Get Quotes Contact Us Sign In
Website
Call
Dr. Robert G. Shoss leads a staff of caring specialists who are dedicated to delivering you with the best quality medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care. We hope this site supplies you with helpful and practical information on our practice.
Follow us
Reviews (24)
Write a Review
Maggie Hlywa
Jun 19, 2022
I switched over after my doctor moved out of the area last year. Met with Anna at my first visit, she was great; very kind and understanding. Since then, however, I have had immense trouble getting my monthly biologic injection perscription orders either sent in to the pharmacy or sent in correctly, causing a backslide in symptoms that had taken several years to stabalize.

This past week I had to make an appointment to be seen to actually get my meds called in, the Dr who saw me hadn't even looked at my chart at all! Still, after assuring me that the order was sent to CVS Specialty as I was in the office (who had been attempting to get in touch with them since at least May 19th when they got in touch with me to say they were getting no response).

I was JUST able to refill it today because it hadn't actually been sent in (leading to yet another pleading phone message to their office). Now I face yet another 2.5 week break in continuity of meds I need to remain healthy (I have an autoimmune diagnosis).I will check to see at the regular pharmacy if the other perscription was called in, too, later today.
Jayson Lloyd
Apr 05, 2022
My very first visit to this office was a great experience, when I arrived for my appointment I was greeted and warmly welcomed by Camilla. She was friendly, courteous, patient, professional and answered all my questions. She stated she loves her job and from my initial visit it was no need for any further confirmation due to my experience and observing her interactions with other patients and colleagues.

In an addition I was seen by Alyson and the great experience just continued, hands down she is the best! I was compelled to share this with other people who maybe looking for a professional friendly team for all their dermatology needs.
Renee Tassone
Feb 14, 2022
They refused medical services because I medically cannot wear a mask. Even though none of their pre-paperwork never stated anything about mask wearing and the fact that I presented them with a letter from my medical doctor stating I cannot wear a mask for medical reasons. I called them 3 times prior to my appointment to make sure it was ok that I cannot wear a mask and they told me it would be fine. I drove 2 hours to get there for my appointment for Mohs Surgery and they would not allow me in. They are a waste of time.
Gaby B.
Feb 07, 2022
I had an appointment at 3:15pm, arrived at 3:24 pm and was turned away due to lateness and having to come back another day. I am a Lupus, Psoriasis patient and really need medication that I've run out of from another location downstate. I left work early to be there and it didn't matter. The front desk staff argued with me for about ten minutes and claimed I was 15 minutes late and yes, by then I was.

I was also told that the doctor would spend a while with me and I told them to shorten my time but that I still need to see the doctor. Absolutely not, they were unable to let me see the doctor. Then the office manager proceeds to go inside and ask the doctor and it's my understanding he told her that I had to be re-scheduled. I'm only repeating what I was told. Doctors upstate are awful, they really have no compassion or empathy for those of us who may have some serious issues.

I even explained to the office staff that I have a lot of doctor appointments and that I'm always making time for them from my job and I couldn't make another appointment or be away from my job but that did not seem to matter. REally? 10 minutes late and can't be seen? Just awful! Will never go to this office ever again. Run while you can.
Megan R.
Jan 05, 2022
I see Linh Donnell, PA at Albany Dermatology for treatment of acne and she is AMAZING. She is down to earth, very knowledgeable, and shows you that she truly cares. She has worked with me to control my acne and has been SO helpful. I have suffered for years and for the first time in my life I have no acne thanks to her professional help. I have only good things to say about her and would recommend her to anyone. However, I negate one star due to the supporting staff (front desk and nurses).

They aren't the friendliest and gave me the worst attitude for being 10 mins late to an appt one time (i am a registered nurse and had an emergency situation at the office, so unfortunately, it was unavoidable being late, but I had never been late before). They scolded me like a child and I have never met people who were so unprofessional (I would never treat my patients in such a way). If it weren't for Linh Donnell, I would likely find care elsewhere due to the experience.
A. V.
Dec 27, 2021
I can't say enough good things about Anna Vonck, PA-C, Dr. Shoss and their nurses. It's an efficient office, compassionate and thorough! Anna was/is caring, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and taken care of. The office functions as a team, and I always got a call back when I left a message for the nurse.

