Affiliated Dermatology Gilbert

Zero stars. After each visit with Dr. Mullins or his PA, I left confused and with my questions unanswered. They were dismissive and made me feel like I was making the wrong decisions. I went to Dr. Mullins for a bump in the middle of my forehead which he believed to be a cyst. I was first treated with antibiotics and a steroid injection which did not work. I decided to have it surgically removed after consulting others who had successful, similar procedures. Because the bump was on my face, I received heavy pushback from Dr. Mullins (who apparently is very experienced with facial procedures). Five weeks following the procedure with the bump still there although slightly smaller, I received a pathology report stating it was not a cyst but a cellular dermatofibroma which extended to the margins-meaning, Dr. Mullins did not get it all. At this point, I had moved across the country and chose to go to a plastic surgeon who did a wonderful job. He questioned why the incision was done vertically by Dr Mullins as is not typical and not in line with wrinkle lines on the forehead. However, there was nothing he could do to correct this with the second incision. Regarding the expense: I was initially quoted $300-900 (depending on the size). Dr. Mullins’ office said mine was small. However, the day of the procedure, I paid $250, followed by a bill for an additional $256 after size was determined, $115 for pathology, and another $257 from Cleveland Clinic where the office had requested a 2nd pathology opinion, totaling $878. I did not request or approve this 2nd opinion.I directed my billing questions to the head of the billing department, who replied, “Sometimes we get a second opinion, especially for things like melanoma.” I responded, “This is not melanoma but a non-cancerous growth,” to which she replied, “I just used that as an example. You are still responsible”. No help, no reasonable explanation. Due to the complicated nature of my diagnosis and the decision to get a second opinion on what to do next, my bill went past 30 days. They charged a late fee and then another, even though my treatment was being discussed and was not complete. I was in continued contact with the billing office, yet I was treated so rudely when asked if she would remove the late charge. “I will remove the second one but I will not remove both.” In the end, I paid $386 to have the plastic surgeon remove all of the growth (not including pathology), which should have been more expensive than a dermatologist. Not to mention the incision was 3x the length which qualified it for a more expensive incision; However, it still was not as expensive as the incision done by Dr Mullins. This negative experience on all levels with Dr. Mullins and his staff causes me to recommend others avoid his dermatology practice.