Bruce Heller, MD, PC

Went to see the Doctor on unknown skin problem on the face. The Doctor would never let you finish your sentences, running back and forward from other patients, he left the room 4 times during my appointment. Him and his nurse tries to sell you creams saying that this will work «not matter what you have». Doctor concludes that my problem is 100% allergy related and that I should go through a patch test or a RAST test that will cost a few thousand dollars. Only after I insisted that my skin sample to be sent to the lab to identify the problem, the doctor admits to it, while still trying to make me buy a few creams that would work for «everything». Even before the results come back from the lab, I get several calls from the office to come back to see the doctor. Received a huge bill with a different name of the pathologist than the one on the lab results. To me this only sounds like a scam. I have gone to another dermatologist later and got my problem treated. Never going back again.

I’ve seen Dr Heller about 5 or 6 times over the last year. He has always done a fine job diagnosing my problems and proposing the right treatments. No complaints there.
I would generally recommend Dr Heller. BUT there are some downsides to this office — if these bother you, don’t go:
1. Average wait time for my visits was probably 35 minutes (past my scheduled appointment time). As some other reviewers have said, the front desk staff isn’t terribly friendly either
2. Dr Heller would see me for maybe 5 minutes. This didn’t bother me too much and again, he did a fine job treating me, but don’t be surprised when he leaves after only a few minutes
3. If you let them, this office will have you constantly come back for more appointments and procedures. If you have a deductible, this can get very expensive. Just be sure you’re not scheduling unnecessary check-​ups.

I found Dr. Heller when I had a serious life threatening skin condition called Steven Johnson Disease. It is a rash in which your skin literally falls off, usually caused by a severe reaction to sulfa. The disease is fatal in 70% of patients and the pain was unbearable.
It was difficult to walk and move, but I forced myself to go to several doctors. No one could figure it out. You do not want to ever be a medical enigma when in pain. Fortunately, I ran across Dr. Heller and he immediately knew the problem. He worked with another doctor at Mount Sinai who was an expert in this rare skin disorder. It took five long months, mostly bed ridden, but it finally healed.
I am very grateful to Dr. Heller who saw me every week, was supportive and reassuring. He also can have a good sense of humor, which really was appreciated under such a stressful circumstance. I can’t speak more highly of Dr. Heller!

I think Dr. Heller is great. BUT…90% of the time I wait a very long time to see him and then he sees me for a max. of 3 – 4 minutes. He office seems to book 4 people in each slot. They aren’t very nice when you start asking questions about how long the wait is. If this happened once I’d let it go. But yesterday I showed up 15 minutes early for a 5:15 appointment. I asked the woman at the desk if he was on time. She said YES. At 5:30 I asked how much longer… She told me he was just seeing the 5:00 appointments. There were 4 of us in the waiting room all in the same boat! Like I said, he’s a good doctor but it’s my time is just as valuable as his time and sadly it seems that it’s not!

Worst worst worst doc on the face of this earth REALLY! I had adult acne and he decided to give me cortisone injections quite a few visits later and tons of cortisone injections later my skin still didn’t improve and he gave me this most horrid anti-​biotic ever… As a result im still going thru the after effects and even after 2 years I suffer from dry eyes and viola I still have adult acne and nothing works in treating it as my skin has been over exposed to cortisone over dose! PLZ stay away from this quack doc!!!

It has been a number of years since I have visited this «chopshop».I was updating some medical stuff and came across his card. This guy should be a poster child for everything wrong in the medical field. I never understood why i, waiting 30 to 45 minutes to see a doctor, they only spent 5 minutes with you if that. What was everyone doing back there? I digress, after meeting the Doctor, i was told i had minor insurance coverage, that only allowed 2 procedures, and that Dr Baral would be seeing me. His eyesite was so bad he could not read any of the charts. I went for a checkup and a skin tag removal. It took 4 visit because the doctor kept taking 2 biopsies, and telling me to come back later.
I was very upset at the time that the doctor never asked me to disrobe beyond my shirt, and immediately decided that there were specimens to be taken. I wanted a full body checkup, like any REAL derm doctor would do. He also was accompanied ALWAYS by young attractive females that i would not have wanted to get naked in front of. I wondered at the time what that was all about.
After at least 4 visits i demanded the skin tag be taken care of and left. I have no doubt i would look like a piece of Swiss Cheese by now if this were to continue. The fact that this sleaze ball operation is still in business speaks to the incompetence of the medical and insurance business. Fee for service has only lead to more procedures, not so the service, certainly not here. I wrote this review because it was so frustrating dealing with these people and i felt so abused. Beware if you visit this place.

