CHRONIC BRONCHITIS, INTRACTABLE COUGH, FIBROMYALGIA, DEPRESSION, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES
For the last two years of my life, I’ve spent it at doctors’ offices. I’ve been to every doctor imaginable for pain, acupuncture and herbs, and every sickness imaginable. I went to MDs for my liver, heart, lungs, and especially my throat. None of the doctors could figure out my sickness. All I got was more medication and more scheduled appointments to see if I would get better. With all the medication and help I didn’t get better. The pain would go away for a while, then come back worse than it was before.
I’ve also been in the hospital for over a week. I was hooked up to an IV and all these different machines to keep me alive. As soon as I got out from there I got a little better, then it got even worse and worse, until the point I wanted to commit suicide.
I felt like I had a hairball stuck in my throat. I even tried acupuncture and that didn’t do anything for me. From the coughing it made me weak and tired with headaches. I would never be able to sleep. I would be coughing day and night. I was so desperate I would try everything I could get my hands on, but nothing would seem to work. I soon began to lose a lot of weight and became much skinnier. I was nothing but skin and bones literally. My chest would always feel heavy and my throat would be sore. I would never be able to breathe and talk because I would be so tired.
I felt nothing but pain for the last two years of my life. I soon lost track of life and everything around me. I was being consumed by medications and doctors. I felt like I was dying. I even bought my coffin and a space in the cemetery.
My daughter Nikki was desperate to help me get better. She wanted me to try everything. Soon she found a doctor with a very good healing percentage. It’s not like I haven’t tried anything else before, so I went to Dr. Tong to see what kind of remedy he uses. I saw a lot of people there and everybody told me Dr. Tong is a really good doctor.
I felt better with the very first treatment. I have gone to Dr. Tong for the last four weeks now and he has done more for me than any doctor has in the last two years. I no longer cough constantly, only a little at night. Also, my pains are all gone. I no longer take any medication, only herbs and supplements, which have no side effects.
Besides helping me, he is now a good friend of mine. He treats me with care and compassion. He also helped my husband, who has very high blood pressure and has had strokes in the past. His blood pressure dropped with his first treatment and he now takes 50% less pills. He has not spoken to me for many years since his stroke. Now after a few treatments, he smiles and tells jokes and has more energy. My daughter has chronic sinus problems, itchy eyes, and neck pain. They all got better after their first treatment.
I want to recommend Dr. Tong because he works better than anybody I know. Whoever has tried MD’s, chiropractors, acupuncture, and anything that doesn’t work, I truly recommend Dr. Tong. He can truly cure your pain and sickness.
Marie N.
FIBROMYALGIA
I have suffered from fibromyalgia for over 20 years. In the last 6 years, the pain has been intractable, altering my lifestyle tremendously. I could barely walk at times, and I suffered intense physical pain through out my body, yet I had to work. By the time I went to Dr. Tong, I was desperate. To my amazement, I began to improve. I moved out of state, but I have periodically returned to California for further treatments. At this point I have experienced 80% reduction of pain. I feel confident that with continued treatments I will obtain complete relief. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain by making an appointment with Dr. Tong.
Nancy S
FIBROMYALGIA, CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY
Dear Sirs:
I have received your notices regarding the treatments I received from Dr. Tong and the medical necessity. As noted in the records, these procedures were done and/or being done due to excruciating pain in the chest cavity on the right side of my body which has penetrated to both the right arm and leg.
The medical necessity of the matter was established during the last three (3) years while going to several specialists to establish and rectify the problem. These physicians included: a pulmonary specialist, rheumatologist, a neurologist and a pain management specialist.
I did numerous amounts of traveling to hospitals and clinics for testing which included mammograms, MRI’s (3-4), various chest x-rays, esophagrams, blood and urine all to no avail. Before seeing Dr. Tong I was charged thousands of dollars to cover the hospital, attending physicians and anesthesiologists. This does not include the out-of-pocket money that I had to pay to all of these doctors as well as to the hospital.
While going through this, I missed weeks of work and sleep. One night while not being able to sleep, I saw Dr. Tong on television. This was one of the best things that happened through this entire situation. If it had not been for Dr. Tong’s expertise in pain management, I would still be suffering. I am still getting treatments, because my problem did not happen overnight so we cannot expect it to go away overnight. Before this I could not raise or stretch out my right arm and sometimes I had to put it in a sling, because of the intensity of the numbness in my hand and pain in my arms.
