Harry W Saperstein, MD

I did not even make an appointment yet!– I asked to speak to the office manager Tim
(called 3 times) but, it seemed apparent that he was too ‘important’ to actually speak to a potential patient (I was referred by my very capable primary physician). The 1^st appointment maker talked so fast, I could not understand anything she said. After asking Sabrina to repeat herself 3 times, I got her name. I waited a bit, called back & got a 2^nd appointment maker (there are 6 of them) who had another excuse why I could not talk to Tim. I waited awhile
longer and called for the 3^rd time & got Roggie who sounded professional@first and then informed me that the 1^st open appointment was the last day in Aug, early in the morn, which was not good for me. I asked if she had a later time and she disappeared from the line and an over bubbly/​annoying 4^th appointment maker took over my call and said Tim wanted to see Roggie — right in the middle of my call –VERY RUDE!
I will NOT be calling back! There are plenty of good dermatologists in LA and I for one do
not appreciate a staff who thinks they are more important than the patients. Also, after reading
other reviews, I would not wait 3hrs for my appointment — not without having a complimentary visit for my time wasted!
Dr. Saperstein, you need to improve your staff – beginning with the office manager, TIM!
FROM: No Longer, a Potential Patient

Had a 9:15 appointment and wasn’t seen until 10:40? If you have no rush and want to spend your whole day in the waiting room, this is the office to come to!

He’s the best dermatologist I’ve seen in LA. My friend and I both drive across town to see him. Because he’s so good, scheduling an appointment can have a 3-​month wait. Make your appointment first thing in the morning, otherwise the wait will be 1 – 3 hours.

I struggle with acne and saw dermatologists before moving to LA. My friend recommended Dr. Saperstein’s office. A year and a half ago, I made an appt with Dr. Berkman — one of the doctors in this shared office. I went in to ask for accutane treatment since I had tried everything else under the sun with previous drs. I was also feeling pressure to resolve my acne because I’m getting married in September of 2015.
My 1^st appt: they made me wait a hour in the waiting room past my appt time. I had to reschedule because I would be too late for work. A week later I came in for my 2^nd-​1^st appt. I spoke with Dr. Berkman, who is very nice. She immediately pushed for other forms of acne treatment, I figured she has good reason. After a year these treatments not working, she approved me for accutane in May of this year. I was so relieved — I really want clear skin on my wedding — is that too much to ask? I call this strike 1.
I did my blood work the same day and scheduled the next appt in June. The office called me the day before my 2^nd appt to say that there was something wrong and they had to reschedule me a month later for July.
They made up many excuses: First, they said my blood work came in too late. I challenged them on this — they refused to offer me the date my blood work was sent to them. Second, they said it was because they didn’t receive an approval letter from my therapist within the first week of approval — Berkman just told me that I needed it done before my 2^nd appt. If I knew there was a «rush,» I would’ve called him instead of waiting for my next appt with him. Third, they blamed it on the iPledge system and said it was just the way the system scheduled me. For those who don’t know — accutane is strictly regulated for female patients. You have to participate in the iPledge system, and the dr’s office has to complete your registration on their end before you receive your login information.
I don’t believe the excuses above. I think what actually happened is that the staff forgot to complete my registration with the iPledge system on their end after I was approved in May. Why? Because the welcome letter from iPledge with my information was suppose to show up fews days after I was approved. The letter only showed up in June after they called with excuses as to why I had to delay the process my another month.
Strike 2. I’m convinced the staff screwed up and they are lying about it to cover their butts.
I had no choice, I was 3 months away from my wedding at that point and didn’t want to track down a new dermatologist and go through the whole process with another dr. I rescheduled for July. I showed up last week to get my prescription. I had my blood work done the same day and waited over the weekend. Another note — you have seven days to fill the Rx, otherwise — it’s back to square one. On Sunday, I tried to get it filled. I couldn’t because you have to take a quiz every month through the iPledge system — and I wasn’t allowed to take it because the dr’s office had not approved me to do so.
I figured this was because my blood tests weren’t in. I called the dr’s and the lab’s office to straightened it out on Tuesday. I took the quiz. When I got back to the pharmacy, my insurance rejected my Rx. The pharmacist informed me that it was because the DR’S OFFICE is suppose to contact my insurance to get the approval for my medication, and they didn’t do it. They faxed the rejection letter to the office and told me to call them the next day ASAP.
So, I called the office today to figure out what happened. They made an excuse — stating that they would have no way of knowing if my insurance would reject the Rx or not until I tried to fill it. I call bull $ – t. I’ve never had a problem seeing an outside specialty dr or getting Rx approved as long as everything has been lined up my drs. Again — they dropped the ball. This isn’t their first time prescribing accutane. They should’ve known to go through the approval process with my insurance. Strike 3.
What’s worse is that the nurse told me that the approval process takes 3 – 4 days, even when rushed. Which means I’m missing the deadline for filling the prescription according to the iPledge system. I’m out of luck and back to square one.
It’s 2 months away from my wedding and 2 months after I was approved for accutane and I’m still not on the medication. This office has pushed me around. Now it’s too late to do anything about it. There isn’t enough time to seek out another dr. I still have acne and I’ve spent way more money than I care to share on treatments that haven’t worked.
Bottom line, they don’t care about what you think or what you need. They just want to squeeze as much money out of you and your insurance company as they can. It’s a racket. DO NOT GO TO DR. SAPERSTEIN’S OFFICE.