Nice, professional and a good doctor when you have a real problem but I felt I was cut unesesarily, had a small rash from deodorant just needed a cream but before I could blink an ugly 3 millimeter triangle was sliced out of my skin leaving me with an ugly dark red scar. Even the nurse told me it was unnecessary, at lease he could of cut me deeper in the armpit where it is unseen. I guess sending skin samples to the lab pays the bill. Sure if you have dark spots and need to check for skin cancer I can understand but a small rash from deodorant could of waited before a cut and scar was required, now I am reminded of this every day it bothers me.

Dr. Heller is a great derm. I’ve been going to him for years now and I truly trust his opinion when it comes to my skin. I love spending time in the sun so he’s diligent about checking any areas we may be concerned about– along with any random issues with my skin that have popped up over the years. He is smart and thorough and gets through the appt quickly and efficiently, which I appreciate. The women at the front desk are very sweet, courteous, and efficient. They make the office visit very pleasant even if there is a bit of a wait.
There are a lot of negative reviews here that I’d like to shed some light on. Yes, sometimes wait times are inconsistent but it’s because many people want to see him and he’s not the type of doctor that makes you wait 3 weeks to look at an issue. There are times when I need something looked at immediately and the office makes time for me in the same day that I call. When there is something wrong with your skin and it’s uncomfortable, this is a huge relief. It’s puts me at ease knowing that if I have an issue, I can get it taken care of quickly. He always tries to prescribe things within my insurance and if it’s not covered, he gives me plenty of samples. Plus, as a responsible patient, it’s always good to double-​check if what is being prescribed is covered by your insurance– you cannot expect the doctor to always remember to do that for you. Same goes for any tests he recommends, of course he’s the expert but you know your body best and if you feel strongly about not doing a test, you’re not obligated to do it.
My family goes to Dr. Heller and I’ve recommended many friends who still go to him. I’ve seen many doctors in my lifetime for various problems and I hold Dr. Heller to a high standard, which him and his office associates meet consistently.

Wrong Libby G
You cannot abdicate responsibility simply by outsourcing something. For example, when you have a CPA do your taxes, you are still responsible for the results. The review is still valid for as long as your office uses this laboratory.

It astounds me that Dr. Heller’s rating is low on here. Honestly I have never been treated better by any doctor. His staff is quick, efficient, and courteous. I’ve been seeing him for the last few months for various issues and they are always on point. Once or twice I have had to wait to be seen, though both times I was a few minutes late myself. Every other time I have been in and out. I always leave this office with a smile in disbelief of how consistently efficient and nice they all are. I wholeheartedly recommend this doctor and staff to anyone looking for a good dermatologist in Manhattan.
Update: I was looking at the negative reviews and it seems to me that wait time (which I’ve rarely experienced) and Dr. Heller’s efficiency (some might say he’s brisk or in a hurry) in the patient rooms are the main issues for negative reviews. I actually like how quick he is. If you are expecting to have a nice leisurely chat with your doctor I probably wouldn’t suggest Dr. Heller. If you like quick and to the point then you will love him.
The one thing I think they could do better: make sure the treatment is well understood by the patient. If I have questions or need clarification I always ask, but I could see how someone could be intimidated and not ask, which would be frustrating.

An update to my previous review:
After a number of calls to the doctor’s office and the posting of my previous Unilocal review, they kindly decided to amend my bill. It’s unfortunate that this all happened and that they chose to handle the situation the way they did in the first place, but I appreciate the efforts of «Jojo», the office manager, who was very nice in the end.
If seeing this doctor, I highly recommend knowing exactly what your insurance will and won’t cover, and if in doubt — hold off on it, unless you are prepared for a large bill.
Thank you Dr. Heller’s office for coming around and Unilocal for being a great outreach tool.

DR. Bruce Heller is a dream come true for my allergies. Thank you DR. Bruce you are the best

Dr. Heller and his staff are awesome. The wait can be lengthy at times but that’s expected at a busy doctor’s office. Everyone there is personable and really friendly. Can’t beat that for a NYC office!
Had my issues addressed and also had a thorough skin cancer screening.
I’ve been pleased with this group and will continue to go there.