I am actually saving the insurance company money by not having to go to any more specialists or taking medication any longer. If you think about it, 90% of the time when you go in to see a physician for a condition, he loads your medicine cabinet with various medications to ease the pain. Of course they do not stop the problem, they only sedate the matter. MRI’s alone can cost $2,000.00 to $5,000.00. Unfortunately, my previous doctor had me do 3-4 of these each.
All of the medications and treatments that I had before coming to see Dr. Tong was a waste of many and valuable time. No previous doctor to date has been able to categorize or identify my problem. I even asked the doctor who performed the four (4) cervical epidurals why I was not able to feel any relief. His answer to me was, “I don’t know, schedule another appointment”. Why would I schedule another appointment if the four epidurals and other procedures did not help? Yet this doctor was paid a significant amount of money for doing nothing.
I noted that one of the anesthesiologists on February 15, 1996 charged $1040.00 for his services (see attachment). How can he charge that much for being there less than 45 minutes? Why is he charging $890.00 for the procedure and then charge another $150.00 for an office visit? What office visit? I was not even sedated. Why did the insurance pay him $890.00 for his services and then another $150.00 for an office visit on the same day? The first and only time that I saw this person was during the surgery.
Because of matters of this nature, I am writing this extensive letter. Dr. Tong’s fees are indeed very reasonable compared to other physicians and with the depth of his knowledge and the ability to alleviate pain they certainly should be more. His treatments have helped me so much and allowed me to work continuously without suffering and without interruption to my job and/or daily activities. If you could see the hundreds of testimonies of his patients you would wonder how all these other pain management physicians have been able to stay in business.
By the way, my condition has been diagnosed as fibromyalgia. If you know anything about this condition they you should know that it can be very painful and can keep a patient from doing not only work but simple activities.
Finally, I would like you to note that Dr. Tong did not perform a single test, nor did he examine any of my previous x-rays, tests, etc. Yet he was able to give me IMMEDIATE RELIEF. This should say a lot for his expertise in the region of alleviating pain as well as the money we are wasting in conventional medicine.
I would appreciate it if you would pay all charges due to him, because he has ultimately saved me and the insurance thousands of dollars. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (310) 597-0513.
Sincerely,
June
Fibromyalgia, Hashimotos, Migraines
This letter is in response to your review of my treatment by Dr. Y.W. Tong. I went to Dr. Tong because I was in constant pain. For over then years, I was having debilitating migraines, muscle spasms and unable to sleep because of pervasive pain. I have been diagnosed by my physicians with Hashimotos and Fibromyalgia. I have had thyroid surgery in 1985 (my antibodies are still test high).
In order to alleviate my pain I have tried muscle relaxers, tranquilizers, pain medications, chiropractic and orthopedic doctors, and physical therapy with the usual side-effects and little in lasting results or pain relief. My condition was not improving. My life was controlled by pain. I was not able to continue any exercise without pain and bruising. I was going to a chiropractor and/or physical therapy every week. I have had orthopedic surgery on my foot in order to alleviate pain. It was ineffective. My right knee was going to be next. In addition, the medications I tried gave poor results, plus adverse side-effects involving poor kidney function. The costs were getting prohibitive.
After my first treatment with Dr. Tong, (anesthetic injections into trigger-points) my muscle spasms stopped. I was able to sleep without interruption from pain or spasms. In continuing the therapy, my migraines became further apart, less intense, and shorter in duration. Instead of a debilitating migraine every week, I now go for several months without a symptom. An additional benefit is that my bruising has noticeably lessened, my kidney function improved, as my other doctors have observed, as well as improvements in circulation and healing. Overall, my pain is relieved from Dr. Tong’s treatments.
Furthermore, because of my treatment by Dr. Tong I have discontinued physical and chiropractic therapy and don’t feel the need for knee surgery. I have also had major changes in medications. I no longer take Naprosyn, Voltaren, Flexeril, Fiorinal, Midrin, Ergostat, Ceftin, Vicodin; decreased are estrogens, synthroid and capoten.
Other therapeutic measures have been grossly inadequate for controlling my pain, muscle spasms and inflammation. No other therapy has allowed my pain-free rest, enabling me to heal and keeping me from getting progressively worse. I am able to moderately exercise and not experience the extreme pain and discomfort I had prior to my treatments.