The only doctor I do not mind waiting a hour for an appointment. The office staff is like ehh not super friendly at times but I just act really nice and then they seem to be nicer to me. Although I have to wait a while before I see the doctor when he is with me, he doesn’t rush to leave or rush to get through my appointment to go to the next. Superb dermatologist, and my only hope is that everyone else will get so annoyed that they wait so long that they will just leave so I don’t have to wait as long.
:)

By far the best dermatologist in Los Angeles. worth the wait, for those individuals who complained of The wait time, if your that busy then maybe you need to go to someone who nobody goes to and is not good and has nothing to do but to see you immediately.
Thank you Dr. Saperstein

Only go to him if you think you have skin cancer… He is not someone to go to for cosmetic procedures. Aside from the fact that every time I went there it was at least an hour before I saw him… He also messed up a basic procedure and left me with a permanent dark spot on my face. He’s 90% hype as with most things in LA.

Best doctor in the world. Every minute to see him is worth the wait. I have never met a man as smart and as caring as him. Yes you do have to wait to see him but when he comes in the room the amount of time he spends with you, you realize why there is a long wait. He stays in the room with you as if no one is waiting. He explains everything clearly and makes sure you are comfortable before you leave. Love him and love his staff!!!

I always book doctors first thing in the morning so I can’t attest to wait times, but I know that Dr. Saperstein is one of the best in the biz. I started going to him 17 years ago after a visit to 2 other dermatologists that didn’t clear up an increasingly problematic skin problem. It was rosacea. It had gotten to the point where I didn’t even want to go out in public. Within a month Dr. Saperstein not only had it cleared up, but he explained to me what skin rituals I needed to follow to manage it for the rest of my life. My skin has never been better. I get compliments on it all the time. What more can you ask for?
And he found precancerous skin on my shoulder and removed it. In a very funny way he always tells me never to tan. And he’s right. High, high recommends from this patient.

I had a horrible experience at his office. The wait is always no shorter than 2 hours. The staff are extremely rude and insensitive. He comes in the room and leaves in such a rush that you forget to even ask all your questions. They wanted to overcharge me for the office visit. I had to bring in the office manager to correct it. For all these reasons, I would not recommend him.

All these reviews are right, good and bad. I’ve gone to him for years, because he’s great. Each time I go, I wait an absurd amount of time. Why do patients have to wait? It’s simple – because his office overbooks, is poorly run and they respect their time more than yours. (Lots of very busy doctors do better – so there’s simply no excuse.) So why do I put up with it? Because my rage at being forced to wait forever goes away the instant he walks in. He’s professional, kind, funny and helpful. So bring a game, a book, something to eat, and get ready wait a good long while. You’ll be glad you did by the time it’s over.

My entire family has been seeing Dr. Sapperstein for years. While he is clearly a bright and capable Dermatologist the HORRIBLE manner in which his staff has treated me, my daughter and other family members cancels his expertise out. Simply put waiting 2 plus hours for a 5 – 10 minute appointment that helps is one thing: yelling and belittling my teenage daughter from a RUDE & HOSTILE staff is another. I intend to no longer refer Dr, Sapperstein as the many times I have brought to his attention the abrasiveness and complete disrespect of his staff he has apologized and the same horrendous staff behavior has occurred in follow-​up appointments. He is a nice Dr. yet I do have to wonder how such a seemingly family-​oriented guy would allow for his staff to treat a 19 year old teenager so horribly? Wonder if it were his daughter how he would respond!!!

Dr. Saperstein is a wonderfully caring doctor. His office is slammed because he’s one of the finest dermatologists around. To me he’s worth the wait! He’s compassionate, skilled and gives exceedingly thorough exams. His practice harkens back to the days when doctors took pride in their work and felt authentic concern for their patients. He’s one of those… a real, live DOCTOR, not a hurried, pseudo-​medical mechanic. How rare these days, huh?
When a physician takes time with his patients the way this physician has taken time with me for the last fifteen years (and many other of his patients I know) you count your blessings!
****I wrote the above review a while ago but was remiss in posting****
I recently moved to Northern CA., and now can’t bear the thought of searching for another dermatologist! I was lucky enough to have one of the best doctors in L.A. Now I’m woried and anxious about finding another. I would drive anywhere in the Bay area for a dermatologist as gifted as Dr. Harry Saperstein.

