Rhea Phillips, MD

Wait times far exceed consult times, and they couldn’t make you feel less comfortable about whatever ailment you’re in with. Very disappointing and won’t return.

Pricey and terrible attitude. Wife had to wait undressed for over 30 mins before she saw the doctor. Doctor had a rushed attitude. Be nicer please, we are patients not animals.

I was referred to Dr. Phillips by my roommate after a conversation over wine discussing the fountain of youth and how to stay forever young looking. Typical girl talk.
I was taken in for my appointment within minutes of getting to her office. Her assistant explained everything I should expect from my appointment and asked me if I had any initial concerns and what I was looking to get out of the appointment. I explained that I felt that it was time for some preventative maintenance but that I wasn’t ready for any botox or other injectables. Dr. Phillips was there within 5 minutes of being set up in the room. She’s very energetic and engaging, I felt like she listened to everything I was saying and understood exactly what I was looking for. She knows what she’s doing and is straight to the point — I appreciate that. She noticed that I had a derm issue that caused a bit of redness around my mouth which I had always noticed it but didn’t think much of it. She told me that she’d be able to get rid of it in three months if I wanted a prescription (and that I would be able to drink on the pills — thanks for the heads up!). She also prescribed a nightly cream and her assistant told me that she would order me the cream from a particular vendor because it would be significantly less than getting it filled at Walgreens. Thanks for saving me money!!!
Overall the experience was great and I really liked Dr. Phillips. The derm condition cleaned up in three months and, as Dr. Phillips promised, my skin looks great!

I was actually referred to Dr. Phillips by one of my friends so I didn’t expect the experience to be so negative.
1) I walked in before my appointment time and had to wait for 45 minutes before she stopped by for 10 minutes total, while the entire time she was rushing me and cutting me off every other sentence.
2) She did 1 test on my skin by scratching it and gave me a diagnosis. I think a blood test would’ve been appropriate? I’m not even going as far as an allergy test.
3) She told me to cut off gluten for a month because usually that is the cause for most allergies. I know there’s gluten intolerance, but gluten allergy is an urban myth to me.
4) She also prescribed me with over the counter allergy medications like Allegra-​D on 2x or 3x strength. First of all, is the –D even necessary? Second of all, starting with 2x or 3x isn’t a common practice as far as I’ve seen. Traditionally you start with lower dose and increase as needed.
I might’ve been a bad patient for not listening to her, but I decided to listen to another medical professional and just took Zyrtec once a day and my allergies have been gone since. If I had followed Dr. Phillips’ prescription, I would’ve had to spend ~$ 100 on a monthly basis to be over-​medicated.

Dr. Rhea Phillips is a dream to work for! I had the pleasure of working in her dermatology office for a few weeks as her receptionist before heading back to school, and it was a great experience! Dr. Phillips is incredibly kind and friendly, and her medical assistant, Carly, is probably one of the nicest and most patient people I’ve ever met. From the clinical side of things, I was impressed by how much personal attention Dr. Phillips gives to each of her patients. Even though she has a high patient volume, and is very popular and busy, she always makes time to answer patient emails, follow-​up with phone calls, etc. It makes me sad that some people use Unilocal as an outlet to «vent» against Dr. Phillips and other physicians, restaurants, and stores that don’t meet their ridiculously high standards, all because of a few petty things, either real or imagined, because Dr. Phillips is a really great dermatologist. I no longer work for Dr. Phillips, but I just want her Unilocal page to be a more accurate reflection of the excellent work she does. She sees dozens of happy and satisfied patients every day, who I saw in the reception area leaving with a smile on their face. Many of them said things like, «I don’t know what I would have done without her.» I am recommending Dr. Phillips to all of my friends and family in the San Francisco Bay Area as an M.D. who is an extremely capable, pleasant and professional dermatologist.

