Complaints
This profile includes complaints for Forefront Dermatology, S.C.'s headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see
Customer Complaints Summary
- 35 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 7 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
If you've experienced an issue
Submit a ComplaintThe complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.
Initial Complaint
Date:12/19/2023
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I visited the Forefront Dermatology location in ************ on 4/20/23. I was referred from the doctor's ****** at *********************** and had health insurance through the Universities healthcare plan. I went to see Dr ****** regarding alopecia. I asked the receptionist if this would be covered under my insurance policy and I was assured so. After visiting Dr August for less than 10 minutes, I was written a prescription and sent on my way. I just recently got a Bill for $474, which is an exorbitant amount. If I had known that insurance would not cover the visit I would not have gone. The cost of a 10 minute doctors check up at this facility is extortionary if you do not have insurance.
Business Response
Date: 12/20/2023
Thank you for bringing this concern to our attention. Please provide a HIPAA release so that we can respond accordingly.Customer Answer
Date: 12/21/2023
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
I have already signed a HIPAA release form with BBB. If you can provide me with a release form I can proceed also.
Regards,
*********************Customer Answer
Date: 12/21/2023
HIPAA release form attached here.Customer Answer
Date: 12/22/2023
Attached is the ***** release form.Customer Answer
Date: 12/22/2023
**SEE ATTACHED HIPAA RELEASE FORM**Business Response
Date: 12/27/2023
We are in contact wtih the consumer and are working on a resolution for this concern.Initial Complaint
Date:11/15/2023
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
November 15th at 11:40 am I had an appointment with ***** the physician at the ********* location. I didnt have the best experience with her assistant who asked me questions and confirmed my information. She talked over me like she was in a rush and she didnt send my prescription to the right location after I verified with her. When it was time for me to leave, she didnt walk me out to the exit, she proceeded to walk away with her physician. I work at a hospital and this is not how we treat our patients.Business Response
Date: 11/16/2023
Thank you for bringing this concern to our attention. Although it is noted that this customer is just looking to share their experience, we are unable to provide any response without a signed HIPAA release.Initial Complaint
Date:10/21/2023
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
On 5/18,23 I came in for an appointment made by a phone conversation. The person who made my appointment took my insurance information and confirmed that they took my insurance. After my appointment, the office clerk told me that I did not have a balance due. Two days later I was called by Forefront Dermatology and told that they did not accept my insurance. I was told that I needed to pay the entire balance out of pocket. I would not have gone to this provider had they informed me that they did not accept my insurance. They keep demanding I pay ********Business Response
Date: 10/23/2023
Thank you for bringing this concern to our attention. Please forward the signed HIPAA release so that we can respond accordingly.Initial Complaint
Date:10/19/2023
Type:Status:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I have attached a letter fully explaining all the details.Business Response
Date: 10/19/2023
Thank you for bringing this concern to our attention. I see where it is noted that a HIPAA release was offered and accepted on 10/19. Please provide a copy of the release so that we may respond accordingly.Business Response
Date: 10/30/2023
Thank you very much for sharing this concern with us. We have reached out to this patient to discuss this situation and work toward a mutually acceptable resolution.Customer Answer
Date: 11/10/2023
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
I have talked with ******, a couple of times. Currently I am waiting for a call back from our last conversation on Monday 11/6/2023.
Regards,
***********************Initial Complaint
Date:09/22/2023
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Initial appointment 4/27/23 Received a notice in advance because I am self pay, that I needed to be pay within 20 days of appointment.Had to pay $150 before the visit on arrival Each and every staff was ****** and irritable. I made it clearly known that I would be gone for the month of May. Nurse practitioner (**) was rude!!! Talked negatively about the former **. A biopsy was taken.I attempted to pay the bill in full upon leaving the office. They told me I was "all set, all good". Five days later I received a phone call from the ** with my diagnosis. He told me one of his staff would get back to me and work with me on a drug program and payment schedule. 10 days later I called back to follow up and nobody had done anything!!! I worked with a receptionist and nurse in an attempt to get paperwork going over the course of the next five days. In order to proceed, they told me that I needed to sign a form, but I was in Colorado. I was told they do not do docusign. I had no way of receiving any mail where I was. Forefront sent it to my home some **** miles away. I had somebody go to my house and get my mail and they took a picture of the form, emailed it to me, which I printed out at a local courthouse. I signed the form and mailed it in. Upon receiving, Forefront told me that the form wasn't clear enough and rejected it. They mailed me another form on 5/25. It was now a month later and my condition had worsened significantly with absolutely no help from this, supposedly professional doctors office.When I arrived home on June 1st, there was a bill for $399. July I received an EOB from my former insurance company. Then on 7/14 they sent me a bill for $511. Then I received another EOB from my former insurance company. Forefront attempted collection from them a second time, even though I was clear and told them I had no insurance. On 8/7 a bill for $1769.Then a bill for $701 dated September 4th. all four of the bills that I received were for the same services on 4/27.Business Response
Date: 09/22/2023
Thank you for bringing this concern to our attention. I see where it is noted that a HIPAA release was offered and accepted on 9/22/23. Will you please provide a copy of the release so that we may have it for our records and respond accordingly?Initial Complaint
Date:08/28/2023
Type:Status:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
On July 28th visited Seacoast Dermatology/ Forefront Dermatology in ****** ** and paid ****** for initial appointment. I was advised that additional payment might be required depending on appointment outcome: for example, if more tests will be needed - I agreed. Appointment was less than 10 minutes, and I was told that I have nothing to worry about (in regard to the issue I came with) Left the room with a bill which indicated "0" payment and was asked to give it to the receptionist which I did. On August 28 received a paper bill saying what my visit cost was ******! and that I have to pay a remainder which is ******! Where in the world would we pay $474 for a 10 min conversation with a nurse practitioner?!!! I found it highly unethical and unfair to be scammed by healthcare professionals.Business Response
Date: 08/29/2023
Thank you for bringing this concern to our attention. I see where it is noted that a HIPAA release was offered and accepted on 8/28//23. Will you please provide a copy of the release so that we may have it for our records?Customer Answer
Date: 08/29/2023
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
I have no records of above mentioned HIPPA.
