Rachal Mack, MD

Just tried to book an appointment with Dr. Rachal and was told that he is only accepting new patients if they have «certain kinds of insurance.» The receptionist had me read off some info from my Humana insurance card and then I was told that that he would not see me because it was not a group policy (it is an individual POS policy… and it is not CHEAP!). When I inquired more about it, she said that he does not accept new plans from anyone that has an individually purchased plan, or one that is purchased through the Healthcare exchange (which mine was not). When I asked why, she said it was simply the «doctor’s preference.» I find this absolutely appalling.

I have been a patient of Midtown Medical Associates since 1999 for primary care with Dr. Rollins. I have always had excellent service and experiences with Dr. Rollins but I had read some negative reviews about Dr. Rachel and visited him once 8 or 9 years ago for what was effectively just dry skin I needed to moisturize better. I left that visit naively feeling perhaps Dr. Rachel didn’t care or invest the time in his patients that Dr. Rollins did so I didn’t make any follow up visits. Ladies and gentlemen I have to say it: I was so very wrong! Dr. Rachel is amazing! Recently I had been battling a staph infection I acquired at work. I had taken all my antibiotics and followed every care guide I was given and it was not going away months later. Twice I had episodes where the infection looked like it had almost healed then came roaring back with a hot and searing vengeance. One of these episodes was so alarming and painful I went to the ER at Piedmont and got a 24 hour stay with an IV drip of vancomycin. I thought it was gone and then one day at work my coworker said I really needed to go look in the mirror because an angry red rash was crawling up my neck and face. I was literally at my whits end and somehow I remembered Dr. Rachel was just a few blocks away. I called and begged/​pleaded likely a bit more than necessary and Dr. Rachael’s nurse easily agreed to work me into his schedule same day. I went to the appointment filled with anxiety about this staph infection that was now invading my face and neck. Dr. Rachel knew in 2 – 3 minutes of examining me it was not a staph infection and any infection I had previously had certainly been killed by the months of antibiotics and the vancomycin. It turned out to be a rare skin condition called dermagraphia. It can cause hives, rashes, redness and symptoms that look so much like staph that other doctors just kept assuming the staph infection had returned and kept treating me as such. Dr Rachel spent a good deal of time physically examining me and pointed out that there was no fever or drainage and explained all the reasons why it looked like but wasn’t staph anymore. Then he calmed me down and gave me a treatment plan and follow up schedule. Staph if you have ever had it is no joke. And a few days later I had another major flare up on my neck and face and side. It was hot. Burning. Itchy. It felt just like staph again and I called Dr. Rachel at 4:45 through his after hours service convinced the staph was back. Dr. Rachel asked how soon could I meet him at his office and voluntarily agreed to stay late and see me. When I got to him at about 5:20 he was the only one still in. He was very polite and professional and took me back to an exam room where he proceeded to take a cotton swab and draw tic tax toes on my right arm. Then he said «See, I told you it’s not staph – I shouldn’t be able to draw on you like that with a cotton swab» «You do have a rare skin condition that we don’t see very often but I do know how to make you better if you can calm down and trust me.» At that moment I realized he already knew it wasn’t staph when he volunteered to stay late for me. He stayed late because he cared about me and my mental/​emotional state as a patient. No doctor has ever before demonstrated a level of care and concern about me as an individual the way Dr. Rachel did by volunteering unasked to stay late for me as a patient. Especially when he already knew it wasn’t a real
Emergency on the phone it was just me overacting to a skin condition I didn’t understand. I wish years ago I had been less naïve and realized Dr. Rachel telling me to take shorter showers and use better/​more moisturizer was also part of his caring and concern. He told me how to fix the problem and I just didn’t like hearing a short practical answer. I totally get Dr. Rachel now — he absolutely spends the time he needs to with you and he does care. Way more than any other doctor I know. But he is going to be honest with you. I feel very fortunate and lucky to have Dr. Rachel and his exceptional knowledge gently and honestly telling me what to do to get better instead of just assuming and rushing to treat. Thank you Dr. Rachel! You made a difference for me because you went out of your way to demonstrate that you cared about me and that earned my trust. I highly recommend Dr. Rachel.

I’ve been seeing dermatologists for a long, long time. Since moving to Atlanta years ago, I’ve been on the hunt for a new derm. Alas, Dr. Rachal is not him (she turned out to be a her, there’s a happy ending for me, I know you were worried.) Dr. Rachal is fine, clinical but fine. As a female, I felt in an effort to be more ‘appropriate’ Dr. Rachal missed a lot of areas on my body for my annual checkup. Which actually isn’t that appropriate when you think about it, because doctors should be okay at looking at pretty much every part of human anatomy that they’ve agreed to look at. I.e., a dermatologist should be okay looking at my skin. Even if that skin is on my butt. Or whatever. It’s just skin.

Dr. Rachel is phenomenal. He takes the time to listen and he EDUCATES. His supreme knowledge and kind demeanor make having your skin surveyed for irregularities easy.
My entire family goes to Midtown Medical. I have nothing but the HIGHEST praise for Midtown medical. They are simply the best.