When I was anxious after leaving a message, a receptionist/admin asst. *physically* got up to find someone for me. Do you know how rare that is?! During this time of COVID, they've had wonderful precautions in place, and I've always felt comfortable and safe going there for appts. I can't imagine trusting any other practice with my skin!
Kayla Kennedy
Nov 08, 2021
First time at Albany Dermatology. I saw Lauren Leach. She was very knowledgeable about my condition. I came in feeling very overwhelmed with apply the different treatments my pervious dermatologist assigned to me. She explained a simple plan for me to implement to help improve my condition. Told me to stick with the plan for a week to simply see if my condition would improve and then try something else if all else fails.

She explained all of my different options which one of them I didn't even know about. None of my other doctor's ever told me about it. I'm very appreciative that she didn't rush me and I could tell she has a passion for dermatology. Thanks Lauren!
Bethany B.
Sep 20, 2021
20 minutes agoNEW Absolutely horrible office management and front desk staff. Was 7 minutes late due to covid screening check in and was refused the appointment spot for my 2 year old. They argued about it for longer than I was late and wouldn't see my son after explaining he had a painful rash and wart on his foot. Completely disgusting and unempathitc people. Policies are guidelines and they could have seen him. Would not recommend if you want any sort of compasion or professional experience.
Jennifer B.
Sep 11, 2021
Showed up for my appointment about a questionable mole on my scalp. I had radiation on my head for treatment of brain cancer. So I have to be cautious and have these concerns checked out relatively quickly. I was turned away for my appointment because my insurance switched to me medicaid in order to help reduce costs during the pandemic. I offered to pay out of pocket just to have someone check out this suspicious mole.

They said no. They are all very aware of the cancer and my medical history. As I have been a patient there for a while. I just couldn't believe the lack of concern and the way I was treated.
Jessica Barsoum
Aug 15, 2021
Had my first appointment today with ANNA VONCK and she was amazing! She was so kind, Forthright, and very professional. Dr Vonck immediately made me feel comfortable. She listened to all my concerns and addressed every issue. The staff was also terrific. I definitely recommend going to Albany dermatology! 5 stars!
Albert Imperato
Aug 09, 2021
I could not have been more satisfied with my visit to Albany Dermatology. Having recently endured a long bout of cystic acne at the unlikely age of 59, I went into the office a bit dejected. But physician assistant Anna Vonck did such a superb job tending to me that that I left in a genuinely upbeat mood. She gave me some steroid injections for my acne cysts, examined my entire body to screen for any worrisome growths, and spent more time with me than any dermatologist visit I can remember.

She explained all the plusses and minuses of various treatments and put me on a new regimen. Entire staff was equally warm and friendly. Easy to get to off of I-90. Highly recommended.
L.-Rae S.
Aug 06, 2021
I'm sorry to write that my experience was also negative. The person answering my call seemed to care very little. He took a message. Then, no one returned my call. I like my medical professionals to be as good at communication as my plumber. Unfortunately, these folks are not.
Gen T.
Jul 28, 2021
Zero stars! STAY AWAY AT ALL CoStS! Worst office manager! Can never get in to see a dr; only PAs that don't know how to diagnose
Deirdre Matthews
Jan 08, 2021
I don't do this often; but since moving to the capitol area, I have not had a positive experience with any doctors. David Foster and staff were so kind and knowledgeable. They treat you like a patient and a person and seem to really care. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a new dermatologist!
Ali Z.
Dec 04, 2020
The doctors, nurses and PAs are all great. The only thing that ruined my positive experience was a rude receptionist. She was rude when I called in. She was rude checking me in. And she was extra rude checking me out. Nastily repeating things I said. She obviously hates her jobs and should probably go elsewhere.
Mary S.
Jul 23, 2020
I called and whoever answered the phone she had a very bad attitude! I called to ask if they have leaser hair removal and if they do free consultation virtually! She repeated what I said as she was mocking me. Which I wonder why? Everything happens virtually now and I have done it already with two other centers. I asked about the range of the prices so I see if it worth risking going there. Again she was so rude! Seriously, shame on you!
Elisa W.
Mar 27, 2019
I went to Albany Dermatology to have a small bump removed from my nose just where my glasses sit on my nose. It's been there forever. I saw David Foster, PA, and specifically stated that I want the bump off my nose. He spoke about a "biopsy of the lesion." Ok. Fine. The next week I had the stitch taken out by a different assistant. Thirteen days after the biopsy (benign) I still have a bump on my nose.

The very same bump. So, what, I ask you, was biopsied? A part of my nose that didn't have the bump? But if there's no bump on that part, why biopsy it? And why did I make two appointments, pay my co-pay, and use up sick time? I wonder. Because I STILL HAVE the small bump on my nose. It was suggested that I see a plastic surgeon. Um, sorry, but, why not say that in the first place?

