MedStar Health: Dermatology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center

Writing to share a similar experience to other reviewers. I scheduled this appointment in the spring to see someone today in September. I realized I hadn't received any confirmation, so when I called this morning, they let me know the doctor was on vacation, so my appointment had been cancelled. The next availability is May 2025. Most hospitals have automated systems that can send out information about cancellation and reminders. It is disappointing that there is not even this basic service here. Edit 10/1/30: was told someone would call me by EOD on the day my appointment was cancelled to resolve the issue. Have not heard back.

Similar issue others have experienced: scheduled an appt for May back in February (it was earliest available at that time). 2 weeks out, they called and canceled on me because "the provider is going to be off that day". I call back to reschedule and the earliest appt available is now july. What is that. Waiting for a referral from my primary to go elsewhere because what happens when they cancel again? I have to wait until October? Might as well sit outside without sunscreen at this rate.

This review is about the Chevy Chase location. Had a bad experience there. A doctor had called in sick, but no one called to cancel my appointment, told me that when I checked in, or told me that after I had waited an hour and saw numerous, later patients called back. They canceled my appointment in the end, and were unable to refund my copay until later (I hope). This costs me nearly 3 hours of sick leave: travel there, wait time, going to CVS to get something since I didn't get a prescription, travel home---and I never saw a doctor. I understand that things come up---no problem. Just call and cancel appointments when it happens so that we don't lose our sick leave. Also had bad luck with dermatology scheduling. I call, am put on hold, then they hang up or the call drops. I call back and get someone who takes messages, but I never get a call back to schedule an appointment. So, it takes several calls and a lot of patience to schedule an appointment. Update: Got an appointment and the provider was quite good...so good that I will tough it out and stick with this place.

Scheduled a January appointment months in advance, THEY cancelled on ME, then offered to reschedule me for April and were not amenable to any other options. Said they would put me on the waitlist but I could also call back everyday to see if any cancellations popped up. Called back the next day, told a different scheduler what happened, she repeated April was the first opening but also told me there is no waitlist. Who’s lying? Lol.

They scheduled an appointment three months in advance. The appointment was canceled without notifying me. I found out when I called the day before, and they scheduled a new appointment three months later and refused to see me soon. What?