DistinctlyDerm

I inquired about DD with a friend who had been seen by this dermatologist b/c I was having trouble finding a provider in ABQ who didn't have a 6-month wait. Friend said that Dermatologist Shelby was incredibly rude and shaming and had actually made her cry during her skin cancer treatment! Despite this, I was desperate for a skin check and scheduled anyway. I ended up having to wait a really long time but was eventually seen. NP Shelby was a little brusque but we both had a history in Tampa and connected over that so she wasn't openly rude to me, although she did push some products on me that, in hindsight, I absolutely did not need. I have also had issues with their billing dept., but in fairness, I would categorize my medical treatment as OK (not stellar, but decent).This was not the case for my daughter, however, who scheduled with NP Shelby after I had been seen. Her experience was very similar to others written about here on Yelp - she showed up for initial appt at the time provided her in a text reminder (20 mins early) and was told she was late by the receptionist. When my daughter tried to explain she had come at exactly the time texted to her, she was rebuffed and rudely informed that her appt time would be pushed back b/c she was "late." They took a $40 co-pay from her nonetheless and directed her to wait. After an hour+, and watching folks who came in after her being taken back ahead of her, she went back to reception to inquire about when she might be seen and was treated rudely again and told basically she'd be seen when she'd be seen. Since they wouldn't give her a clear idea of when she'd be seen, she opted to leave. She was the told that if she did, they would be keeping $25 of her $40 co-payment as a "no-show" fee (even though she had shown up on time and it was on them that she hadn't been seen!). She left anyway. The payment had been made with our Apple Pay credit card and I fought the charge and eventually had the full $40 amount refunded. F them if they think they're getting a dime from us for that appt after treating my daughter like sh*t. So... While my own experience wasn't awful, (tho I also wouldn't call it very good), based on my friend's and my daughter's experience, it does seem like an office full of unhappy, mean-spirited folks who get off on exercising the tiny bit of power they have in ways that are unnecessarily unkind and punitive. Long story short, I would avoid using them if you have any other options.

This is important before picking this doctor. They do not respect your time.Dr. Shelby is a very difficult doctor to work with. She will not discuss treatment options with you, and will not listen to concerns. She prescribed me multiple medications I specifically asked to not have, and provided samples of products she even admits are not the best course of action. You will not get a word in edgewise and will not have treatments explained to you. You have to wait hours after your scheduled appointment time if they have over booked. Their reasoning at first was "COVID" now their reason is the "Flu" for these wait times. They have an unspoken 15 minute early policy, and if you arrive on your scheduled appointment time you are are considered late. You will have to reschedule for being "late" and either will have to wait for a walk in time or pay a $25 rescheduling fee.I implore you to not go to her. There are much better options in town.

Love and recommend they were good to me I liked that she is a bit "to the point" but she got rid of my age spots in one shot and was quick about it...and I'm ok with that.

The absolute worst. After I paid my copay and made a negative review on another platform, they sent me a bill for $14. I tried to call to pay 3 times, and they put me on hold forever after I give them my name. On top of that, my original experience with this provider (which prompted the initial negative review) involved the "doctor" trying to prescribe me a medication that would cause severe problems. I, as the patient, had to point out the issues (even though they had me fill out my medical history twice, and I was referred by my primary care doctor with a complete medical history provided). Ridiculous.

You couldn't pay me to go back. They were training a poor girl and barked at her the whole time. Dr walks in and looks at the bump on my scalp and froze it before I could ask anything. Never said why or the cost. Said I have rosacea and go never eat dairy or sugar again...I should use her favorite face wash and laundry soap. Her assistant walks me out and demands payment right after I had to give consent for the nitrogen I already got. No billing me no nothing. Offered to schedule me and I said nope. She told me 'you're welcome' and walked off. Wow that was the worst first Dr visit ever.

Well ,if there was a 0 star I would give -1.I had a terrible experience with Dr Debra Shelby (Distintctly Derm in Albuquerque). She failed to complete the necessary paperwork for my insurance, causing denial my medications. Despite multiples calls and follow-ups , the office staff was also rude and has serious problem with handling insurance,. Called 7 times in one month, I went to office to explain the situation, for the second time they submitted incorrect information, leading to a claim denial.When I brought it up , they acted like it wasn't their problem.After 2 months my condition is terrible. I will not coming back .Find another dermatologist!

Don't listen to these crazy negative people!!! Don't miss out on the best doctor around because people only want to tell their side of the story. I am really upset by these negative remarks. This office has always been kind and I love Dr. Shelby! Its the BEST office in the state!!! She is direct and to the point. She knows her stuff and was the only doctor who actually helped me. I have been going to her for over 3 years and I have seen her be upset with patients but only when they are abusive to her or staff. I am in the office at least twice a week for my condition so I know! She loves her patients and is the only doctor that has actually hugged me and told me how special I am. She even prayed with me when I asked her to be sure she is very religious and active in her church and community.Don't go into that office thinking you are going to be rude and obnoxious and think she will be ok with it. I have seen people going in there and are horrible for no reason. People who write these reviews expect the office not to respond, but that is not going to happen. How do you expect to act rudely and abusive and not be told to leave? I have seen patients throw pens at the staff because they don't want to fill out papers!!!I also know she gets rid of horrible employees who don't care about the patients and many like the ones who have posted were fired because they were bad employees. I know because as a patient I had to deal with them.Thank you Dr. Shelby!! I love you and thank you for being my doctor and for helping me

Well, if there was a 0 star rating I would give it. Scheduled 2 appointments in April for July and September because that was the only times available. No warning, just a recorded message that my july appt was cancelled and to call and reschedule. Called, left a clear message and waited a week for a call back. By then I had scheduled with a different derm place. This am, husband is in the way to appt and was notified by email that his appt was cancelled. DONE with never having set foot in this place. I understand emergencies, but they said they would call for a reschedule next Tuesday. Sorry, waiting 5 months for an appointment and then cancelled? That's not good.

Pay attention to the negative reviews on here and Google. The positive ones are from friends or current employees before they get terminated

If I could give a 0 star rating I would. I've worked as a medical assistant for over 7yrs and have never had a doctor treat me, her staff and her patient the way she treats people. Debra Shelby is a miserable human and her actions scream it. I don't care how much money or how many degrees a person has you should treat people with respect. She can't keep workers because the rudest person you'll encounter. She had a patient walk out on her today which was because she so rude to the staff she heard her yell at everyone for 30 minuets and Debra said the patient was rude. She has to hire people under a Balanced Rejuvenation(her closed spa) because her review are so horrible. Please go else where. I STRONGLY SUGGEST RIO GRANDE DERMATOLOGY you can see Marie, Leigh, Niki or Dr. Jacobs that's a great place