I feel that not continuing this therapy would adversely affect the quality of life and interrupt my improvement. My primary care physicians will confirm this as well. I am enclosing a synopsis of an article from the American Academy of Pain Management (94), to that further explains the benefits of Dr. Tong’s treatments.
Due to the relief from pain and stress I have been able to achieve through this therapy, it is my request that your consideration be favorable in your assessment of my case. If you need a more detailed medical history please let me know.
Thank you,
Janice
Fibromyalgia
It is customary for many of us at the end of each year when sending out holiday season’s good wishes to include a note/letter sharing our experiences, accomplishments, writing a summary of the happenings that touched us and/or our family during the past year, and also to wish everyone a better, more successful and healthier new year. It is in that spirit that I write this letter to all of you.
1997 was a very difficult year for me, mostly due to the recent death of my husband and the many adjustments and problems related to the loss of a loved one. I also lost my mother-in-law, whom I was very close to, and was forced to euthanize my two pets who had been my companions for about 15 years. Needless to say that the anxiety and stress associated with having been a care giver for years for a terminally ill loved one, plus working full time, and dealing with the death of loved ones contributed big time to the serious deterioration of my health. Most of you who know me, know that I have had poor health for many years, beginning with my total hysterectomy at the age of 29. From that point on, I slowly developed Myofacial Pain Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. The pain level increased throughout the years until my entire body was affected (muscle pain, joint pain, swelling, stiffness and even flare-ups of pain which caused my skin to ache and become extremely sensitive.) I was examined by many doctors (internist, orthopedic surgeons, rheumatoid arthritis specialist) plus had many x-rays, lab work, MRI and bone scan, only to be told that there was nothing wrong but they believed that I was experiencing pain. So, for the past 12-15 years, I was prescribed muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and al times, pain pills. Off and on, I experienced temporary relief, but after a while, I had to see the doctor again because the medication no longer gave me relief. The physician would prescribed “new” medication, that latest available drug on the market, hoping that would be the one to help me. There was no permanent relief or cure. I was told that my “problem” would not kill me, but that I would probably have to live with pain the rest of my life, or at the least, until we found a “new” medication that would give me total pain relief….so for years, I took prescribed drugs and accepted the side affects (ulcer, water retention, etc.) and resigned myself to “live” with the pain because there was no other alternative. WRONG!!!! I found out this past year that there is an alternative, and his name is DR. YEE WING TONG!
Following my husband’s death, my chronic pain in my back and throughout my body increased and other health issues surfaced due to the stress, anxiety, insomnia I became depressed and literally had no more “fight” in me. I felt I was drowning. One night during meditation and while in prayer, I decided that I needed help. I needed to make a major change in my life regarding my health and at that moment I refused to “live” with pain anymore and be a slave to all those prescribed drugs which were not helping me and I believe were poisoning my system. I felt good and at peace about making this decision, but I did not know where to turn to for help, so I continued to pray for direction. Several days later, while ‘flipping’ the T.V. channels, I saw Dr. Tong on local cable and really listened to his presentation and statements about conventional drugs treat only the “symptoms” but not the “causes” of the disease. He went on to say that therapeutic breakthroughs have been achieved on ailments, heart disease, high cholesterol, cancer, diabetes, degenerative disease, chronic pain – using natural remedies in conjunction with
his combination of Eastern & Western treatments which include acupuncture, injections of local anesthetic and herbs etc. After hearing Dr. Tong speak, I knew he may be the answer to my prayer – the answer to my improved health. I called Dr. Tong’s office and scheduled an appointment. I decided, after all, I had nothing to lose and everything to gain at this point. I was excited about my “discovery” and at the same time a little
nervous.