Regards,
***************************Customer Answer
Date: 09/01/2023
Attached is signed HIPAA.Business Response
Date: 09/05/2023
Thank you for providing the ***** release. We are looking into this matter and will provide a response as soon as possible.Business Response
Date: 09/12/2023
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We take all concerns seriously and have been in contact with the patient. As a courtesy we have adjusted the balance on her account and will send her an itemized statement. This matter was resolved on 9/8/23 . Thank you.Customer Answer
Date: 09/12/2023
[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
Regards,
***************************Initial Complaint
Date:08/27/2023
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I went into the Forefront Dermatology office in *******, ** on 06/26/2023 for a visit to get acne medicine. There was no discussion of charges, so after agreeing to a prescription (and paying for the medication myself at a pharmacy), I was charged a bill of $464.44 just for getting a prescription. I called the billing **** for an explanation of why I was charged this amount, and was not given a clear explanation as to why the bill was so expensive, or a breakdown of the charges.Business Response
Date: 08/28/2023
Thank you for informing us of this concern. Please provide the ***** release so that we can promptly respond. Thank you.Initial Complaint
Date:08/24/2023
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
June 5th I was double billed for services rendered for a check up from ****************. They received my first payment and did not apply it to my account. I received a bill again and mistakenly paid it. When I realized I paid twice i contacted patient billing and told them the problem. They could not find the check that was sent via UW CREDIT UNION . I thought it was odd that they couldn't locate it. After several calls and emails showing them that the checks were cashed by them, they still would not refund the balance of $223.13. I talked with ***** and she told me she would address it and get back to me. She never got back to me after multiple attempts . Im not sure how to get this payment back Please assist.Business Response
Date: 08/24/2023
Good morning. We are in receipt of the complaint filed by ********************. The complaint noted that a HIPAA Release was offered and accepted on 8/24/2023. Please send us a copy of the release so that we may proceed with responding to the complaint.Initial Complaint
Date:08/22/2023
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I attended a scheduled appointment on 6/1/23 and had 1 skin tag and 1 mole removed. The mole was sent off for biopsy. The billing prices charged by this business are downright predatory. I was billed for the following:11102 - $378 ***** - $369.36 ***** - $38.33 ***** - $734.12 According to the *********** Consumer webiste, here are the 80th percentile prices I could expect to pay for these services:11102 - $265 ***** - $235 ***** - $16 ***** - $163 The prices I was billed should be illegal. I would like an adjustment to my bill to reflect the accurate, fair-market price of these servicesBusiness Response
Date: 08/23/2023
Good morning. We are in receipt of the complaint filed by ********************* The complaint noted that a HIPAA Release was offered and accepted on 8/22/2023. Please send us a copy of the release so that we may proceed with responding to the complaint.Customer Answer
Date: 08/23/2023
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
Please find my signed HIPAA release authorization attached to this response
Regards,
****** ********Business Response
Date: 08/25/2023
Thank you very much for contacting Forefront Dermatology. We take all concerns seriously. We have been in contact with the patient and have clarified the charges and his financial responsibility based upon his insurance benefits. We have come to agreement on a plan for him to pay his remaining balance. Should you have any questions, I would be happy to discuss further.Initial Complaint
Date:07/14/2023
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I went in for a skin screening and to discuss some other skin issues ive been dealing with for years. i went specifically to forefront due to a interview i had with them in which i saw *********** a provider there treat his patients with the utmost respect, and genuine care for his patient. he took the time to hear his patients concern and address every single one. i decided that this was a good place for me to get seen even if i didnt get hired. now a few months later after settling in from moving from out of town i set up an appointment they informed me that the provider i was seeing ***************************** was the only available provider and ensured she was fantastic. the experience i had was far from it. i work in the medical field, quite frankly this is what i do every single day. and i can tell you the care i recieved was unjust. she went in there, already knowing my history of skin tags, rosacea, psoriasis, and basically reiterated that thats whats going with no resolution. she basically said i just had to deal with. she took a two second glance at a mole i had that has been changing and said its fine. the visit lasted two minutes. it took her more time to input her notes and room me than the actual visit. she reiterated what i already knew with no resolution. my face hurts, the rosacea is getting worse. i now have to go see another provider due to the ingenuity of the care i received. i will not be coming back. upon further digging i found out that ***************************** is KNOWN to rush her visits. and id be more than glad to provide all the reviews, complaints and issues that have been associated with ******************************* care. while i understand visits are limited to a set amount of time, a two minute visit is not worth over $250 in charges. not when i left out of there with my concerns unaddressed.Business Response
Date: 07/14/2023
Thank you for bringing this concern to our attention. I see where it is noted that a HIPAA release was offered and accepted on 7/14/23. Will you please provide a copy of the release so that we may have it for our records?Customer Answer
Date: 07/18/2023
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
[hello, i dont have a copy of the form your asking for i did fill out the hipaa release forms with bbb upon filing this complaint. if you provide the form i can once again fill it out and submit. thank youRegards,
***********************Customer Answer
Date: 07/18/2023
AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF HEALTH INFORMATION TO Better Business Bureau
The **************** Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and certain state laws require all health care providers and health insurance plans to maintain the confidentiality of protected patient health information. Accordingly, to assist you in resolving your complaint, we need written authorization and signature below.
