Larry Bossom review for Chicago Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology

Don't believe the Internet reviews regarding the clinics willingness to work with insurance or their LGBTQ friendly providers. I did a lot of research to identify a provider that accepted Blue Cross Open Access insurance, had experience treating HIV-lipoatrophy, and had positive patient reviews. Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology met all of the requirements and even though they are a tier 2 provider with my insurance plan I was willing to pay the higher coinsurance because of their Sculptra experience. I walked into my appointment this morning excited and looking forward to meet with their team. I left the appointment feeling shunned and lied to. Once Dr Jacob heard that I wanted to bill the treatment through my insurance due to HIV she immediately tried to offload me to the resident's over at Cook County Hospital. I became a second class citizen in her eyes. Her body language changed, she slid her chair back ever so slightly and she said she'd have to check with some of the residents she knows from someplace else because they would likely know more about what Cook County Hospital can do for HIV patients. It felt like I was transported back to the 80's when there was still a stigma to being gay and having HIV. I was shocked and highly offended. Keep in mind that I'm a gay man in my 50's. This kind of thing has never bothered me. I, like 99% of the population, let go of all of my hangups decades ago. I guess that's why I was so caught off guard and offended by the way I was treated today. Being gay is a small part of who I am. I'm not an activist, you won't find me at a rally and I'm not easily offended. Today's experience was so bad I felt like I needed to write this review to encourage Dr Jacob and her staff to do some self reflection and to let others know what they may be walking into. The reason I'm giving a 2 star review and not a 1 star is because Kristen V, the Cosmetic Concierge that worked with me during the visit was amazing. She was friendly, knowledgeable and was willing to answer any questions I had. She was the one saving grace to what was an otherwise demeaning experience.