Dr. Erica I Stevens, MD

I have been seeing Dr. Stevens in Austin, TX for roughly 6 months. I suffer from adult acne (with hyperpigmentation), hyperhidrosis, and psoriasis. As a black woman, I wanted to work with a dermatologist who understands the needs of my skin. After several chemical peel sessions, my hyperpigmentation has improved immensely, and through a regimen of oral and topical medication, my acne has completely cleared. I'm disheartened to see the negative reviews because I get nothing but warmth from Dr. Stevens (and her assistant Maelle!) every time I am in the office. If you are in the Austin area I would absolutely recommend Dr. Stevens.

I waited several months to see Dr. Stevens and was excited about the prospect of working with a doctor with specialization in people of color. However, my experience was disappointing to say the least. She was insensitive when discussing my issue and showed no sense of optimism when discussing options for treatment. Every other doctor I've worked with has shown an investment in doing all they can to address my issue but Dr. Steven did not feel invested. Over time, my issue got worse despite treatment which had never happened in the past. Her response was extremely nonchalant and she provided no real reason or options to move forward. Funny enough the residents who i worked with were significantly more optimistic and provided more options for treatment.

So you have to have a $95 consultation. Ok fine. They do nothing the day of consultation. Ok fine. Dr. Erica Stevens wanted me to come back and test the area to see which laser would be best, for another charge of $75. A third appointment would begin the removal. My tattoo was 3.5 inches. 8 appointments at least was recommended at $450 per treatment. So at least $3,500 for one tiny 3.5 inch tattoo. And the doctor was very unsure if it would disappear completely. I personally did NOT like the doctor or the way she interacted with me. I would ABSOLUTELY never go here for tattoo removal or any other procedure. What a waste of time and waste of money. I asked how much they charge approximately BEFORE my appointment, but they must be told not to give out that information. They must make a TON of money on there $95, 5 minute consultation appointments. You were warned. 0 stars. Zero zero ZERO.

I guess skin color is the only qualification to lead a multicultural clinic because she did not demonstrate any interest or competence in this area when I had the misfortune of an appointment with this person. When I expressed my need to see a doctor of color to understand my skin needs, she looked at me like I had 2 heads and indicated she didn't relate to anything I described to her. She then went to the next room with another resident, not of color, and the 2 could be heard laughing hysterically. When she returned to my exam room, she was so cold and callous toward me, I couldn't help but wonder if I had been the butt of a cruel joke. Her insensitivity at my (patient's) expense was one of the worst experiences I've ever had with any doctor. I wish they'd asked patients of color about her cultural competency because I'd never have put her in that position. In fact she is just a horrible "doctor" altogether. Did not complete a full examination of my reported problem,… impatiently and arrogantly told me I had a disease that I do not have, wrote a prescription without any explanation of how to use it and why. She was so rude, I just wanted to get out of there asap and never see her again.

Perhaps it was meant to be that I haven't even made it to the office yet. I spent 45 minutes on the phone with registration - after this I was transferred to another department. I did not get upset about this process - I would assume that after all this time going over my insurance information that the appointment was set and that I wouldn't have any issues. I had to schedule my appointment for two months out which was a disappointment but I figure that Dr. Erica must be a tremendous doctor. ONE week before my appointment I receive a call saying that I need an Authorization number !! Anyone wise would know that insurance companies take much longer than one week to provide referrals or auth(s). I've been waiting two months for an appointment and had to cancel it due to not being told the proper information after spending 45 minutes on the phone with registration previously. What was the point of that? If I wanted to reschedule, again I'd have to wait another two months for an… appointment. For this facility to be U of M Ann Arbor it is such a disappointment.