Focal Muscular Atrophy, Back Pain, Peripheral
Neuropathy, Hypertension, Glaucoma
July 21, 1999
Attn.: Claims Appeal; Fred Chukes, Claims Supervisor
Shared Medical Alt.
PO Box 51098
Riverside, CA 92517
Dear Mr. Chukes,
In my effort to be reimbursed for the money I paid to Dr. Yee Wing Tong, MD and future
visits, I submit the following reasons and history:
I first went to my primary physician Adrienne Drake, MD in September 1998 for an
examination. At this time, I was experiencing severe pain in my back with a noticeable,
deep indentation and acute discoloration on my right side, and pain in my elbow and foot.
I was unable to wear shoes without having severe pain with each step. Furthermore, I was
experiencing high blood pressure.
Dr. Drake suggested I see a dermatologist for my back. I then saw Rolling Green, MD who
made a diagnosis and prescribed cream medication. He did not feel a biopsy at this point
was needed. I used the prescribed cream for two months with no improvement of my
condition. The pain was so bad that I could not wear clothes with elastic waist-bands.
More importantly, I was unable to perform my duties on the job without experiencing sharp
severe back pain.
Dr. Drake also referred me to Alan Schenk, MD for diagnosis of my elbow and foot
complications (I had a foot x-ray taken suspecting gout). Dr. Schenk recommended I wear a
foot support and if that didnt help, to have special shoes made. I purchased better
shoes and also obtained the recommended extra support. Each was of some help but did not
nearly eliminate my pain problem. As for my elbow, the doctor recommended I wear a brace
(I was seeking a cure, not temporary relief).
In April, I was referred to Dr. Tong by a friend; along with blind faith and no other
satisfaction in sight, I made the decision to go in for a consultation. My first visit
April 22, 1999. I then entered into Dr. Tongs De-Tox program. I have continued to
visit twice a week up through June 8, 1999. With each visit I have realized noticeable
improvement most especially in the area of my back. The pain is all but non-existent and
the color has gone from the darkest brown to my natural skin color also- there is barely
any indentation. I am now able to wear clothes of my choice including those with elastic
bands. I also have gotten much relief from pain in the areas of my foot and elbow and I am
now able to wears shoes without pain. I feel a great sense of alleviation knowing that I
can receive aid and relief from Dr. Tong for my pain.
One added major accomplishment I have achieved with the De-Tox program is my blood
pressure is back to normal! Before the program, I was taking 25mg of Tenormin a day
with a an average level reading of 136/79. When I attempted to discontinue taking Tenormin,
I felt on edge with a woozy feeling and clouded thinking. Two weeks into the De-Tox
program I stopped taking with a Tenormin again and none of those previous side
effects occurred and I have maintained an average reading of 120/79. These results were
unobtainable using conventional medical methodology for treating hypertension. Upon
finishing the program, I will be able to maintain normal blood pressure by taking vitamin
supplements recommended by Dr. Tong.
I am in need of further treatments by Dr. Tong in order to eliminate all of my pain. I
believe very strongly in the safe and proven methods of Dr. Tongs treatment. I have
had positive results in a short period of time without using any toxic material. I sought
to receive pain relief from two other area specialists within your HMO network and was not
at all gratified with the treatment prescribed or the results.
With this letter, I am requesting reimbursement for the treatment I have received from
Dr. Tong. Would you please strongly consider the fact that the treatments I have received
have effectively eliminated the symptoms for which I have initially sought consultation
and are leading to a cure. Dr. Tong is a western physician trained at the U.S.C.
School of Medicine. He has published his unique De-Tox method in medical conferences.
Further information on his treatment can be found at his website www.drtong.com. Visiting Dr. Tong will lead to no
further insurance funds being wasted on tests, examinations, or prescriptions that are
ineffective in utilizing the traditional HMO network. The bottom line here is to save
money for your organization and for me. It is obvious (to me) what the correct decision
should be. However, your approval is the hurdle we must overcome. Please call me if you
require more information to make a well informed decision.
Thanks you for your serious consideration and concern regarding this important matter.
Respectfully,
Patricia M.
PS perhaps a win-win solution is achievable?
See Patricia M.,
July 13,1999 in the Audio Patient Interviews
Stroke
I am 68 years old. Six years ago, I had a stroke leaving me paralyzed on the left side.