Ok, I don’t have a ton of dermatologist experience but I am in my 30s and have dealt with a lot of profesisonal dr’s in my life. I am a low maintainance person I suppose, and this location being in Nob Hill probably brings in some stuffy, entitled people who want everyone to bow down at their feet. This is not one of those doctors. She knows her shit and will get right to the point. I don’t need her to sit with me for an hour like a therapy session.
She gave me a ton of samples to deal with my skin issue and told me to email her when I’ve decided on one to send to my pharmacy. I LOVE that I can have an answer via email bc I always forget things when I’m in the office. Appointments are easy to make, sometimes I can get in same day, which I love. The only issue I have is dealing with what my insurance covers or not, so that’s not her fault, my insurance is not the best. SO all in all I love Dr P. She truly wanted to help me with my skin and I will continue to get all my moles checked by her.

I did not make it past the stupid woman at the front desk, Carly. I called to make an appointment, and a machine called me back to offer it. I accepted.
Worried by these reviews, I called to make sure they knew I had several conditions and was coming for a complete skin exam. I also had a fungal infection on my neck with pustules that was extremely painful and this was an emergency appointment for me. I also informed her I had demodex mites, I thought, as did another dermatologist.
I asked if she knew what those were, she said no. I asked if they had a microscope on the premises, to see them, as they are microscopic. She said no. She said something in bad english about me «asking if they had all sorts of equipment.»
I commented a microscope is small, not lots of equipment, lots of docs have glasses with them on. I said, «when I took my dog to the Vet, they had one. Maybe I should go there. Woof!» I asked her what her medical qualifications were, as she was telling me about not having heard of the demodex mite. She said ‚” I am a Medical Assistant.”
I asked her if any school was required for that, was she a Physician’s Assistant? She was evasive, evasive, evasive.
Finally I said, «ok, so Medical Assistant is a made up thing in your office. good. I was worried. So the doctor presumably knows these things.»
She started saying stupid things about «there is no guarantee.» duh…
I told her, «i am willing to tell you my qualifications, I am an attorney, I have a Doctor of Jurisprudence. »
The Office Manager cuts in, She does not bother to see what I am like in person, or what i was asking. She just says, «We are canceling your appointment»
«WHY?» «We feel THREATENED.» are you kidding me? afraid of getting sued already? is this a physical threat?
I said, «I will be there, I need my appointment. I will be there.»
«WE are referring you to Dr. L somebody or other .» way over in union square.
WHY WOULD I TAKE A REFERRAL FROM THESE IDIOTS?
WHY WOULD THEY SEND SOMEONE WHO IS AN ALLEGED «THREAT» to their SAFETY to another DOCTOR? DO they HATE HIM?
The doctor may be great but I doubt it if she hired this bozo Carly, who will not tell you her qualifications, and do not ask, or she will not feel safe!!! I can only assume she barely made it through High School.

I don’t understand why some of the reviews for Dr. Phillips are so poor. I had an appointment with her and was seen right away and given excellent care and treatment plans. The lady who works at the front Carly is also really good at communicating between the patient and the doctor. The appointments aren’t too hard to get either which is really nice. I was hesitant to see Dr. Phillips after first reading the reviews but I’m glad I decided to see her.

…I have been to a 100 doctors in my time…25% were worthless, substandard money grubbers and some of that number, drug addicts…
50% were average, uninspired, mediocre journeymen…
25% were truly excellent in the practice of a noble profession…
…not absolutely positive which category to put this one…

A little bit delayed writing this review but here it is! I went to Dr. Phillips to get my acne under control before my wedding. It’s been a problem most of my adult life. She gave me a ton of options and didn’t try to push me in any particular one. Ultimately, I tried spirinolactone and it helped a little bit. Unfortunately, I ended up stopping it prematurely and its come back! I’ll have to make an appointment to see her ASAP. Great dermatologist, highly recommend!