Something like, "we're not taking the bump off, we're doing a biopsy NOT on the bump and you should see a plastic surgeon for bump removal." Maybe because they get paid by the insurance company to do a useless biopsy, perhaps, on a part of my nose where there's no bump? Oh, and by the way, if you go early morning, as I did, be prepared for the BLARING television, BLARING the news, which HAS TO BE BLARING, so that there is "privacy" at the front desk. For comparison, go right across the hall to Dr. Elhosn's waiting room. Television on, not blaring. What a huge waste of time.
Gail R.
Aug 31, 2018
Frankly, I am stunned at the low reviews. I have been a patient of Dr. Shoss for 30 years. I am 62. I first started seeing him for adult acne in my 30s and continue to go to him for that issue as well as skin cancer checks and other issues I have had with my skin. He tried as many different remedies as he could until we found something that worked for me with my adult acne.

I credit him with saving my sanity. He never gave up. I have never found his staff to be rude or discourteous. Quite the opposite. It is difficult to get an appointment, but I attribute that to the fact that he is one of the best dermatologists around. He is a teaching doctor for Albany Medical students. I will be heartbroken when he retires!
Madeline H.
Jul 05, 2018
-hours are inconvenient (they close early) -receptionists are very curt -off-hours answering service is not helpful If it weren't for Brittany I'd find another practice.
Erin K.
Jan 29, 2018
I have never been here, but I had an appointment set up to see someone about my severe acne. Leading up to the appointment they had called numerous times (while I was at work and couldn't answer the phone) to confirm my appointment date and time. When the day of my appointment came, I had driven to the wrong location and would not make my appointment in time.

I called the facility and when they picked up the phone I had explained that I drove to the wrong location and that I was going to most likely need to reschedule (because I am a first time client and aren't familiar with their policies.) The lady that answered the phone had explained that they were still at lunch, and took down my phone number in order for someone to call me back to reschedule my appointment.

I was very disappointed already because I made such a silly mistake and because I had to wait about 2-3 months just to be able to get an available opening, but to make matters worse to this day, I NEVER received a call back to reschedule. I very well could have called back myself, but I don't like the fact I could so easily be swept under the rug.

If I ever make an appointment with Albany Dermatology again I will update my review but I am looking into other dermatology offices at this point that have more available hours and better customer service.
Karen G.
Dec 14, 2016
Extremely rude office staff. I didn't have my ID card at the time of my appointment because my insurance recently changed. I had my ID# and group # as my insurance was indeed in effect; however, the front desk staff refused to take my information. I called my insurance carrier and they told me all the office staff had to do was put my information in the electronic claims system and they could have verified my coverage and copayment.

The office staff is lazy and rude and doesn't want to do anything more than they absolutely have to. I would NOT recommend this practice. Go somewhere where they treat their patients with kindness and compassion and not just like a business transaction.
Tanya H.
Aug 24, 2016
I had a consultation with the dermatologist regarding IPL treatment for some brown spots on my face and chest due to sun damage. He referred me to Alyson and thought chemical peels would be beneficial. It took forever to get an appointment, since they have no convenient hours for working people at all. I finally Left work early for an appointment and tried these chemical peels-two different kinds (TCA and Jessner) and they did nothing.

I look exactly the same as when I initially had the consult. I called Alyson to let her know and she said I could come in for another peel, which I assumed would be no charge. Silly me for assuming this. They were going to charge me again for something that didn't work the first time. Looks like I'm out $160. I would not recommend this place!
E. V.
Jul 24, 2015
This 5-star review is specifically for Alyson Tower who is a licensed esthetician at Albany Dermatology. I have been seeing Alyson for laser hair removal since she arrived at Albany Dermatology. Out of the three people I've seen at Albany Dermatology, she is by far the best at laser hair removal. In fact, for nearly a year, I've only seen her.

If you're considering laser hair removal but you are ashamed/embarrassed -- immediately book a consultation with Alyson. She is warm and kind, and extremely talented at what she does. You will never be disappointed with her. Her method of laser hair removal greatly reduces any pain involved with the procedure. She spreads ultrasound gel on my face and then starts the treatment.

This doesn't affect the efficacy of the laser, only greatly reduces the pain involved. I'd say it's a 50% reduction in pain, at least. Alyson's hospitality is world class and we are lucky to have her in Albany!
Rachael S.
Feb 21, 2015
I see Jen at Albany Derm. She is fantastic. She is patient, thorough and always willing to take as much time as needed. I feel very comfortable working with her and am confident in my treatment with her.