I thought I was in good physical condition at that time. I rode my bicycle 13 miles the
day before my stroke. For the last six years, I have tried every known therapy, including
biofeedback, herbs, and vitamins to regain that use of my arm and leg. I was still in bad
shape with severe balance problems and couldn't walk without a cane, until I met Dr. Tong
through my medical doctor, and I have found a lot of improvements.
My left foot is constantly twisted inward from spasms despite wearing a brace. I trip
and fall easily and at one time, broke my hip. After a total of 4 treatments, my foot is
much relaxed. I am now able to walk without the brace and I am still gaining strength.
My hand was in a fist constantly. After the first treatment the swelling has gone down,
and after three treatments, my hand is now open and relaxed. I am not able to move my
fingers yet, but with my progress, I am very hopeful.
Moreover, in the first treatment, he eliminated my pain in the neck and thumb also
using the magnetic products which after wearing in three days, has allowed me to sleep all
night.
It has improved my quality of life. Thank you Dr. Tong and Staff!
Robert Stafford
Stroke, Discogenic Disorder, Crohn's, Meniere's Disease
I have been suffering for 34 years with pain and instability in my spine. It stems from
an automobile accident in which I was thrown through the windshield and another individual
expired. I currently suffer from herniated and bulging disks from the cervical to sacral
spine, confirmed by CAT and MRI procedures.
There have been times when I had to lie flat on the floor day and night for months
while enduring pain that is indescribable. I only wish that I had known about Dr. Tong and
his miraculous treatments. I was going to V.A. Hospital emergency facility and seeing a
chiropractor twice daily and not getting relief. Then, I saw Dr. Tong on TV, and decided
to give him a try. In just one treatment, I experienced crucial improvement, and in three
treatments, I was back to normal life style. Dr. Tong has also improved my Crohn's
disease, high enzyme liver problems, Meniere's Disease, Chronic Bronchitis, and overall
health. The ability and luxury to have on physician treat me for all these medical
deficiencies and to experience truly significant improvements in all areas is without
precedent in my experiences with the medical profession.
But, the most dramatic event occurred when I woke up one morning and experienced a
badly swollen tongue, so inflamed and crooked that my speech was slurred and I could not
eat without biting it. I was experiencing violent and unrelenting headaches, and I could
not get relief from narcotic compounds, or ice packs. I thought that I had a stroke so I
went to the V.A. Emergency ward and they injected me with super aspirin compounds. I was
examined by at least 15 doctors on Neurology Grand Rounds, and concurred that I had indeed
suffered a stroke. I was hospitalized for 23 days and told that there was not much they
could do for me!
Still having severe headaches to the point of tears, unable to eat properly, I decided
to go back to Dr. Tong. In just one treatment, my headache subsided, the swelling in my
tongue was reduced, and the tongue has straightened out. The next day, while talking to a
friend on the phone, he stated that I was sounding like my old self. Now, my headaches are
gone and my speech is back to normal. I had endured these horrible symptoms for one year
prior to Dr. Tong's success with my condition.
In closing, I would like to state that I had tried every avenue of medical treatment
that was available, and I was desperately depressed, being treated by a psychiatrist for
thoughts of suicide when I contacted Dr. Tong. It was with his miraculous treatment
procedures and his elevating personality which emanates positive thinking and hope, these
are the reasons I am still here today.
Tom LeFevre (310) 438-7396
Stroke, Diabetes, Hypertension
** Stroke, diabetes, hypertension Robert is a 70 year old man with a
history of more than 15 years of hypertension and diabetes, both of which were poorly
controlled using various medications. He suffered a stroke in 1980. In spite
of conventional remedies, including aggressive physical therapy, he had difficulty
ambulating with a leg brace, ankle support, and a cane. Moreover, over-dependent of the
cane caused flare up of arthritis of the hand unaffected by the stroke.
The first NBE treatment alleviated most of his multiple bodily pains. Continued therapy
eliminated the need of the leg and ankle brace. Medication for diabetes, hypertension and
pain were all discontinued. His blood pressure and serum glucose have been normal for the
past year. He is able to walk 1/2 of a mile and perform some house chores such as washing
car and yard work, activities which he was unable to do prior to NBE therapy.
