Alexandria Associates in Dermatology

I had a recent appointment with PA Jameka McElroy. I left this appointment feeling unheard, dismissed, and confused about my care plan. During the visit, when I tried to ask questions about my ongoing skin reactions and concerns, I was met with responses such as, “So what do you want me to do” and “I don’t know what you’re asking me.” Rather than feeling guided through my concerns, I felt discouraged from asking questions altogether. What was especially frustrating was that the treatment advice I received did not appear to address the concerns I was actually bringing up during the appointment. I was looking for clarification, reassurance, and a thoughtful discussion about my symptoms and reactions, but instead left feeling dismissed and without direction. I followed up on the portal with a question after a flare up a couple days after the appointment. On the portal I was met with the same feeling of being unheard and dismissed. I was also concerned afterward when reviewing the billing for the visit, as the level of coding did not seem consistent with the quality or depth of care that was provided during the appointment. Afterward, I noticed other reviews describing similar communication concerns, which made me feel less alone in my experience.

I waited a year before writing this so I could be sure I was being fair. I was a patient here for over three years. Most of my visits were routine annual checks with Jameka McElroy, and while nothing was ever outright bad during that time, the exams often felt rushed and I more than once had to point out moles that hadn’t been looked at. Things changed in 2025 when I came in for several mole removals. I had a few removed in 2024 that healed well, so I felt comfortable moving forward, but this experience was completely different. I was told that every single removal, including ones that were clearly cosmetic, had to be sent for biopsy, and even in cases where I specifically requested they not be sent, they were submitted anyway, which resulted in significant and unexpected out-of-pocket costs. One situation in particular really undermined my trust. I had a larger mole that I had previously been told by another dermatologist office would require a full excision with sutures, but was told by Jameka it could simply be shaved, and I agreed based on that guidance, only to find that the mole was not actually removed and is still there, meaning I paid for a procedure that didn’t even accomplish what I was told it would. The final experience was the most concerning. I went in to have sutures removed from a mole on my collarbone, which is a very visible area. Two medical assistants took turns trying to remove the sutures, and there was a lot of pulling and tugging to the point where I had to ask them to stop because it was painful. It took far longer than it should have, and it was clear they were struggling and were inexperienced with something that should be routine.After I got home, I realized part of the suture had been left behind. I had to remove it myself. Now that everything has healed, I’m left with a noticeable scar in a highly visible spot. Between the unnecessary biopsies, the incomplete procedure, and the handling of something as basic as suture removal, the level of care felt careless and inconsistent, and ultimately not something I could trust going forward.

At my first new patient appointment with PA Jameka, I received a skin cancer screening. When I tried to discuss another concern, I was told I needed to schedule a separate visit. While I understand appointments have time limits, it wasn’t a great first impression. At my follow-up, the provider rapidly reviewed multiple treatment options and then asked me to choose one. There was no discussion of the pros and cons or which option she recommended based on my concerns. She ordered bloodwork but prescribed medication before the results came back. I filled and paid for the prescription, only to be told five days later that they no longer recommended that treatment based on my lab results. That was a frustrating waste of time and money. Finally, my lab results were sent with no explanation, despite several values being flagged as very high or low. I had to reach out to my primary care physician to interpret them. Overall, I felt rushed, uninformed, and unsupported.

Despite being 40 minutes late, I felt very comfortable. Doctor Bray was very kind and gave me clear instructions. I have precancerous cells on my nose, which he treated. He was positive about the treatment and told me to make an appointment for December, which I did. He also told me if I need to see him sooner, to make an appointment. Let’s hope it works!