Jianting Tong, L.AC.

I had continuous treatment for acupuncture from Doctor Tong for several months. I previously had digestive problem that had rashes and  enzyme problems. 
After acupuncture and given medications, I recovered from these problems and not having symptoms any more.  
Also the medication he gave helps to retain energetic and focus on work and study all the time. 
From a past patient perspective, the treatment is valuable and helpful. 

I tried to make an appointment with this provider today.  It was a HOT MESS.    When I first called, I asked if the provider treated pregnant patients and if he was accepting new clients.  The lady on the phone told me yes and I was offered a next day appointment.  I was relieved and excited since I have an autoimmune condition which causes me SEVERE neuromuscularskeletal pain and I am unable to take my pain medication during my pregnancy.  

I then tried to provide my insurance information to her.  She was confused and asked if I had insurance to cover acupuncture.  I assured her that I do have insurance, it DOES cover acupuncture and that I have already verified the provider is IN NETWORK with my Aetna Choice POS II network.  She asked for my  ID number.  I tried to give it to her and she INSISTED that it should begin with a "W" for Aetna.  I explained to her that is not correct and to please let me provide the information to her.   

(NOTE: I have been in the medical field since 1993.  The majority of my career has been in the revenue cycle including medical billing and coding.  I have been billing insurance companies longer than this practice has been open).  

I told her we would start from the beginning so that she could correctly verify benefits.  I tried to provide her the Provider line on my card to verify benefits to and she interrupted me twice more.  I was FINALLY able to tell her what number she needed to call and then provided her the member number.  She didn't allow me to provide the group number, tell her that my husband is the primary card holder or provide his DOB (all which they will ask her when verifying benefits).  I asked her to call me if she needed more information.  

While I waited for her call back (because I knew she would need more information) I called my insurance company AGAIN.  While I had already verified I had acupuncture coverage and the provider is in network, I didn't know my benefit limits.  It was again confirmed that I have coverage, the provider is in network and I have 30 visits per year that cover EXACTLY what I need to see the provider for (neuromuscularskeletal pain).  

I finally received the call back from her.  She informed me that they couldn't accept my insurance because it's not "regular Aetna" and she can't look me up online.  I asked her if she called to verify benefits and she repeated herself about not taking my insurance.  I explained to her that I had already verified their contract is STILL ACTIVE with Aetna Choice POS II and that we should do a conference call to verify benefits.  She went on to mumble something about they don't send paper claims, they only bill electronically and she couldn't look me up online (likely because her information was incomplete and her "electronic" filing is likely entering claim data into their web form and NOT electronic claim submission through a clearinghouse using the EDI number 41124).  She told me to have Aetna call her.  I asked her AGAIN if we could do a conference call with Aetna so that we are ALL on the line.  She agreed.  

I asked to call her back on my desk phone to accommodate the conference call; she agreed.  I called her back and immediately conferenced Aetna in.  We went through their automated system and at 3 min and 28 seconds it told us we were the next in line to speak with a representative.  She then told me, I don't have the time to do this.  SERIOUSLY?  She couldn't wait 30 more freaking seconds to verify benefits?  

I told her I would find another doctor, thank you and hung up.  

I will find a practice that respects their patients and doesn't feel that 4-5 minutes of their time is TOO MUCH TIME to spend verifying benefits.  I will also be calling the plan BACK (for a 4th time) and informing them of the providers refusal to see me as an in network patient within their practice (which is a violation of their contract with Aetna).  Participating in network providers are required by contract to bill a patient's in network plan upon rendering services.   

I'll find a provider that WANTS my business.