Sandra Read, MD

My appointment was 12pm and arrived 15 minutes early. I was still waiting at 12:15pm. I asked the front desk receptionist how much longer it would be, she said just 5 more minutes. I was still waiting by 12:20pm. I was so frustrated so I decided to leave. I took time out of my lunch to make this appointment. Not once did they tell me that the doctor was running late. They were just chatting away about their personal. As I was leaving, they had the nervous to ask me if I would like to reschedule. I said no and walked out. They didn’t even call to apologize or anything, how rude! I’m never going back there!!!

I wasn’t too impressed and have since moved to another dermatologist. Dr. Read always seems rushed and a bit too brusque. My entire appointment time with her was six minutes. She doesn’t ask questions about your medical history, current meds, or current skin treatments you are using. She brushed off questions I had about newer anti-​acne treatments and prescribed oral antibiotics and antibiotic topical cream. She did not make a follow up appointment or indicate when I should see her next to check on my progress. When I asked how long I would need to be on the antibiotics, she said «we’ll see, but at least three months.» After three months of using the using the oral antibiotics and topical cream and having only dry, red skin, and no change in my acne, I switched dermatologists. Much, much happier now.

Barely any attention paid but requires you to come into multiple apts so they can charge additional office visit fees.
I was told to have a mole checked by my primary care doc. I know how hard it is to find a derm who has availability and i liked i could make an apt online. She was also in network and could take me quickly.
After filling out paper work she does a very fast total body exam w/​not really examining anything at length or up close. She did say my mole should be biopsied along with another mole on my back. Ok cool. Lets do that. I come back for the biopsy and i have to fill out the SAME forms from the first visit. You cant keep these forms digital? She performs the biopsy but only the biopsy. Ive been told by nurses in the derm field that its common to just remove small suspicious moles all at once. Well that didn’t happen and when the tests came back i had to schedule an apt to get my stitches from the biopsy out and then another apt to remove the rest of the mole and then another apt to remove those stitches. So that’s a total of 5 appointments-​each time filling out the same intake forms! I stopped filling them out after the third time. I suspect this is a method to increase her billing opportunities.
In addition to this somewhat shady shake down she paid no attention to me. At one point she came in with the wrong chart on the appointment she was supposed to do my biopsy. Good to know their on top of their records. What if they treated my test results with such little regard? I also mentioned i had a sudden and uncommon for me break out of deep/​cystic acne. She didn’t look at it but wrote me two RXs for major antibiotics and cream that destroyed my face. so harsh! My sister-​in-​law used to work for a derm and was horrified in this course of treatment. «very old School treatment’ were her words. She also didn’t give me a heads up that a 1 month rx would cost me $ 600 and $ 100 and change respectively.
The final straw was that despite being considered «in-​network» she charged way more then Blue Cross allows. That’s the point of being in network. I was basically paying out of pocket. I would have picked someone else-​anyone else-​if i knew i wasn’t going to pay that much.
At the end of the day she didn’t kill me, she removed the move, she screwed up my face with horrible RX, and yes-​she phones it in. Go somewhere else. No really. Go somewhere else.

I went to Dr. Read after a major, unprecedented acne eruption. The initial exam took literally — as in the actual-​definition-​of-​literally literally — five minutes and I walked out the door with a prescription for antibiotics. When I finished the anti-​b treatment, my acne returned and I made a follow-​up appointment — which lasted (again, literally-​literally) four minutes. Dr. Read showed absolutely no interest in exploring the reasons why this might be happening. There were no questions, no in-​depth examinations; she simply gave me a prescription for six additional months’ worth (!!!) of antibiotics and walked out.
After another (more engaged) doctor ordered some bloodwork and identified the catalyst, my skin cleared up — no long-​term use of antibiotics needed.
Another reviewer on this site described Dr. Read as «phoning it in» and I’m inclined to agree. Will not be returning.

Dr. Read is one of the dermatologists in my insurance network, I chose her based on her proximity to my job. I wish I hadn’t wasted my time and money. The check-​in process was quick and easy when I arrived. I was ushered into a room and Dr. Read came in a few minutes later. She asked for the reason for my visit. When I told her my concerns, she told me bluntly that she couldn’t help, my hair might never grow back– too bad, so sad. I was shocked. Imagine how it feels as a woman to have another woman completely dismiss your concerns about your hair and then basically dismiss you. I actually had to prod her to give me the name of another dermatologist since she wouldn’t bother running any tests or recommending any prescriptions. The entire visit lasted a total of 3 minutes before I was ushered out with a «I don’t know what else to tell you, it might never grow back.» Anyone could clearly see that I was having a difficult time with the news and a real professional would have shown some compassion, sat with me and talked through options. Instead, Dr. Read ushered me back to the cashier after just 3 minutes– $ 10 a minute for that appointment ($ 30). You hear all the time what’s wrong with the American health care system and why illnesses often go undiagnosed– Dr. Read should be the face of that.