Fantastic physician who is completely dedicated to his patients. Years ago I broke out in a horrible rash around my mouth and called his office but he was off that day for a medical conference here in town. His staff called him and he actually left the conference to see me. Tell me another doctor who does that! He listens to his patients’ concerns, is incredibly thorough and kind. I left Atlanta for six years and when I came back for a visit with him, he immediately remembered me. I am continuously impressed by Dr. Rachal!

Dr Rachel is THE best… Probably one of the best diagnosticians around, he listens to your history.
He also know how to look for things that others seem to not notice.
Dr Rachel thinks outside the box and i just wish i could have him for my «family doc.»
He knows how to assess whatever’s happening and get movement in a positive direction. he is great.

A really, really, really bad experience had me fleeing Dr. Rachal’s practice.
For basic skincare needs, I was willing to overlook his lack of a bedside manner and very clinical approach. However, when your doctor is performing a somewhat painful or invasive procedure, I don’t think it’s too much to ask that he discontinue the personal conversation he had started with his nurse assistant before he came in the room, and at least once stop to ask the patient how they’re doing, or make some kind of conversation with them. I’d go into more details, but knowing that everyone and their mother can read this review, I’ll just say I no longer felt comfortable at this practice and have since begun seeing a new dermatologist.

Oh my. I’m a gigantic (albeit new) fan of Dr. Rachal (pronounced «Rachel»). His practice is in the 550 Peachtree building in Midtown, and the patient rooms enjoy high-​rise views of Midtown. His office staff are efficient and friendly. And I’ve never encountered a dermatologist who is so fast-​paced (yet a careful, thorough listener) and action-​oriented.
Don’t expect Dr. Rachal to tell you that you’ll need to get a mole zapped or a skin tag removed and suggest you make an appointment to come back for the procedure with the front office. He doesn’t waste time (yours or his) and if feasible will take care of whatever needs doing on the day of your appointment.
I also really liked that he gave thoughtful advice (yes, that needs to be removed, but let’s wait and see on this), not immediately leaping into action regardless of the issue.
Oh, and yes — he looks a little like Dr. Evil (though more so in the photo on Unilocal than in real life). He needs a Mini-​Me or a Mr. Bigglesworth (or some other sort of hairless Persian cat) to really fill the part. I’ll admit I was looking forward to the appointment for the Dr. Evil resemblance, but went away exceptionally pleased with the professionalism and efficiency of this capable doctor.

Best doctor (of any field) that I’ve ever had. I no longer live near Atlanta, but on my yearly visits to Atlanta, I’m always sure to get an appointment with Dr Rachal.
I’ve had him for probably more than 10 years (since I was in high school). He must take really good notes or have an impeccable memory because he seems to remember everything about me and each member of my large family (also patients of his) and always asks about everyone. Also, he’s super smart and intellectual and loves discussing books he is reading, which is great.
My main dermatology issues are that I have lots of moles and I also develop keloids from cuts. Keloids are tricky, but Dr Rachal knows how to deal with them better than any other doctor I’ve met.
Office location isn’t great for suburbians, and parking costs money, but obviously it has been worth it to me.

First dermatologist to ever prescribe a follow-​up antidote for my recurring sun spot issue (for anyone else who gets those annoying pale spots/​splotches every summer, ZNP, which you can buy over the counter from your pharmacist for about $ 10 – 13, works much better than Selsen Blue and is much more pleasant to use!).
Alas, while the soap helped me this past year, apparently I didn’t use it often enough, because my spots are back this summer. The prescription he’s given me is the same my previous dermatologist in NY used to give me – which my uncle, also a doctor, said could be damaging to your liver.
So in getting the medication again this year, I asked Dr. Rachal about it and he explained, in-​depth, about the other options, including potential risks and side effects, and ultimately calmed my fears that taking this medication won’t leave me needing a liver transplant. :) (I mean, good to know, right?)
He’s great — but yes, very soft spoken. Just speak up if you have questions or want him to look at anything, otherwise he’ll have you in and out the door ASAP! They are super efficient. Parking is a lot (park on level F to get to his office most easily) where you have to pay a few bucks, but it’s worth it in this area of town.

Quite possibly the fastest I have ever got in to see a /​any doctor. They even have a sign up saying if you are late for your appointment then ya’ need to make a new one. I arrived early in order to get «fresh meat» paper work filled out. About 2 seconds after my exact appointment time I was called to the back, allowed to change, and then Dr. Rachal quickly came to the room. He checked me over to make sure I didn’t have any skin abnormalities, the purpose to my appointment, left while I changed and then came right back in to hook me up with some free sample goodies.
Dude has a good bedside manner, is knowledgeable, and quick. Just how I like ‘em. I will be back for more.

Nice haiku! ha! Very accurate too.
Dr. Rachal is a great dermatologist! He’s very thorough, soft spoken and well informed. If you cannot get in to see him, his PA, Wayne, is fabulous as well! Although, I do think Wayne over explains things a little. You will NOT be sorry seeing Dr. Rachal!

Dr. Rachal Haiku Review
Be good to your skin.
He looks like Dr. Evil,
but he’s actually nice.