My first appointment with Dr. Tong lasted four hours. He did not take any x-rays or lab work. What he did was review my medical history, asked many questions, and “listened” to everything I said. He really “listened” and “understood” what I was saying and sharing with him. For the first time in my life – here was a doctor who did not rush me, who really knew what I was experiencing, and understood exactly what I was saying and who was able to explain to me what was going on with my body and gave me answers to my many questions. For the first time in my life I somewhat understood how my body was functioning and what was malfunctioning and why. I kept thinking to myself – this is too good to be true! After all was said and discussed, every question answered, Doctor Tong gave me a series of injections to “open” up all the blocked channels throughout my body to help increase circulation and allow the body to begin the “healing” process. Then, I received acupuncture and was sent home with herbs to take. Immediately after my first treatment with Doctor Tong, I had relief on my chronic pain (I was left only with soreness – not chronic pain). That evening, I slept without medication and had no need for prescribed medication – to this date. After having been on so much medication for over 12 – 15 years, and now not having any need for those drugs – is a miracle for me. “what I was saying and sharing
I continued treatments with Dr. Tong, three times a week for four months, and now I see him once a week. I am free of chronic pain; I no longer suffer from pain associated with myofacial pain syndrome or fibromyalgia. I still experience some ache in my low back, but with each treatment, weekly, the ache is less and less.
What surprised me through all of this, the past few months, is that the treatments have also improved my overall health. I’m no longer depressed; I have more energy; my memory is sharper; I’m told that my colors are better/healthier looking and that I have a healthy “glow”. I feel wonderful ! (emotionally and physically) I’ve also started to exercise daily again alter a two-year break due to chronic hack pain.
For the first time in years I have HOPE and I’m healthier …… thanks to the very caring and dedicated Doctor Tong. So as you can see, this past year started out to be very negative for me, but everything turned positive because of Doctor Tong. I now look forward to my future because I am healthier; I feel good!
For those of you who are suffering, the best wish I can make for you this new year is for you to live a healthier, pain-free life and bring you the GIFT OF HOPE…….THE GIFT OF DOCTOR TONG!
Before I close, I just want to add…..please don’t get discouraged if your physician and/or HMO does not want to give you a referral to see Doctor Tong or if your insurance company does not cover his Services/acupuncture. There still is a lot of controversy regarding Alternative Medicine because insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies would be affected and would ultimately “lose” control over us, (the patients, the consumers). It is time WE (the patients, the consumers) take control of our life and do what we need to do to better ourselves and improve our health issues. If enough of us pursue Alternative Medicine and educate our physicians, the medical field at large will have to listen to us and support us. It is OUR BODY; OUR HEALTH; OUR LIFE!
My dream for the future is for the medical world, insurance companies and Alternative Medicine to all work together for the betterment of all mankind. We can’t change the world overnight, but we can make a difference – step by step, as we unite with the same goals and help each other make a better and healthier world for ourselves and for future generations. We have the technology to do so.
Doctor Tong has brought a new dimension into my life and because of him and his talents I experienced a true miracle in my life; He gave me hope and a new lease on a healthier life. Doctor Tong can make a difference in your life if you let him and he will bring quality of life to others at large with our help and support.
“Thank you” Doctor Tong for saving my life, May you continue to follow your dream and your dedication to bring quality and improved health to those who have lost hope, those who suffer from chronic pain and to the world at large regarding all health issues.
Doctor Tong…..YOU ARE A GIFT to this world.
Monique
A follow-up testimony 2 years later:
MY JOURNEY TO WELLNESS
Several days ago, I was clearing my desk at work to leave for a doctor’s appointment when my secretary came up to me and commented that she had never witnessed anyone like me before who was so eager and excited to go see a doctor for treatment. She stated that every time I leave for my doctor’s appointment (every week, and in the past as much as three times a week) I’m radiant, on ’a high’ and talk to everyone about it. She said, “it’s asif this is your highlight of the week”. Well, to be honest, her comments and statements got me thinking. As I was driving to the doctor’s office, I realized that this same journey I had made over and over again, week after week, for the past two and a half years, definitely was the most important journey I needed and wanted to take at this time in my life. This thought and reality at this time make me want to recollect and reflect upon the main events that brought me to this point.
