocent mistakes and squeezing you back in. I had my appt written down and in my phone for 8:30 showed up at 8:15. They said my appt was 7:30. Once in awhile we all make mistakes. I just had one little spot I was concerned about, I am a regular patient. Thanks for the help? I know they are short staffed in Derm, But VM should do something about that!!! Don't go there if you have other choices! Follow up: They made a petty good effort to call me when an appointment cancelled. Plus there are not enough Dermatologist in Seattle area making Appts tough to get. The actual treatment is top notch. So raising from 2 star to 5 star.