Dermatology and Laser Center of San Diego

I do see many high ratings for this place and I’m assuming they are for the hillcrest location. I was seen at the alvarado office, the address is 5555 resevoir dr. So I scheduled an appointment for my first visit to do a cancer screening. I arrived at the office which was easy to find and had reasonable parking. I walked in about 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork. The office had awful décor off white couches and old office chairs with very strange pictures. The woman who helped me was nice and gave me the paperwork to fill out. While I was doing so there was another patient waiting and the PA Amy Ellsworth called him back. During his appointment I could hear their whole conversation while outside in the waiting room. The door to the exam room wasn’t closed. I am in the healthcare field and felt that was a total violation of hippa. After he was finished she saw another patient before call me back. She didn’t use my name to call me back nor did she ever properly introduce herself. Very unprofessional greeting. I was expecting a handshake and a thorough go over of my health history and questionnaire. She didn’t even go over any of that with me. Once we were in the exam room, with the door closed, she basically got started looking at my moles right away, she was very close to my face while discussing her findings. After being in the room for no more then five minutes she said we are done. I didn’t find her bedside manner poor, I just expected WAY more. I wouldn’t recommend this place if you are looking for good quality patient care.

Okay, this is my first Unilocal review… actually signed up for Unilocal for this purpose.
First, the staff are not very nice over the phone. I get it, lots of people calling and it’s probably not that fun to talk to them… but, I’d like to think that if you want business, you are cordial to your patients.
Second, I called to ask a question about my appointment and the lady on the phone said I didn’t HAVE an appointment. I signed up for the appointment online because I am a new patient. I not only received a confirmation of my appointment, but I also received a reminder of the appointment via email. That was probably a one time thing right? Wrong. This is the SECOND time this has happened. I don’t know what is going on down there, but make sure to call if you want an appointment.
Third, I went and saw Dr. Ellsworth. The entire appointment took 10 minutes, which is fine. She prescribed me some antibiotics and sent me on my way. The antibiotics made me so sick and I called her to discuss the possibility of getting a different prescription. Well, I left a message with the receptionist… A MONTH AGO. Haven’t heard back from anyone at the office. Thanks, Dr. Ellsworth.
Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else.
Update: still haven’t heard from them… But I did get a bill! Yay!

This was my first skin cancer screening. All went well. Amy Ellsworth was excellent, professional, and very thorough.

I have been to this place two times so far — the first time I saw Erica, who was super nice, with a great bedside manner, and very patient with my needs. The second time, I saw Dr. Willoughby, who was also great and very nice. Even though this place isn’t covered by my insurance, I will definitely be going back here.

Fast, comfortable, reassuring. This was my first time being screened for skin cancer. I feel good about coming back once a year. Dr. Amy Han was great. At first I was thinking it didn’t matter if I had a male or female doctor, but in hindsight I’m glad I chose a fellow lady.

Dr. Mark Willoughby saved my life. I’d been going to him for years for injections and annual skin check ups. At one point he noticed a spot in the middle of my back and refused to give me my injections unless I let him do a biopsy. Turned out I had a Stage 1 Melanoma!!! If he wasn’t so caring and persistent I’d be dead or filled with cancer. I can’t say enough good things about him, his staff and the wonderful women at the front desk. I can’t imagine seeing another Dermatologist. He chose my health over just placating me with the injections. He is the best!!!

Had an embarrassing cyst in an embarrassing location. I requested a man because I figured he could relate a little better since my problem was a «man problem». Yah probably a dead give away as to where my problem was located… I make it in the room, awaiting the dermatologist and in walks Erica! «Aww s**t!» I thought. She is totally a babe and she has to deal with this embarrassing issue of mine. Lol. She had me in and out with in minutes fortunately and had me feeling better about myself. Props to the receptionist for being able to squeeze me in last minute, so grateful!!! I highly recommend this place. Arrive early and park in the structure next door. I wasted money parking down the street.

Dr. Mark Willoughby is a great dermatologist! Cuts straight to the point, gives you options and seems to really care about his patients. I recommend him to anyone who is looks for outstanding results through someone they can trust!

Came in seeing 5 stars on Unilocal.Appt with Dr. Amy Han took literally 7mins max and I paid $ 99 for the session.
Basically with the winter humidity, my cheeks started showing signs of very red marks. I thought it could have been a sunburn but wasn’t sure. She checked really briefly and wrote me up a prescription (steroid cream) for it. Told me to come back in 2 weeks, and if it hasnt cleared up well do something else.
SO basically I paid $ 50 for a steroid cream that made the symptom worse,(currently believe it is roseaca and steroid cream is a BIG NO for it) and $ 100 for a 7min consultation.
Total BS. Stay away and go to a better dermatologist.

I saw Dr. Mark Willoughby recently for a persistent skin problem my primary had (incorrectly) diagnosed as being fungal. After trying everything my primary told me to use on it, with no change, I figured it was time for a specialist. Turned out my problem was dermatitis, due to stress or an allergic reaction Dr. Willoughby told me. He prescribed me something to put on it, and after several months of suffering, it was completely gone in a week. Hopefully I won’t have any weird things like that happen again, but if they do I won’t be looking for new dermatologist.

My wife saw Dr. Mark Willoughby for a couple Vitiligo spots on her face, after having no luck with topical medicines. Their X trac laser worked great on her! She started seeing results with just a couple treatments and continued until it was near perfect. Great experience and a great staff!

I see Dr. Han and I absolutely love her bedside manner. She never rushes during our appointment. The office staff are pleasant as well. They greet you at check-​in. Like the rest of San Diego, parking stalls are tight especially for my SUV. Parking is $ 2 with validation. I never had any problems with finding parking. They also have 3 locations which is super. I go to the Hillcrest Location.