Schweiger Dermatology Group - DTLA

New patients, be cautious. I made an appointment at this office for a very simple tretinoin prescription. I waited about 40 minutes past my appointment time (with only one other patient waiting) and then spent maybe 5 minutes with the doctor. While the wait itself was annoying, it wasn’t a big deal. What was frustrating was receiving a $130 bill in the mail weeks later on top of my $40 copay, because the visit was coded as a complex, 45-minute new patient appointment. This did not reflect the care I received, as my visit was extremely straightforward. None of these additional charges were communicated to me beforehand. On top of that, parking in the area is expensive, and I paid $20 just to park. The doctor himself was fine, but overall the experience was disappointing due to the lack of billing transparency.

I’ve waited months to write this review because I was in disbelief at the lack of care Dr. Gutmark showed toward me and my health. I arrived early, hopeful for a doctor who would listen and show compassion. Instead, I wasn’t even greeted with a “hello.” As a new patient with a complex medical history, I expected at least a moment of connection or curiosity—none. Before I could fully express my concerns, she rushed into suggesting a treatment plan. I agreed, trusting her expertise, only to experience an intimate and frightening procedure that felt careless and rushed. It was over before I could even process what was happening. I left feeling baffled, embarrassed, and confused—and with a large bill that still remains. Dr. Gutmark, if you’re reading this, I hope you take time to reflect on the feedback from your patients. We’re not wrong. There’s a clear need for change within your practice. Bedside manner isn’t optional—it’s part of the responsibility that comes with treating people and their health. It’s not just about the diagnosis, it’s about managing the entire patient experience with empathy and respect. Do better.

I cannot agree more with another reviewer, Taylor, about Dr. Gutmark’s complete lack of care and curiosity. I was also a new patient who has been exploring solutions for my skin concerns for a *long* time, and she also raced in and immediately started suggesting treatments. She didn’t ask me a single question, even after I expressed my concerns with what she was suggesting based on my experiences, and instead kept rolling through her long list of prescriptions and treatments, all of which I’ve either already tried or am already doing. The nurse documented my prescriptions and my questions, but Dr. Gutmark clearly didn’t review my chart or try to understand my history, because she came in suggesting prescriptions I was already taking. I was also rushed out before I could even remember to ask my other questions. I know the healthcare field is strained right now, and understand if time is tight, but I also want to emphasize that not a single other person was in the waiting room when I left. I’m SO disappointed that I wasted $50 on this visit, and I will not be back. I can only hope she changes her approach for future patients.

The doctor seemed rushed and was terse, and then was extremely rude to the nurse/assistant. That's not great at any time, but in an exam room in front of a patient? Yikes. To top it off their billing department screwed up and sorting out their mess is taking up tons of my time.

This is not a California Skin Institute. Did not feel heard or seen as a patient. Expressed my concerns and was just given a list of steroids and chemicals to use but no real breakdown from the doctor. When I had questions regarding my known reactions to some treatments and wanting to start more conservatively and cautiously I wasn’t heard or given an explanation of best treatments. My skin was never looked at closely to actually assess my needs. I am incredibly disappointed and would discourage people from coming if they assume they are getting the California Skin Institute experience and support