Dr Bruce Heller is a girls best beauty friend! Honestly he is a great dermatologist. Its summer and my face will look even better than it does now. I love doctor Heller because he cares and he doesn’t just fix the problem, he keeps doing more to make you look your natural best. The beauty I brag about are only the results of his wonderful medical skills and knowledge. He really does know what he is doing and his diagnosis are always quick and 100% accurate. He is the only doctor I will ever trust my skin to be cared for and treated by. I came to him with my face overdone by an acne breakout unlike anything I had ever gone through before. It was really scary. Seeing me now you would think I made up an exaggerated story about my skin being terribly scarred by acne. I cant thank Dr. Heller enough and his wonderful staff for doing such an excellent job.

Highly recommend. My skin hasn’t looked this good in a long time

I’ve come here in desperation, trying to figure out what the hell is going on with my skin, twice. Each time, i’ve spent maximum 30 minutes total at the office. I get called, a team comes into the room, skin test performed but not analyzed, i’m given a prescription and i’m done. EASY SHMEASY.
Both times Bruce Heller has walked in, discussed what he believed is going on and i was cured. I only recently have had skin problems (fungus or rash) moving from CA to NY. According to him there is more bacteria or something in the subway systems/​gyms/​etc. that is irritating my skin. Whatever it is, I have the problem until I walk in the office and am healed up prescription ointments. They usually have a coupon too so that’s even better.
Love this doctor and i highly recommend him.

Dr. Bruce Heller MD office at 315 W.57 St is the best dermatologist I have ever visited. I have so many skin issues and more since I became a diabetic. He showed concern about my skin problems and has helped me greatly. He is one of those doctors you wish you could take home with you. The staff at the office are wonderful, respectful and friendly. The office is decorated so nicely I took a bunch of pictures on my first visit. I would recommend my family and friends anytime!

After years of visiting different dermatologist, I finally found a doctor with answers! I had a very great experience, and actually feel like I can take care of my skin/​immune system condition for the first time. I left the office with a positive attitude: o).

I just… I can’t even… I don’t know where to start.
Seriously, guys, after three appointments here I can safely say that your wait time will never be shorter than half an hour, and may be up to an hour and a half. When Dr. Heller finally rushes in, he’ll know that you want to stab him in the face, so he’ll try to disarm you by making cheesy jokes. He’ll look at whatever skin thing you have for .03 seconds and then rush off to the next patient — and he’ll make you schedule two follow-​up appointments so you can go through the same damn torture all over again.
Your wait time to treatment time ratio will literally be 100 – 1. That is crappier than Yaffe Ruden, crappier than Lenox Hill Radiology, and possibly crappier then your local ER.
By my third appointment, after waiting for 40 minutes (in the middle of the afternoon, while work was piling up in my inbox) for the doctor to see me when I KNEW that my thing was already healed and he would just look at it and say «yup, looks fine!» and rush out again, I told his staff that I don’t have time for this nonsense (except that, uh, I didn’t use the word «nonsense») and stormed out.
You guys, I am SO not the cursing-​and-​storming-​out type. I usually won’t even send back an entrée if the kitchen gets it wrong. That’s how infuriating this experience was.
Go see any other dermatologist in the city — or, heck, just walk around with pus-​oozing boils on your face. It’ll still be better than dealing with this dude.

I went to bed on a Thursday night with a perfect abdomen and woke up the next morning freaking out because it had overnight become covered in these painful, sore little bumps. It looked like a rash but 100 times worse and I had no idea what was going on. I had to go to work so I figured I’d put some calamine lotion on it and deal with it later. By noon the «rash» had spread to my arms and was making its way down my legs. Coworkers were avoiding me like the plague, claiming that it looked like I had shingles. Nothing like this has ever happened to me in my life so I was pretty sure I was dying.
My aunt has dealt with cystic acne her whole life and referred me to dr heller. My appointment was for 11 but I didn’t end up seeing the doctor until about 11:15. I didn’t really mind because I was afraid to hear what was going on anyway. The wait staff was very friendly and seemed to be very sympathetic of my plight.
Not even 30 seconds into meeting me, the doc diagnosed me. He knew right away that I had «contact dermatitis» and chalked it up to me changing my soap. He prescribed me a topical ointment that felt like heaven on my sore, inflamed skin. He said if my condition did not improve drastically by the next 2 weeks, then to schedule a follow up.
I don’t see a dermatologist on a regular or even semi regular basis so it may be a while before I visit dr kellers office again. But if I have any major skin issues in the near future, I will definitely be back.