After they finally contacted me to set up an appointment, things seemed to be looking up. I asked the woman at the desk about ALL charges I would be receiving, since I currently do not have insurance, and was told everything would cost $ 320, which I happily paid. When trying to contact them to get the results of my biopsy, I was hung up on several times before I was very rudely told my results. I had never been to the dermatologist before, but assumed they would be a bit more sensitive to the situation seeing as it was a test for skin cancer. When I went in to have my stitch removed, the nurse told me the doctor was busy and she would try her best to take it out, but she wasn’t sure if she’d be able to. She successfully removed it, but looked completely terrified while doing so. Two weeks later, I have received a bill for $ 127 from Bethesda Dermatopathology Laboratory. I find this a bit confusing since I was told I had paid for everything and would be receiving no further charges. Overall, I found it to be a very stressful, unprofessional place and would recommend looking elsewhere.

So I am surprised by all the horrible reviews. My experience was straightforward and pretty good. Came in and was efficiently ushered through the check in process. I saw the Dr. ten minutes later, and had three questions. All were addressed in a knowledgable fashion, and a suspect mole removed on the spot. I was back at work within an hour and a half.
I would have given a higher review, if it wasn’t that Dr. Read prefers not to put stitches on mole removals (which always was done previously) and promptly the healing process took longer and got slightly inflamed. But that is always a risk…

I visited Dr. Read in my never ending search for decent doctors in DC, and was disappointed. I went in for her to check a rough spot on my face, which she found but only after putting on magnifying glasses from the drug store (yikes). She did a cursory look at the rest of my face, but didn’t see anything. When I got home I remembered that I had another spot on my face that needed checking, but she hadn’t noticed it. While visiting my former dermo in San Francisco a month or so later, she checked my face and found that spot (which she biopsied because it was suspicious), as well as another. And she used professional magnifying glasses. I will continue my search for a great dermo…

Dr. Read is an effective marketer, an efficient physician, and a competent businesswoman. But I have spent hundreds of dollars on ineffective prescriptions she has recommended, and I always feel rushed when I see her. It’s uncomfortable to be with a physician who subtly lets you know that you have only a few minutes of her time. Dr. Read is keen to push her products on you, and I have been surprised by an extra $ 70 – 100 of «suggested» products upon checking out after each appointment. This was unpleasant at first, but eventually it became demoralizing. It seems unfair and predatory to recommend– at the very moment that you are leaving the doctor’s office– a skin product that is three times as expensive as anything you’ve ever seen. Yet that is what Dr. Read did to me time and time again. I’ve been with Dr. Read for two years, but I may have just finished my last appointment with her.

Dr. Read saved my life. She spotted a melanoma early and removed it quickly and cleanly. Without her my life would be over. I don’t understand the complaints about Dr. Read, who I’ve always found to be courteous, thoughtful, and thorough. I highly recommend her.

I don’t understand why dr read is listed as a top dermatologist year after year in the Washingtonian mag list. In my experience, she completely phones it in. I expect she is competent but I think that’s the best one could say about her.

Dr. Read and her staff were awesome. I’m really surprised at some of the low ratings. I was a new patient, yet in and out in 30 minutes, including a mole removal. Everyone was polite and efficicent. What more could you ask for?
For those complaining about not getting a full body exam, the form I filled out had a place to indicate if one was desired. Perhaps more careful reading of ones medical forms is in order, not low ratings.

I waited for 30 minutes tor her to see me, and she was in the room for less than 60 seconds. Not comprehensive care by any means. I highly recommend you make an appointment with a different dermatologist.

I thought she was good. If you’re looking for the kind of derm who is going to up sell you a bunch of beauty treatments and products, this is not the doc for you, but if you want basic, no nonsense treatment, I recommend her. She was pleasant, efficient and competent. Visited the office 3 times total for mole check, mole removal, and stitch removal. All good experiences! Not hard to get in to see her.