(Robert)
Obesity Due to Thyroid Problems, Hypertension
Part 1
PAIN MANAGEMENT WITH MEDICATION
A PORTRAIT OF THE AVERAGE M.D.
By Rike Greatshell
He is haughty, self assured, and businesslike. Always in a hurry.
One gets the immediate impression that one sits on an assembly line, in
danger of being cast aside or overlooked as the next patient jockeys into position. His
nurse is at the ready to call him away at any time during the visit to answer a telephone
or some other emergency.
When he manages to spend a few minutes with you after you have waited an
hour past your appointment time, he looks mostly at your chart, asks questions you have
answered many times before elsewhere but brushes off any attempt on your part to gain his
attention. You want to tell him how much you hurt, that you cant sleep. Your bed has
not been touched for months because the only way you can grab a little rest is sitting
upright or reclining in your overstuffed chair trying to keep your swollen legs elevated.
Youve been told long ago that you have edema due to poor circulation. You are
depressed, alone with your pain and no one seems to care... but there is no time for any
dialogue. The good doctor is simply not interested; hes much too busy. So he does
what he does best:
(1) Prescribes medication. You are already oversupplied with drugs. When
your stomach gets systematically loaded every three of four hours with powerful
painkillers, you eventually become zombie-like. If youre lucky you sometimes vomit
them out and the cycle starts all over again because the pain is so relentless and intense
you have no other choice but to succumb to these drug-induced trance periods. (In the far
recesses of your mind you recall hearing or reading that the big pharmaceutical companies
supply doctors and hospitals with new and supposedly improved medication at little or no
cost so they can be tried out on patients like me.)
(2) Scribbles a few comments into your chart. You would like to know what
he writes but are told that charts are for the doctors, not the patients. So you never
know whats wrong with you: its confidential.
(3) Ah yes-the paperwork. Good Lord, I always think its the
paperwork not a nuclear holocaust that will kill you. My chart has grown menacingly over
the past six years. In 1976 I had lower back surgery (slipped disks) and developed
arthritis, forcing me to retire ten years later. As my chart grew my health deteriorated
accordingly. The doctor pats your back, nods good-bye and hurries out. His nurse sets up
your next appointment and hands you your paper bag filled with your new supply of drugs.
You feel powerless, defeated. You either give up or give in. Actually,
this physician has been fairly civil. In the past, one doctor also ignored and cut me
short when I tried to explain my pains to him saying he was transferring my records back
to my other doctor who had requested a second opinion. I left his office on my walker in
tears. Yet another M.D. wrote in my chart, "Morbidly obese white female" after
taking one look at me without examining me. My chart wound up in the basement of the
medical center. My neighbor -- bless her, shed kept an eye on me for days, even
called the doctor many times without success -- retrieved it for $10.00 because I was
crawling on the floor at home, too sick to do it myself. I gained 100 lbs. over the years
due to my forced inactivity aggravated by serious thyroid problems. Naturally I also
suffer from hypertension. All of these separate ailments are treated with medication so
that I ended up with an array of pills every pharmacy would be proud of. My saga of the
drug-dispensing medics would have continued but I finally got lucky.
Part 2
PAIN MANAGEMENT WITHOUT MEDICATION
EAST-WEST SYNTHESIS
About two months ago I met a pleasant young man in a wheel chair as I
waited to pick up my regular supply of drugs at the pharmacy. I had progressed to the
stage where I no longer needed appointments because the pharmacist called the
doctors office for renewal of prescriptions.
This young fellow, Dan, asked me, "Are you in pain?" and I said,
"YESI" It must have shown on my face. Dan told me he had been to numerous
doctors, had tried everything from hypnosis to relaxation to biofeedback had even
contemplated suicide after coming out of a coma in 1980, paralyzed from the waist down
suffering excruciating pain-a wheelchair victim at age 23. He was hit by a truck while
driving to work. After many drug-consuming agonizing years he finally found a physician
who relieved his pain to such a degree that he now is back at work, drives a car, has a
most positive outlook on life, all thanks to this miracle doctor who USES MINIMAL OR NO
DRUGS. Oh, he still uses his wheelchair, but this fazes or hinders him not a bit. (Last I
heard, the girls at the college where he is chief editor of the campus paper are
scrambling to win his attention.) I told Dan I was reluctant to try yet another medic. I
know that my Medicare insurance pays only a fraction of the fees physicians normally
receive and, being on a fixed disability income, my share is disproportionate too. He
asked about my background and I said that I am a college-educated individual who raised
her son alone, being widowed for many years. That my son is also college-educated, a
wonderful father, and married to a lovely girl, a teacher. I just became a grandma for the
first time last year, I miss my family because they live and work abroad. That I have
lived on four continents, speak six languages and worked for 30 years in this country. I
am a German immigrant a naturalized U.S. citizen, a registered absentee voter and paid my
share of bills and taxes.