I have been under an immense amount of stress lately and my face has definitely been taking a toll from it. I’ve been breaking out all over my face uncontrollably; this is something I have NEVER had to deal with. I’ve been fortunate enough to always have clear skin (I am 24 years old). So I finally decided to see a dermatologist. But who should I see since I’ve never been to one?
I spent a couple of hours on Unilocal trying to find a dermatologist. Unfortunately, when you live in LA, most derms don’t really do dermatology anymore; it’s always about botox, juvederm, or some cosmetic thing. Therefore my cousin, who is an ophthalmologist and also does facial plastics, highly recommended Dr.Saperstein. So I decided to give him a try.
Honestly, it was the best experience I could have asked for. I came in and filled out the new patient forms and within about 10 minutes of handing them in, I was called to go see the doctor. Dr. Saperstein really took his time and gave me his undivided attention. He listened to my concerns and took his time to explain what was going on. Not to mention that he does have a sense of humor (always a plus).
Although it was my first visit with Dr. Saperstein, I felt as if I had been going to him for years. He made me feel very comfortable while being professional.
Thank you for a great experience!!! Very happy to have been recommended to you. You will be my dermatologist from here on out :)

I love love love going to Dr. Saperstein’s office but I hate the long waits! I’ve been going to him for years and have had several procedures done. The first was the removal of a mole on my back that I hated. He was conservative enough to recommend that I not touch it but upon my insistence, he removed it for me with nominal discomfort and a very tiny scar.
I have also been to his office for unsightly discoloration on the lower part of my left leg. He gave me a cream that was suppose to get rid of this but has yet to work. He warned me that there was a high likelihood that I wouldn’t be able to get rid of them and I appreciated his honesty. I will go back after the summer to see if he has options of alternative treatments.
He found cancer on a friends ear that otherwise would have gone unnoticed and saved my friend from some serious health risks.
Dr. Saperstein recommended a sunscreen and eye cream that I cannot go without. I have purchased multiples of the Alta Sunscreen for at home and when I travel as well as the Lumiere eye cream for twice daily use. It’s a lifesaver.
The best part, however, of going to Dr. Saperstein’s office is his own personality. When you finally are able to get him into the room (sometimes taking upwards of an hour), he is quite enjoyable to be with. He is witty, charming and funny, and not to mention a damn good doctor! I highly recommend Dr. Saperstein if you are ok with waiting…

Although you have to wait for about an hour (even with an appointment) I feel that Dr. Saperstein is the best in the business. He has helped me with all my skin issues! I have had several other dermatologists but I feel that Dr. Saperstein is the best!
Don’t love the administrative assistants too much. Kinda rude but I guess that comes with the territory too.
All in all, Dr. Saperstein is really knowledgable about his field of study and also very nice!

I’ve been going to Saperstein for years, and just today had minor surgery on my face (basal cell carcinoma removal). The nurse was one of the most genuine, helpful and sweet people ever, and Dr. Saperstein is quick and brilliant. Hes got a great sense of humor and you can count on him to take excellent care of you. The surgery was done with local anesthesia and I was awake. It went flawlessly and did not hurt at all. My highest recommendation.
As for all the reviews mentioning waiting a while, even with an appointment — I can agree with this. BUT — there’s a reason why he’s constantly busy and this is the case — and that’s because he’s the best in the business.

Dr. Saperstein came highly recommended. I had some type of parasite. He came in and left in a minute. All his rooms were full. This doctor didn’t care what I had, nor did he care to help me. What he did want is MONEY.
Stay away. If you come to him for help, think twice. He is too busy running from room to room. He doesn’t test for anything, nor does he really care.
This doctor is not worth $ 5.00 a visit.

I was Googling Dr. Harry’s address because I wanted to send a couple gifts to his supposedly «nasty» staff, Tim being one of them. And once I read the negative reviews, I felt compelled to write about my experience.
I have been a patient for over 20 years and yes, you have ALWAYS had to wait. But he is simply the best dermatologist. Ever. I grew up in LA and have a classic Northern European complexion so I’ve been to a few derms in my lifetime (moles, pre-​cancers, cancer-I’ve had it all). In fact, when I was living on the East Coast and developed a Basal Cell Carcinoma, I seriously contemplated flying back to LA because there is no one I trust more than Dr. Harry.
He has always been super professional and very polite, to the point of stopping by my room to let me know he’ll be right in. I have never seen an ounce of arrogance ooze of his pores. He always asks about my job, my kids, my life and more importantly, he’s very thorough and careful. I’ve never had my fears dismissed or been mis-​diagnosed.
And yes, he’s expensive but you get what you pay for. Right now I’m a cash patient and all I’m going to say is that they are very kind and understanding. Try and get that kind of treatment at other doctor’s offices and they will leave you out in the cold. Too bad, so sad.
The office staff is super nice as long as YOU are nice when you call. They are crazy busy. ALL the time. Acknowledge that when you call and I guarantee they will accommodate you.
So haters, thank you for staying away going to second-​rate derms so there’s more room and less waiting for me at Dr. Harry’s.

fantastic doctor. He is the Doctor’s doctor and i can say that because he sees my son and takes care of all his skin care problems. He is kind, and very patient and is a top notch dermatologist. Thank you Dr. Saperstein for all you do. Keep up the good work.
Andrew Cohen, M.D.
Chief, Division of Plastic Surgery Cedars Sinai