Last year 2022 I took my daughter here because of intense back pain. They immediately told me my insurance would not cover the procedure that the doctor needed to do without even calling them. They wanted all of their money upfront. So I paid $800 dollars to try to help my daughter. They still billed the insurance AND got paid by them. They never said anything to me about it and still tried to bill me. In the end they owed me! It is a small amount almost 9 dollars, but still. Guess what! after numerous phone call, they still have not sent me the money!!! What a joke, and BTW all the procedures did was put my daughter in more pain and even caused her to not be able to use one of her legs until the next day, scary! Stay far away. read more

This place is Terrible. They do not care about your time, only their time matters. The staff is so rude that they made my wife feels bad for being in pain. There is no patient care given here. I wouldn't even take the Family Dog to this place. read more

I cannot say anything about the medical expertise - which May well be excellent. However if you are an elderly individual who does not like to be yelled at and put down by the staff I suggest you look elsewhere - As am I. Patrick read more

Been going there about 8 months, they could careless about your pain, every procedure takes 60 - 90 days, they will tell you if your hurting just go to the emergency room. The office staff a joke, one time I argued with a girl at the front desk about what was to happen next for 5-10 minutes only for her to ask a coworker who said I was right, no apology or anything. You have to FIGHT for every appointment they spread out EVERY procedure minimum 3 weeks so to get to the end for the real treatment to get relief plan on at least 90 days. One visit the office open 30 minutes late, I had to sit in another's companies waiting room, that company told this goes on all the time and their so use to patients waiting in their business. I wouldn't get rap up with them find another place to treat your spine back pain read more

I ended up in an ER after a botched spinal injection procedure at this clinic. I could have been permanently injured but fortunately my spine recovered. Staff were inexperienced, poorly trained, and disorganized. Hopefully the situation has gotten better. read more

Never again. Unless you have a procedure -- you will never see Dr. Hong for an office visit conversation. He ONLY sees patients for procedures & passes off all his office visits to his Physician's Assistant. His office will charge you unethically high FEES if you're forced to cancel an appointment -- even if it is due to legitimate illness or a recent hospital visit where you could be compromised or could infect other people. I had to cancel two appointments in less than a 2 month period -- both due to illness & while one $150 fee was waived, the other $150 fee was billed to me as a "no show" even though I called & cancelled due to COVID symptoms as soon as I woke up the same day as the procedure. I am on SSDI. Being essentially FINED for being ill with no financial means to pay for this fine & being refused medical treatment, prescription refills, & procedures until I PAY their ridiculous fine is the epitome of unethical office practices. The staff is rude -- even with Dr. Hong firing & hiring new staff. His website lists these overly-strict no-show & cancellation fees -- which if you're a compassionate doctor dealing with those with chronic pain & disabilities such as myself -- you should understand that flare-ups of chronic conditions & comorbidities such as lymphedema with frequent cellulitis HAPPEN. I was in-hospital on 5 days of IV antibiotics for a serious strep cellulitis infection in my leg. I am already immunocompromised with several autoimmune disorders & I cancelled an appointment as soon as I was released from hospital as I was protecting my health & the health of others after having been in hospital for a serious infection. I was also on potent pain medications for the cellulitis that made me entirely unsafe to operate a vehicle. The second cancellation occurred due to a major COVID surge in Bolingbrook & I cancelled an injection procedure to PROTECT his office staff & patients as I woke up the *day of the procedure* with a serious sore throat, no sense of smell, & feeling miserable. I was not about to take the chance & potentially spread COVID to anyone in his office. If he can't be bothered to see patients in-person & insists on such strict guidelines during an ongoing COVID pandemic -- with no change to his policies to accommodate patients who may suddenly present with symptoms -- then he has some serious work to do on his ethics & so does his entire staff. I am insulted as a chronic pain patient on SSDI to be billed an amount I have no hopes of being able to pay. I am infuriated, & disgusted with this office from PREVIOUS issues with his billing department who couldn't get a diagnosis code right for several months & was billed nearly $5,000 for a series of injections. I am on combined Medicare & Medicaid due to my financial strain & he has the audacity to demand $150 because I cancelled twice due to legitimate illness? No. THIS WILL NOT STAND. I have since FIRED Dr. Hong as my pain specialist. You can be board-certified out the wazoo & a medical director of a hospital's pain management department with numerous diplomas & credentials -- but if you lack in bedside manner, cannot be bothered to see your own patients outside of procedures, refuse to compromise with a legally disabled SSDI recipient concerning your exorbitant appointment & procedure cancellation fees, or your office staff can't be bothered to display even the slightest empathy or compassion when one of your immunocompromised chronic pain patients falls ill or has a major flare-up related to their disability -- which happens a LOT, you don't deserve to practice medicine. PERIOD. read more