Dan sympathized with me but was firm in arranging my first appointment,
even drove me to see Dr. Tong. He said I owed it to myself, in spite of my fear of
uncaring, rude doctors who humiliated me in the past. I prayed that this Dr. Tong would
not criticize, be arrogant or condescending. This time... I was not disappointed.
My new physician believes that effective treatments are the only things
that matter to his patients. He needs to refer to no chart. At the Physicians Pain and
Rehabilitation Center where he is Medical Director here in Long Beach, he and his
assistants use a combination of Eastern and Western medicine for treating chronic pain.
Anesthetic nerve blocks and acupuncture are the most employed treatments. For more
difficult disorders, advanced techniques such as Epidural Morphine or Steroids and nerve
destructive procedures such as Cryosurgery and Phenol Neurolysis are used. Herbal medicine
is prescribed to treat the underlying physiological abnormalities, improve energy, and
reduce stress. To achieve optimal health, regular lectures, and educational programs on
nutrition, exercise and stress reduction are provided.
Case histories and testimonies line the walls of Dr. Tongs Rehab
Center such as asthma, allergies, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, back problems, arthritis-all
successfully treated with the unique combination of Eastern and Western medicine.
Dr. Tong believes that chronic drug therapy often does more harm than good with which I
most heartily agree. After only four treatments, my pain pill intake has diminished to 10
percent and then only if I overdo my physical exercise due to my newfound freedom from
pain. The treatments I receive now are also remarkably free of unpleasant side effects
such as rashes, itching, and upset stomach The swelling in my legs is reduced ever so
gradually with of acupuncture needles and infrared heat with each visit. The pain ebbs
away accordingly.
I am happy and thankful for each new day. It is the rare physician who
knows and treats every one of his patients aching body as well as the soul together.
A doctor willing and able to go that extra mile to inspire confidence and cooperation.
Fortunately for me, Dr. Tong is one of them.
Thank you, Dan. A most grateful thank you, Dr. Tong. Last but not least, a
big thanks to your friendly, caring staff.
Stress, Depression & Hypertension
I have been carrying this problem around for nine years, and it feels good to finally
attain some lasting relief. Also, my wife just passed away on September 1st which is a
very stressful experience in itself. Yet I am still making good progress I feel. My blood
pressure and pulse rate also going down.
Fehrman
Spinal Injury, Meniere's Disease, Chronic Bronchitis, Crohns' Disease,
Stroke
MEDICARE
Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Co.
P.O. Box 30540
Los Angeles, CA 90030
July 22, 1997
First I would like to stress the point that I have suffered spinal pain starting in my
Cervical through the Thoracic and extending to the Lumbar Sacral areas for approximately
35 years, after having been involved in an auto accident that rendered me in a Coma
for a period of three and a half weeks.
I have been examined by four Orthopedic Medical Specialist over the many years of pain
that I have suffered with related to my unstable spinal condition. Dr. Curtis Spencer of
the Sports Medicine Group that is related to Memorial Hospital in Long Beach, Ca. Dr.
Andrew S. Frankel, M.D. Brandywine Orthopedic Associates, 486 Thomas Way, Suite 110,
Exton, Pennsylvania. Dr. Samuel Kim of the Pacific Orthopedic Medical Group, Long Beach,
Ca.; and finally the pain management and Orthopedic Department of the Veterans Hospital,
Long Beach, Ca.
All of the evaluating Doctors concurred with my symptoms of Chronic Pain that I have
endured for such an extended period time. In almost every evaluation of my damaged spinal
condition, the consensus was that surgery would only increase my existing pain and
compromise further the structural integrity of my already weakened spine. To quote the
many examining Doctors, "Mr. LeFevre your spinal problems do not respond well to
surgery."
