Berman Skin Institute | Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology

I do not come here for fancy cosmetic dermatology things. I came for significant acne issues and I’ve been coming here for well over a year. The front desk people don’t even ask for my name because they know what I look like. My PA (Samantha Stein) is incredibly nice, caring, and quick. I feel confident that she knows what she’s doing and that she wants the best for me. Sometimes there’s a wait, but it’s never that long compared to other doctors offices. I’m not sure why there are a bunch of recent bad reviews. I will say that since it’s a chain, calling them and getting their call center can be a big hassle. But everywhere has its problems. Overall it’s really good and I’ve had other dermatologists in my life that sucked way worse.

I like Samantha, the NP a lot, which is what gives them the bonus stars. But their billing department is a mess. They sent my biopsy to an out of network provider and I've been dealing with issues between my insurance and Berman Skin Institute for months as a result. In addition, they overcharged me for a copay, but getting a refund is impossible because they outsource the appointments and billing to a 3rd party. The company they use won't call you back (no matter how many messages you leave). I am moving providers in 2026, it's just too much of a hassel. Update: Moments after posting, I got a call from Yvette, Area Manager. She was incredibly professional, sincerely, empathetic, and very helpful. I respect the accountability she took for the company and appreciate her direct outreach.

I have a fair amount of skin issues; Rocasea, Exema and Grovers Disease, so I am very picky about my dermatologist. When I find a good one, I stick with them. I had been seeing two other Dr's long enough to see them retire. When looking for a new skin doc last year, Ebu Scohy (my previous go-to person) recommended Dr. Malcom Pyles. Earlier in the year. I'd seen him on a news program talking about skin care for being in the sun, found the info he shared very helpful, and that this was a sign that I had found my next skin Doc. I've been seeing him and his medical assistant Hyomin for the last year. He is a graduate of Stanford, so my expectations were set pretty high; he and Hyomin definitely delivered. He and Hyomin were patient with my many concerns and questions, thorough with their assessment of my skin, and knowledgeable with their answers. On the medical side of things, they were spot-on! On the cosmetic side, I've had botox countless times with some of the best pros in the business. I had two treatments with Dr. Pyles so far. My results have not only looked better/ more natural than with other pros, but also produced the least amount of pain and bruises (actually "O" bruises, not sure how he does it, as I'm on a blood thinner). On a related note, I have a few friends who go to him for more serious cosmetic stuff, and they have nothing but positive things to say. I'm grateful (and relieved) to have found my go-to people, or at least till they retire:-) Thank you Dr. Pyles and Hyomin!

Bad service. The first time I have experienced a terrible front desk service at a doctor’s office my whole life. I don’t know if it is a one of or if this is usual. I came here because they offered a quick appointment about 20 minutes before the appointment time. I was 12 minutes late to the appointment - that’s my bad I couldn’t find the parking garage. When I got to the office, I couldn’t get help because they were helping another patient which is understandable but it took about 8 minutes at the front desk when they could help me after which they said it was too late for the appointment. I was kind at first but I did not like the demeanor at the front desk. My reaction was terrible but this is the first time I received a dismissive front desk service. This whole ordeal cost me 1 hour, 6$ in parking fees and unnecessary stress. I’m definitely not coming back again. Also there is public parking across Sutter. that’s where I ended up parking. Streamline the appointments. Use technology. Make it easy for everyone. Tablet sign in by the entrance. Patient gets called in and seen. Clarify when appointments don’t work and patient asks for help from front desk then.

Same review as everyone else: wonderful medical team, terrible admin and billing practices. I was seen in May, charged a co-pay, and told my receipt would be "on the portal". Okay, fine. I log into the (incredibly slow) portal, nothing. I send them a message about my treatment through the portal, no response. I called a month or two later about the co-pay bill from May, they said the same thing: "it’s on the portal". Still nothing posted after this call. Then (against my better judgment) I did go in for a follow-up treatment in September, and only after asking the front desk AGAIN about the bill from May did it get posted to the portal after this Sept appointment. However, I was charged another co-pay at the Sept appointment and STILL haven’t gotten a receipt from that. While I was in the office, I asked them if I could have a printed copy and they said no. What’s worse is they sent me a text a few weeks after saying I owed another $175, and then they charged my card automatically! No bill to review, nothing on the portal. I called just now and they said there’s nothing they can do, I just need to contact billing again. Kylie herself is lovely and knowledgeable. I would go back to her, but I don’t want to go back to this practice. I hope she goes to a different practice where her skills can shine and she’s not held back by this awful admin.

I’m new to the San Francisco area and had a wonderful experience with my PA, Samantha Stein—she is truly incredible. However, I’ve been very disappointed with the office’s follow-up care. I called eight times and left multiple messages regarding a medication, but only received one return call, which I unfortunately missed. I then left additional voicemails and sent a message through the patient portal, yet never received a response. Because of this lack of follow-up, I no longer feel I can rely on Berman Skin Institute for my care. **** Update... Berman really has impressed me with fixing the above issue. Again Samantha Stein is a true pleasure to work with and I'm thoroughly satisfied Berman has taken this seriously. Thank you for making it right 🙂 ***

I received a halo laser peel and it was one of the worst service experiences in my life. The girl assisting told me about her break up and was generally unprofessional. My dermatologist did not inform me of any aftercare needs, was very apathetic, and when I emailed to ask about further concerns never responded. Everything I learned I learned online on other dermatology sites, you think they would have pages for aftercare of specific procedures. Mind you this is not a cheap treatment. I'm dealing with redness a year after the fact, nothing I had before. So angry and disappointed with this place. Also incredibly pushy up sellers.