Dermatology Specialists of Atlanta

With my history I have to be examined by a dermatologist annually. I had about 20 good years with Dr. Alan Olansky, but he retired last year. Searching for a new dermatologist on my insurance company’s physician network directory, the closest to my home is Dr. Kathleen Smith of Dermatology Specialists of Atlanta, 1670 Scott Blvd, Suite 202, Decatur, GA 30 033.
My first visit for examination and treatment at this office was August 6, 2015.
Based on prior experience with health providers, my expectation was that any lab work ordered by this office for my benefit would also be within my insurance company’s network. On this visit Dr Smith took 4 skin biopsies to be examined by a lab, including a childhood mole Dr Olansky never questioned. My expectation was that any abnormality discovered by this lab work would be communicated to me immediately. I received no communication from Dr Smith’s office following this, so I assumed the lab results were normal. The first communication I received regarding this lab work was a statement from Chestatee Pathology Assoc, PC dated December 13, 2015 for $ 1,200. Since this lab is not within my insurance company’s network, no plan discount or exclusion could be applied, leaving me liable for the entire $ 1,200 charge. In my 20 years with Dr Olansky, I never remember having to pay more than $ 100 per visit.
I called Dermatology Specialists of Atlanta asking for the results of this lab work. I was told that I could only obtain these results from an office visit with Dr Smith and that I would be charged for this consultation. In the patient information/​questionnaire that I completed prior to my first visit with Dr Smith, I authorized the office to share lab results with me via telephone.
Instead of having a consultation with Dr Smith, I went into the office and requested a copy of my medical records, especially the Chestatee Pathology lab results. These I received for a $ 15 administrative fee. There was no abnormality in the lab results. I will take these records to a new dermatologist.