Great office staff. Dr. Read fit me in as a new patient the morning after I called due to bug bites I had received over the weekend.
I was seen quickly and I felt like she knew what she was doing. Because of my awful GP experiences in DC, I asked if they had anyone they could refer me to see. They happily did. Not super convenient to the Metro, but worth it to feel comfortable in a Dr. office with a pleasant staff.

I don’t need a doctor who had great bedside manner. I don’t need a doctor who asks me how my day was. I just need a doctor who is competent.
Dr. Sandra Read gave me an incorrect diagnosis for which she prescribed a medication. After using the medication for 3 weeks as directed, I called the office to say that I had not seen any improvement in my symptoms. The nurse was totally dismissive and said that it takes 4 weeks for the medication to start taking effect. It was obvious she just wanted to get rid of me.
I waited several more weeks with no improvement. Then, I called back to ask about some tests they had done during my visit. At that point I was told that the results were negative for what she had diagnosed and that I should make another appointment to repeat the test. I had to call them myself to find this out. They did not have the decency or the professionalism to call me themselves and let me know that they may have misdiagnosed me.
Finally I went to another dermatologist who told me that in fact I had been misdiagnosed and all I have are allergies.
Incompetence by the doctor followed by complete disregard for the patient by the staff. They do not deserve even $ 1 of my hard earned money.

Worst doctor’s visit ever. Allow me to elaborate… I visited Dr. Read’s office in June of 2008 to have her help me with three relatively minor skin problems: a mole check, scalp itch, and some kind of foot fungus or something. I’m not someone who just goes to the doctor at the drop of a hat. It took me 6 months of scratching my head and trying to use lamisil on my foot to finally cave and make an appointment.
After a very long wait, I finally got to see the doctor. Not only was she rather rude (kind of strange since I was a new patient, no?), she also pretty much blew me off. 1) She took one glance at me and said my moles were fine– she didn’t even look at the one on my neck that’s a birthmark every dermatologist I’ve ever visited has asked me about. 2) Then she looked at my scalp and said I should use head and shoulders, which was odd because what I was trying to say– before she cut me off– was that I’d tried 4 different dandruff and scalp itch shampoos, scalpicin, and anti-​itch creams. 3) We moved on to my foot, and she again cut me off by saying– it’s athletes foot just use some over the counter cream.
So, now it’s nearly a year later and I’ve moved across the country. How’s my skin doing? Well, my scalp still itches. My moles still need to be checked by someone who will take the time to do it right. And, the kicker… wait for it… I have over a dozen plantars warts on my foot. My new dermatologist was pretty amazed that Dr. Read didn’t identify them when there were only three.
So, in sum, thanks for nothing Dr. Read. Can I get a refund?

I went to see Dr. Read at the suggestion of a colleague. I was thrilled to have found a dermatologist after 5+ years of looking. Unfortunately, I’m still searching. I waited in an exam room for 45 minutes while I listened to Dr. Read talk on the phone and finally, I had to leave. The receptionist was very friendly and apologetic but I never heard from Dr. Read. I would hope that she would have the ethic to at least call and apologize, but clearly she is not in need of patients. There was another new patient there that came in about 5 minutes before I went into an exam room and she was still waiting in the waiting area when I left. If this is how new patients are treated, I shudder to think about the existing ones! Certainly I understand that doctors often run behind and that cannot be helped, but a followup call would have been nice. Anyone else have a good dermatologist they can recommend???

Melissa B. I think you should go with your gut reaction and pick a new dermatologist!!!
I moved to Washington, DC fresh out of college and picked Dr. Read out of my insurance handbook because I didn’t have any recommendations and she was near where I worked. It was a terrible experience. This was back in 2000.
I have seen 2 or 3 dermatolgists over the years in Connecticut and since I saw Dr. Read and they always measured my moles and kept track of the mole sizes, some even traced or photographed them. They always did a thorough exam with a lamp, a magnifying glass and also told me which moles to «keep an eye on» …I have a big family history of skin cancer with both parents having it.
So I made the «new patient» appointment and went in… Dr. Read came in, introduced herself and asked «Why are you here?». Call me naïve, but at that age I didn’t know why else a person would go to a dermatologist as a new patient other than having a full body check… I mean… that’s what they do right? help people prevent/​look for skin cancer?
I said «My parents have had skin cancer so I’ve been told to get annual body check» and she got very huffy and snippy immediately and snapped that I hadn’t booked a long enough appointment for that, and that I should have specified that was what I wanted when i made my appointment…
I explained that I thought a skin check is what a new patient appointment was… and what else would I have come for?
She informed me that she DID have time for botox or acne treatment in «short appointments»…neither of which I needed as a 22 year old just out of college who did not have wrinkles or acne.
AND she informed me that I would have to COME BACK to have a skin cancer check at a later date.
You can bet I did not return!
By the way, her office billed me for months afterwards! What a waste of time and poor healthcare in the process.