I have exhausted all the avenues open to me with my spinal problems, Chiropractic,
Epidural Injections, physical therapy and trigger point injections administered to me
other then by Dr. Tong. The trigger point injections and Epidural injections were
performed in the Brandywine Hospital located in Coatesville, Pa. as well as the V.A.
Hospital in Long Beach, Ca. with very little relief, as well as Memorial Hospital, L.B.
Hospital.
When I saw Dr. Tong on television and listened to the many Testimonials of his patients
I decided to give him a chance. Dr. Tong not only has gotten me out of bed so I can walk a
fair distance without my cane, but; he has reduced my Chronic Bronchitis to the point that
I no longer need to rely on antibiotics. Dr. Tongs treatments have helped my severe
Crohns Disease of both my small and large intestines remarkably. Dr. Tongs treatments have
improved my Menieres Disease to the point that it can be controlled by his expert
approach to this disabling cycle. His treatments have brought my liver enzyme levels back
to normal. But, most of all; he has all but corrected the debilitating stroke that I
suffered approximately two years ago.
I am being treated for psychiatric problems at the V.A. Hospital, L.B. Ca. by Dr.
Marvin Galinsky. He has stated that he has noticed improvement with my mental state since
being treated by Dr. Tong. I realize that I could never again hold gainful employment with
all my medical problems, but; Dr. Tong has given me back a quality of life worth living
for.
SINCERELY YOURS,
Thomas F. L.
High Blood Pressure & Insomnia
For approximately 26 years I have been taking medication for high blood pressure in
ever increasing doses. The M.D. I was seeing at the time wanted to give me another
medication in conjunction with the prinival I was already taking. Now, under Dr. Tong's
care, I have been able to reduce the medication to 1/4 the original dosage and my blood
pressure has stayed within normal limits. In the future, I expect to be able to drop the
medication totally. I also had a serious problem with insomnia and would be awake for 3-4
hours a night therefore making it very difficult to accomplish any activity.
Natalie J. B.
Stress, Hypertension, & Sinus
March 24, 1994
To Whom it may Concern:
It has been brought to my attention that you have decided not to pay for some of my
medical bills that were incurred from Dr. Tong. I would like to take this time to inform
you that I only went to Dr. Tong after conventional medications did not help my medical
problems.
When I first went to Dr. Tong suffering from pain in my arms and legs, his treatment
not only helped me with my joint pain in these areas, but also improved my range of
motion, relieved my headaches and lowered my blood pressure. As you can see this
treatment was very beneficial.
In addition, not only were my ailments cured, I feel that Dr. Tong has saved my
insurance carrier countless amounts of money due to previous non-healing techniques that
resulted in thousands of dollars in medical costs. Furthermore, medications previously
taken are no longer necessary. These medications include: Calan, for high blood pressure,
and Kalonopin, for anxiety and stress and countless over-the-counter antihistamines for
sinus conditions.
Sincerely,
Randy S.
Stroke Pain
I am writing this letter to say what I (we) have done to try and stop the pain that my
husband Andrew suffers. He has been treated for several years with pain medications and
chiropractic treatment. This year in April, he was at UCI Orange, Ca. hospital put to
sleep and had shots in his forehead, temple and chin to partially kill or deaden the
nerves, but always pain has returned. No pain medication can help as he can not take
strong pain drugs, because of brain trauma from strokes.
We are now going to Dr. Fong for pain management and are seeing results after 6
treatments in his face, left hand and shoulder and also legs.
It is helping his nervous system to where he seems to be resting better. No other help
has lasted. This treatment is giving him much relief. UCI has stated, an implant of an
electrode in his brain to stop the pain, but this could be dangerous and maybe Andrew
would be an invalid. This risk I won't take. This condition has been treated for some time
and this is the only relief.
Eleanor K. (wife of Andrew K.)
Shoulder, Upper Back & Neck Pain, Stroke
Dear Dr. Tong & Staff:
Just a note to express my appreciation to all of you for the time, patience and skill
accorded me in helping eliminate the pain in my shoulder, upper back and neck. When one
considers the shoulder trouble began some 20 years ago due to an accident and a back and
neck pain resulted from a severe stroke five years ago, I compliment you for what you have
accomplished.
Cordially,
C. Douglas C.
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