By far one of the worst medical experiences I’ve ever had. Arrived 10 minutes early to my appointment and was forced to wait an additional 40 before being sent to a room where I waited an additional 20 minutes to see the doctor. Once I finally did, she looked me over for about 5 minutes and as soon as I started asking questions, she said «oh I’ll give you a sheet that will explain that.» When I tried to ask any other questions, she immediately went to the door, saying she would answer them after I was dressed. And then, I never saw her again.
20 minutes later, doctor nowhere to be seen, the receptionist/​nurse comes back with a printed out prescription and a page printed from what was basically wikipedia on what I had– something that was not once mentioned or discussed by the doctor. She of course had no context and thus no real information to provide me, as if the printed out sheet was to suffice. Giving someone a printed out page with information in lieu of discussing their diagnosis is completely inexcusable and unprofessional. As is, backing out of the room in the middle of a patient asking questions.
Avoid at all costs.

Wow. How does one set a bar lower? Book an appointment with this gal!
Do not believe the 5-​star reviews (I am suspicious because one of them has a profile image that looks awfully identical to the front desk receptionist that works in the office. you judge for yourself if you’ve visited).
The doors are thin and the «doctor» talks loudly so there is no privacy.
She is a cosmetic dermatologist, do not go here for anything medical despite her designation here.
Also, it is true she «treats» one issue per visit.
Avoid avoid avoid. Red lights flashing, horns honking– do not waste your time and money here because you will leave dumber than when you arrived (and also, the new front receptionist is thr most conpetent person in the office.)

One of the worst experiences with a medical practitioner that I have ever had.
I went in for 3 minor skin issues and was told after speaking to an inexperienced medical assistant or student (wasn’t sure who she was?) that they would likely only be able to help with one issue that day and I would require two more visits to attend to the other concerns.
When Dr. Phillips finally entered the exam room, she barely spent 5 mins with me, asked a few questions, and left. Her overall impression was more like a cocktail waitress rather than a skilled Dr. After a few mins the young student waltzed back into the room and handed me a prescription that I didn’t want (or need) and told me to schedule another appointment. I tossed the paper in the garbage and informed her that it wouldn’t be necessary.
I followed up with a letter expressing my dissatisfaction and the fact that I felt I should be charged for a visit since it accomplished nothing, but taking up my time. The only response I ever received was a bill for the visit.
The whole office is low quality, very bargain basement, and clearly a pathetic and quick cash grab. There are plenty of great dermatologists in the city who actually want to help.
I highly recommend another office. Don’t waste your time or money at this unprofessional place.

I read the 1 star reviews and gave Dr. Phillips a try, anyway. I tend not to listen to reviews that seem overly subjective, so here are the facts about my experience:
–Time from calling to make an appointment to being seen: 5 hours
–Time spent in waiting room, which included filling out new patient paperwork and getting insurance info on file: 20 minutes.
–Time spent in exam room by myself: 3 minutes
–Time spent with Dr. Phillips: 20 minutes
So, either this place was never so bad as to deserve those 1 star reviews, or it has turned itself around.
Regardless, I feel that I was treated well by all of the staff, that of all my questions were answered, that the doctor spent more time with me than a busy doctors’ office usually allows, and that I received the appropriate treatment– from a patient and customer perspective. I will go back.

Avoid at all costs. I am a young woman who is going through hair loss and on my first visit she examined me for a full 45 seconds and then left the room. Her assistant came back and told me I had seborrheic dermatitis, the hair loss was due to stress and said the doctor would not be returning to answer my questions. She drew up blood work I needed to have done and sent me on my way.
When I went to get the bloodwork she had forgot to mark some very essential boxes so I had to call another doctor to verify the forms. I then had to call back to get results and the doctor wouldn’t talk to me. The nurse called me back and said «everything looks fine, bye». She then EMAILED me a link to what she thought it might be and that was all. To be treated with such little regard is an insult.
A few weeks later I saw another dermatologist who was so kind and actually looked at my scalp and gave me a proper diagnosis. She said Dr. Phillips didn’t even test all of the right items with my blood work and that the prescription she gave me was not for what I had. Safe to say I now have a diagnosis, better medicine and am on my way to recovery. NO THANKS to Dr. Phillips.