Years ago, when I was a teenager, I was experiencing pain all over my body, mostly in my joints with some swelling. The physicians told my parents that I had “growing pains” and that eventually, the symptoms would disappear. Well, the symptoms never went away. As a matter of fact, the pain got worse throughout the years and after seeing doctor after doctor (one even claimed I was psychosomatic because he said it was impossible to ’feel’ pain all over my body at one time) I finally found a specialist in rheumatoid arthritis who diagnosed me as having Fibromyalgia. I’ll never forget his words to me …… “I have good news and bad news, good news is this disease won’t kill you; bad news is you will live in acute and severe pain the rest of your life because there’s no cure”. I felt that I was just given a death sentence…..a possible suicide mission….and at its best, a long life without hope or freedom from pain. Trusting in the medical field, I kept on seeing doctors regularly, only to be given the “newest” drugs on the market (muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory meds, and pain medication) The “new” drugs only band-aid my pain and after a while would not work……however, eventually I developed and ulcer and hiatal hernia from drug side effects…..and still lived with pain 24 hours a day, ongoing. I trained myself to “live with the pain which had become so much part of me”. I had no other alternative if I were to survive. One day, as I was meditating, I was inspired to make a commitment to myself and made the decision that “I no longer wanted to live with pain anymore.”…I was tired, stressed, depressed, had difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, had no energy, could not enjoy my life being in pain all the time, and I felt I was literally dying inside little by little each day. I was merely struggling to exist but was not living.OK, now that I made that choice, what do I do? Where do I go? Who will help me? I knew I did not want to take any more prescribed medication……..so, I decided to seek alternatives, not knowing where to look etc. I believe divine providence guided me to accidentally ’flip’ a T.V. channel where Dr. Yee Wing Tong was being interviewed with some of his patients as they shared his alternative treatments which combined Chinese herbs, acupuncture and a technology not found any where else of uniting Eastern and Western techniques. The comments and statements made on that program enlightened me and I knew that I had to call Dr. Tong for an appointment because he was my last hope. If only he could relieve my pain!!!! That was my hope. Little that I know when I made that phone call to Dr. Tong’s Of5ce that my whole life would change……for the better. I wanted relief……I received understanding, hope, and am well on my way to being ’cured’. Dr. Tong’s treatments immediately help improve my symptoms. Within the first week of treatment, I no longer needed my prescribed medications for relief of pain, swelling and sleeping. (I had been taking these prescribed drugs for over 18 years, daily.) I continued my treatments, at first three times a week, then twice, then once…..and now I see him as needed for “tune up”. One must really be committed to one’s self because those treatments are certainly not pleasant. It would be so much easier to ’pop’ a pill rather than receive somewhat painful injections, make the time for several appointments each week, spend anywhere from forty minutes to one and a half hour at the doctor’s of5ce, cook herbs and follow instructions about proper nutrition etc. Yes, a pill would be the easy way out…..but I’ve been there, done that….and it didn’t work for me. I was actually getting worse. My commitment to Dr. Tong’s alternative treatment, my will to live a long, healthy, pain-free life, and my dedication to improving my health continue to give me the strength, the will and the drive to do the ’right’ thing…..and gladly put up with a few ’uncomfortable’ moments during treatment. Sometimes I would think to myself…..what a way to spend my lunch hour…in this torture chamber!!!! Then, I would laugh about it. I would go to hell and even hitch hike for these treatments, because I know it works. I’m living proof. My family and friends have noticed the change in me. They no longer see me ’drag’ myself with pain, or ’see’ pain in my face. I am at peace, I am pain-free, I glow!!!! I feel better and healthier than I have ever felt. I never knew how good life could be…..without pain. Of course, I have to do my part too. Doctor Tong may have all the answers for my betterment of health and life, but I need to put into practice what he teaches. It’s my responsibility in the long run if I am to improve my health or revert to my unhealthy life. He offers the tools, the knowledge, the wisdom, the techniques but I have to implement them and be willing to change the areas of my life that have been destroying my health.
Dr. Tong most definitely has a gift to offer all of us who suffer from chronic pain and other disease. All we have to do is seek his help and expertise with an open mind and a trusting heart. We also need to educate the people at large about alternative medicine, especially the government and the insurance companies who are ’controlled’ by politicians. It’s sad and a real shame that the medical field who is influenced by the politicians no longer are true ’care givers’ and seem to be de-sensitized at the ministry of healing and seeking quality of life for everyone….young and old. Too many people are falling through the cracks because they cannot seek or receive proper medical care of their choice because the HMO’s have the last word on approvals and referrals. Everyone in the US of America should be free to choose their own physician, their preference of treatment and not have to worry about whether or not their insurance will cover their treatments. Alternative medicine, working in conjunction with the medical field at large, could be the biggest break-through in the new millennium. Let’s all do our share in educating the people at large and work together for a better and healthier America.
My appointments and treatments for maintenance with Doctor Tong will continue to be My Journey to Wellness and My Priority. Doctor Tong has been a blessing to me, and I hope his gifts and ministry will touch the lives of many who are serious about improving their quality of life and want to be pain-free……in spite of the HMOs.