I visited Dr. Read’s office on three occasions, one evaluation and two surgical appointments. After the second visit, I swore I would never return to her office, but was forced to after mole biopsy results came back as pre-​cancerous and required more skin removal. After the third visit, my opinion is less harsh of her, although I still may consider seeing a different dermatologist in the future.
Before starting this review, I would just like to say that I can tolerate a doctor with a bad beside manner, as long as they are good, thorough, and answer my questions. I had read reviews on other review sites (
) that said that Dr. Read does not have a good beside manner, but I still gave her a try because of her repeated appearances on the list of Washingtonian’s Top Doctors, the articles she has published and news stories she has consulted for, and her presence on executive boards of dermatological associations and societies.
First, the pros
1. This was the most punctual doctor’s office I have ever visited. The first appointment was right on time, the second appointment she took me early, and my third visit was less than a 10 minute wait. So if you want to see a dermatologist that won’t waste your time by waiting, Dr. Read is your doc.
2. The nurse, Marguerite, is phenomenal. I was quite scared during my first surgical appointment (not because I was afraid of the procedure, but afraid that the results would come back as cancer), and Dr. Read made me even more upset (more on that below). But Marguerite answered all the questions I had and made me feel so much better.
Now, the cons
1. Dr. Read was less than thorough during her initial examination. The last time I had been to a dermatologist about a mole was more than 10 years ago when I was in high school, and that dermatologist examined me from head to toe and took measurements of many freckles, spots, and moles.
When I went to see Dr. Read, although I had a concern about a particular mole, I still expected a thorough exam. Dr. Read’s exam lasted less than 30 seconds. I showed her the mole that I was concerned about, then she said, «Yes, that does stand out, let’s go ahead and remove it. I do surgeries on Thursdays, so I’ll see you in two days.» There was no exam of the rest of my body. I felt like asking for a discount on my $ 30 copay for that 15 second consultation.
Also, I had brought medical records from my previous dermatologist 10 years ago so that Dr. Read would have an idea of how things may have changed over the years. Dr. Read never looked at the records.
2. Dr. Read made me feel uncomfortable for asking questions and being concerned, and even took one question as a personal insult to her medical skills. During my first surgical appointment, I felt obligated to tell her that I had scarring from an unrelated surgery near the mole she was about to remove. Since I’m not a doctor, I didn’t know if the existing scar tissue would have affected her procedure, and since she only did such a cursory evaluation exam, she hadn’t seen it yet. So I showed it to her, and I said, «this scar that’s here already won’t affect anything, will it?» I don’t even think she listened to my question, because as soon as she heard the word scar, she said, «you know you’ll have a scar from this, don’t you? There’s nothing we can do about that.» I was like, huh? That wasn’t even my question. When I repeated my question, she said, «Will you relax? I’ve done this a trillion times.» I felt like an idiot. I thought I should point it out just in case, and she thinks I’m insulting her medical skills.
3. Yes, I was somewhat emotional and scared, but I would think that is most people’s reaction when facing the scary prospect of cancer. But Dr. Read treated me like a big baby, and even proceeded to talk about me with her nurse right in front of me, rolling her eyes when she saw I was upset.
And finally, more pros
After the biopsy results came back as pre-​cancerous, I had to make another appointment, which I dreaded. However, the third appointment was a night-​and-​day difference from my previous appointment. Dr. Read explained my pathology results and why more skin had to be removed, and answered all my questions. She also apologized that her staff had not followed up with the lab after I called her office once and was told that my results were not in yet.
For this third appointment though, I was calmer because, in the scheme of things, pre-​cancerous is pretty good news considering the more serious alternatives. So I’m thinking maybe she just doesn’t do well with scared patients. Or maybe she was just having a bad day.
I have six months before I have to see a dermatologist again and I’m not sure if I’ll go back to her. My third visit to Dr. Read’s office was a more positive experience, but I’m still not sure if that redeems the experience of my first two visits.