I am so glad I found Dr. Phillips! I never write Unilocal reviews but after my long battle of finding a good dermatologist I am just so thankful!
I had been to a dermatologist several times in the past about a reoccurring condition and felt I was never going to find relief. I decided I needed a second opinion before completely giving up and I ran across her profile on ZocDoc. After reading her many positive reviews about how knowledgable she is I scheduled an appointment online. They are sooooo right! BEST experience I’ve had with a doctor.
Very clean and pleasant office. Check-​in was fast and easy. A bit of a wait once I was in the room but that’s always been my experience at a doctors office. Then I met Dr. Phillips. We got pretty much straight to the point as to why I was here and after a bit of Q & A and some background she started explaining the diagnosis, why it hasn’t been resolved yet, and how she was going to cure me. It definitely was a quick appointment but my issue was addressed. I walked out with some prescriptions and information which was helpful, then scheduled a follow up visit to ensure I was better. I haven’t been back for the follow up yet but I’m writing now because I’m so much better already!
So happy to have found relief and feel so confident to go back to her for any of my skin related ailments. She seems so knowledgable and to me that is the most important thing when finding a doctor. I highly recommend her.

I will not return to Rhea Phillips for another appointment.
I was seen on one occasion and she was friendly, quick (almost a bit much), and got me the information I needed + the medication I needed. The wait was a bit long at 15 – 20 minutes, but I understand she’s busy. She also said to email her with any problems or if the situation did not heal, which seemed like a great way to be in contact with her.
Well, it didn’t heal after the medication, so I wrote a simple e-​mail, asking if my symptoms were normal, and she had me stop by her office just to «take a look.» When she saw the affected area, she mentioned it was normal and I was out of her office in under 5 minutes with no medication or treatment options — just to let it heal.
What she and her staff failed to mention is this «drop by» visit was billed as a full follow up to my health provider and I was on the hook for the bill. When I called to explain that none of this was explained, Rhea Phillips had the audacity to tell me that «you can’t even get a massage in San Francisco for that amount; I don’t know why you’re arguing over it.»
Not all of us have jobs that can afford random doctor bills that we weren’t expecting, and I went through a 3 month process with insurance and her billing office. While the first visit was fine, the whole experience left an incredibly sour taste in my mouth and I will not be returning to this practice.

My first visit to see a dermatologist — everything was fine with time and appt, and receptionist was great.
I met her for the first time, and quite honestly it seemed like she had maybe some glasses of bubbly with her lunch earlier, something was just off. She does an inspection of my entire body, then decides to take a biopsy of two moles on my back. A little nervous, she seems to be hesitant to tell me much about anything regarding my moles, just that I should call back in a couple of weeks after the results come in.
The procedure was quick, and again she was really hesitant to do any sort of talking or typical dialogue. I left feeling confused and weirded out.
So I did call back two weeks later, and the receptionist told me they were benign and that they did in fact remove the entire mole. ??? UM???
I will be going to see a different derm soon, just in case. I do not feel this doctor was fully engaged or present during our consultation, and in fact told me a half truth which was that she was only taking part of my mole when in fact she took off the whole thing.

I do not right many reviews, but after my experience here and reading other reviews, I feel I have to.
I made an appointment with Dr. Phillips to discuss a recurring skin issue that has been treated, but not cleared, by a previous dermatologist. I briefly discussed the issue with her nurse, and when Dr. Phillips came in she talked to me for NOT EVEN 3 full minutes, said she would re-​fill the lotions I already have, and gave me a 0.01 oz sample of a cream that IF it even worked, would cost $ 400 a bottle.
Very unimpressed. I will definitely be going elsewhere.

I had visited the clinic on July 22, and i did not like the medicines prescribed.
I had gone for scalp rash and hair fall. The appointments and dr. rhea were all good in checking me but they prescribed medicines that were not covered.
When i asked my rite aid pharmacy, they said the doc ofc did not cover the tablets. I have cigna and they do cover this insurance but not the meds. so i had to pay out of pocket ~195 $ !!: /​.
Anyways my pharamcy faxed her ofc for alternate medicine thats covered or give reasons for current medicine so that its covered but they ofc didn’t reply for a week and then said they do not cover comsetics.
Overall, after two weeks i did not get the major medicine and i wld probably needto goto some other dermatologist now.