Thank you Doctor Tong for giving me a new lease on life and for showing me the path to My Journey to Wellness.
Monique P.
FIBROMYALGIA, HYPERGLYCEMIA, HYPOTHYROIDISM
Dear Senators Boxer and Feinstein, and Congressman Royce,
I am writing to you for your support for AMTA S. 1035 and H.R. 2019, which will allow a patient to obtain medical treatment from a doctor of their choice for treatment that has no side effects nor requires additional surgery from conventional Western medicine.
I have suffered with chronic illness since 1992, and I am now disabled. My condition is Chronic Myalgia Encephalomyelitis with cognitive dysfunction fibromyalgia hyperglycemia, hypothyroidism, and extreme esophageal reflux (which was caused from traditional medicine which burned and damaged the lining in my esophagus).
Since becoming ill I have gone to over 20 different doctors. I have tried everything from traditional medical doctors including generalists, neurologists, metabolic disorder specialists, cancer specialists; as well as, chiropractors, physical therapists, dietitians, biofeedback, yoga, psychologists, and vitamin/metabolic clearing therapy. I have also had a large number of expensive tests and participated in various studies that could only validate my condition, but could not provide treatment to help me recover.
Because I wasn’t able to get any relief from traditional medicine, I elected alternative treatment which synergizes Eastern and Western medicine, known as Neuro- BioEnergetics (NBE) with Dr. Yee Wing Tong which included acupuncture and trigger point injections. For the first time in three years, I have felt some relief from pain and feel more optimistic about my future. I still have a long ways to go, but I feel without being able to select this type of treatment, I would be suffering more than I am now.
I feel by your support of these two bills you will be giving me access to treatment that is more cost effective and has fewer or no side effects from traditional treatment regimes I have undergone in the past. I have supported and voted for you and would like you to vote for this AMTA in congress. You are my voice, so as part of your body, I want you to hear my message that alternative medicine works!
Sincerely,
Deborah B.
FIBROMYALGIA
I received a letter from you on January 14th stating that I was approved for therapy from Dr. Yee Wing Tong for four weeks. Since then I have gone to Dr. Tong for five visits so far. I am writing to you now because you said that after eight sessions I would have to have my case reviewed. I am sending this now because I very much want to continue treatment with Dr. Tong without having a week or so lapse between treatments. Since I the first time I went to Dr. Tong I have definitely noticed a difference in my condition. I have a condition called Fibromyalgia and with that condition comes a great deal of pain and being very tired all of the time. Since the treatments, I have finally felt some relief in my pain and my energy level has actually increased. For years my muscles have been spasmed and are always sore and painful. Since going to Dr. Tong I feel my muscles finally start to relax. It is a wonderful feeling. Also, I usually have to take naps during the day and since going to Dr. Tong I have only had to take two short naps. That is a big improvement for me.
For years, I have been going to the chiropractor and a Rheumatologist for my condition. The chiropractor only helped very little and it was only very temporary. I went to him for years and at times I even felt worse. When I went to the Rheumatologist all he ever wanted to do was to give me medicine to help me sleep, drugs for pain, and muscle relaxers. He even gave me some cortisone shots to help the muscles. None of it helped. This went on for years, it was very frustrating. Years ago I went to a Support Group for people with Fibromyalgia. I met a women there who said the only time she ever had any help from a doctor that really worked was when she went to Dr. Tong. She went to him for quite a while and he gave her considerable relief. Her insurance changed and she was no longer able to go to Dr Tong and she had to go back to her Rheumatologist. She is now back to being in pain most of the time and being very, very tired. Since then I have seen Dr. Tong on television and decided to try him. First I went to his Web site and read all the wonderful letters from his patients. They had just absolutely wonderful things to say about him and his treatments. It was hard for me to believe that he was so great and thathe really listened to the patients and took all the time the patients needed to tell him how they were feeling. After my first visit to Dr. Tong I found out that they were all right. He listens to all of your symptoms and answers all of your questions. No, Dr. Tong has not cured me but I am definitely feeling a difference since I have started his treatments. Dr. Tong gives me a series of trigger point injections every time I go in to see him. They are very painful and I do not like needles at all, but I immediately feel a difference in my muscles after he gives me the shots. I definitely would not want to go through these injections if I did not f eel a big difference in my condition. So, what I am asking is to please give me an extension to see Dr. Tong for at least three months. I know that Dr. Tong would like me to come in at least two times a week for the next couple of months and then gradually go down to once a week. I would be very grateful to you if you would grant me this extension. Thank you so very much for taking the time to read this letter. If you have any questions or you would like to contact me my home phone number is (949). Thank you again and I hope that this extension can be approved as soon as possible.