To: bbb/ forefront dermatology __________________________________
(Identify the health care provide or insurance carrier)
I authorize:
1. my health care providers and health insurance plans, including my insurance carrier or HMO, to release to Better Business Bureau (BBB) any medical, payment or insurance records related to the complaint I filed with the BBB so that the BBB, at my request, *** assist in the resolution of my com plaint;
2. the BBB to use or disclose any medical, payment or insurance records related to my complaint to my health care providers and health insurance plans to the extent necessary to assist in the resolution of my complaint; and
3. the BBB to use the information about my experience for research on industry marketplace practices. The research *** lead to the publication of aggregate and demographical data but will not result in the reporting of publication of any protected health information.
I understand that:
1. the BBB *** re-disclose the information it receives and thus HIPAA or state law *** no longer protect this information;
2. I *** revoke this authorization by giving written notice to the BBB;
3. if I revoke this authorization, then the BBB will no longer be able to proceed with its efforts to assist me in resolving my complaint;
4. the authorization to disclose or use my information for non-research purposes expires upon the closing of my complaint;
5. a photocopy or facsimile of this authorization will be valid; and
6. my health care provider and health insurance plan *** not condition treatment, payment, enrollment or eligibility for benefits on my signing of this authorization.
______Raquel Manon ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************* ___07/18/2023_________________
Signature Date
*********************** _________________________________
Name
____________________________________
Relationship (If the person signing the release is not the patient, please state the relationship to the patient)
PLEASE NOTE: All complainants 18 years or older must sign this authorization, unless they have a guardian, personal representative or are incapacitated. If so, the signer must submit written proof of his/her authority to act for the complainant. A parent or guardian must sign on behalf of a minor, except for an emancipated minor or where law allows a person under 18 to consent to health care treatment without the consent of a parent or guardian.Business Response
Date: 07/28/2023
Thank you very much for contacting Forefront Dermatology. We take all concerns seriously. ************* has reviewed the patients concerns and documentation from the associated encounter and remembers the encounter as well. While ************** is confident that the care provided was clinically appropriate, we have spoken with the patient and arranged for her to see another doctor at the clinic for a second opinion at no additional charge. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss further, please don't hesitate to contact us.
***********************
VP of Compliance, HIPAA Privacy Officer
Forefront Dermatology
Customer Answer
Date: 07/31/2023
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
[Please type your response here.]To begin id like to mention that although you feel your provider did a good job i am not the only patient with the same complaint. second the resolution is not satisfactory as the provider im scheduled to see has very limited availability with my schedule and his schedule it seems the availability is not fit for either of us. with that being said i did contact the ******** location and left a voicemail regarding canceling the appointment and receiving another resolution. however i have not heard back. i will be seeking care elsewhere.
Regards,
***********************Business Response
Date: 08/04/2023
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to try to come to a mutually acceptable resolution. We have informed the patient that we adjusted off the balance for her visit in an effort to resolve her concerns and improve patient satisfaction.Customer Answer
Date: 08/15/2023
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
[Hello , upon checking the charge has not been waived ive recieved another bill as well as the insurance has not recieved anything from you guys waiving the charge. ive attached a screenshot.]
Regards,
***********************Business Response
Date: 08/16/2023
We followed up with this patient yesterday and advised that she could disregard the bill as we have confirmed that the charge was voided on 7/31/23 and the patient does not have a balance in our system.
BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.
BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.
When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.
BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile.
As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation. BBB charges a fee for BBB Accreditation. This fee supports BBB's efforts to fulfill its mission of advancing marketplace trust.