Gail B.
GOUT & FIBROMYALGIA
You say the reason for this study if for the purpose of ensuring that claims have been processed correctly. From my observation of your billing copies for Dr. Tong’s services, I am shocked and appalled by the extremely small payments that Medicare allow for Dr. Tong’s services. I find your low payment schedule to Dr. Tong for treatment received is most intimidating to me because without Dr. Tong’s treatment, I cannot function and would be unable to write this letter.
I am 66 years-young alert male. The past (10) ten years, I have been treated by “fifty or more” physicians who have diagnosed my condition “trigger-finger”, “hyperlipidemia”, “fibrositis” “gout” and the list goes on and on. Until I found Dr. Tong, I felt that none of these other doctors ever really addressed my problem. Anti-inflammatory drugs and other drugs were prescribed for me which only added to my further discomfort, pain and depression due to the many side-effects, and Medicare/Insurance companies paid these physicians handsomely, while my progress grew worse.
My medical problem, a “circulatory” condition manifests itself with the most excruciating pain imaginable, starting with the knuckles of both hands, moving up through my wrists, forearms, shoulders, neck and down my back which at times leaves me immobile and unable to perform such normal functions as walking, putting on clothing, driving, etc. to loss of nightly sleep, not to mention the depression it causes me.
I was forced to take early retirement in 1988 because of this medical condition which cost me thousands of dollars, part of which was co-payment from a medical plan at my job while employed.
Having left my job of five years, I was admitted to Dr. Bingman’s internationally known, Desert Hot Springs, CA Arthritis Clinic for ten days to undergo extensive tests and treatment all ending up with drugs being prescribed that did not help me.
In sheer desperation, I reluctantly succumbed to another Los Angles physician’s suggestion to have some cortisone shots for the pain. I limped along with this specialist, but soon realized that this “band-aid” solution did not honestly address my condition.
In October, I was referred by a friend to Dr. Yee Wing Tong, M.D. and made a trip to San Clemente for a consultation. I could barely walk into his office. After a brief conversation with him I instinctively felt that I had found “the doctor” who could help me and I had my “first treatment” that day, followed by two more that week.
For the first time in ten years, I felt like I was alive and that there might be some hope for me to live a fairly normal life again. Within a few weeks, I was feeling like a new person, resumed running three times a week, and doing things I thought I would never be able to do again.
Subsequently, I began receiving my Medicare statements and realized that Medicare was paying “little to nothing” to Dr. Tong for his effective treatments that gave my life back to me, and was forced to stop treatments, because I could not afford to pay the bill myself. Naturally, my condition began to worsen again, and when I phoned your office for help with what I felt was a Medicare Administrative error, the person who took my call was indifferent and refused to let me talk with someone in charge.
When I first went to Dr. Tong, he agreed to accept Medicare Assignment since I am on Social Security without any co-insurance. In spite of the small fee Medicare was paying to him, Dr. Tong urged me to come back for treatment, because he felt that continuity of treatment at this point was crucial to my progress because he was more concerned about my well-being than his fee. His caring dedication and sensitivity to his patients is rare in today’s medical community.
In view of the above, I would hope that Medicare would (1) be “more fair” when allocating Medicare payments to providers like Dr. Tong who practices effective preventative medicine and supports President-Elect Bill Clinton’s concern with rising health care costs; (2) monitor and curtail payment allocation to those medical providers who abuse the system by excessive/unnecessary drug prescriptions, lab tests, and other useless treatment modalities, etc. that contribute to an already out-of-control, skyrocketing economy and nation deficit.
I trust that this information will help you in your study. If you need further information please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Quentin J. B.
Happy Birthday Dr. Tong! I hope your birthday will be as “special” as you are special to so many people. My life and health are much richer for having met, known, and experienced you. I have you like a son and pray and wish that you will always find the peace and contentment of life you so richly deserve.
Quentin B.