I have been going to Gateway Spine & Pain for several years (off & on). I have scoliosis/arthritis in the spine. I did well until 2017 when I fell. Since then the drs. Here have worked to find relief for my pain & to keep me mobile. They are good. I miss Dr. Charuk, who recently left the practice; but, Dr Hung is very capable too. And the PA, Stacy, is very attentive, informative and caring read more

Dr. Hong is ok. But he is very busy so instead they make you see his physician assistant. The physician assistant names Stacey is terrible. She was unable to get my medications right for 3 months now. I've been in pain and nasious with a pain level of 5-8 out of 10 every day. People like Stacey the P.A. should not practice medicine. If you're looking to get treatment and help for your pain, please go some place else. They will not change you medications and will make you wait for weeks while you're in pain until their next available appointment. Then give you another crappy over priced $500 a month script that does nothing for your pain and only gives you horrible side effects. They push the most expensive medications on their patients even if the med doesn't work for you. They call this a pain management clinic?! No thanks! read more

I went to Dr Hong looking for help and I never dreamed that his staff didn't know how to take blood. This is 6 years age so I hope it has changed. I have never said a bad word about him and when he got a nurse practitioner she was WONDERFUL. Understanding and kind but when she left once again no one knew how to do anything and procedures done in his office with just a curtain between them. I left after being given a hard time everyone in the office of the patients looked half dead. I then read some awful, untrue things about me? I have never had a cross word or complained about him. I don't know what is going on there and as I said I truly hope with this new staff that it is a good experience for others as it was NOT for me! read more

I have been going to Dr Hong for 5+ years now and I am still quite impressed with him, he is very intelligent and seems to be on the cutting edge of pain management techniques. Dr Hong isn't one to push narcotics, he seems to prefer referring for physical therapy along with non narcotic alternatives (with me anyways). The staff at Gateway spine & pain are very sweet and caring as well as knowledgable . The turn over is relatively non-existent which says alot for the office in general. I'm not sure who someone else's review was referring to regarding "the dragon lady" everyone I've had contact with is personable and professional. I would and have referred friends and family to see Dr Hong at Gateway Spine & Pain. He has kept me moving pretty well for the last 5+ years! read more

The receptionist is incompetent who apparently does not know how to handle charts. She lost my chart causing me to sit from the time, I arrived @ approximately 9:32 up until the time, I was called to the exam room at 10:13. She apparently gave the doc another lady's chart with the same first name. Which, the last name was never confirmed by the nurse assistant when she called out the name. The lady arrived 10 min after I had arrived. I don't blame the lady at all for getting up right away, I too was getting up then sat down, I figured the assistant would confirm cleared the last name with her apparently she didn't. I then overheard the Doc. ask her if her name was P. O. she replied, I'm P.H then the Doc laughed and said "you sure don't look like an" O", I'm sorry but, what does an Ortiz look like? He then goes on to say, ok well ill go ahead and see you then. Meanwhile, I'm still sitting I'm still sitting in the waiting room. I do have to give credit to the two young ladies who were working in the prep work they were friendly and verified my identity before prepping me. I will not be returning to Dr. Hong after my 2-week post-visit. Oh! did I mention he also talked about me being upset 2 weeks ago right outside the exam room where I could clearly hear him? The day in which again, his incompetent receptionist mislead me into believing, I was going in for my 8-month shot. I left out our first and last names for Hippa reasons. read more

The Doctors are amazing. They work with you, and understand the pain you're going through. However the staff in the offices treat you in humane. Basically called me, my primary care doctor, and the primary care provider nurses liars. I am so sick of being treated inhumane every single time I come here. If it wasn't for pain control and insurance, I'd find another place. This is BS. read more

I met with Dr Kalin for the first time yesterday...I have arthritis and fibromyalgia pain and my GP suggested I see a pain specialist. I made a horrible choice! The entire staff asked me repeatedly if I had back or neck pain...and no - I don't have pain in that area. Dr Kalin was short and interrupted when I was explaining things that were going on with me. 'I ask the questions' is what he told me. He seemed quite disappointed when my issues did not revolve my neck and spine! He said there was nothing he could do for me. Period! What a waste of a day off of work and $50.00 co-pay! No suggestions on where to go or what to do! read more

Been a patient of this office for more than 5 years and I have been satisfied every step of the way! From routine office visits to other more involved procedures... Never a problem! read more

Very poor service! The day of appointment we had to wait for the doctor for half an hour ok fine maybe he was running behind. The following day my husbands job requested a form so he could get paid for the time off. I go ahead and forward the paper to the office and I get told by Araceli Cruz they she would go ahead and forward it to ONE of the nurses and we would hear back. Next day I call again to get an update again Araceli Cruz says I'll speak with the nurse you will hear from us later today. Later today never came I call back she pops up with the nurse doesn't get here till 2 she will fill it out then. This morning we decide to walk in and willing to wait for it BUT then ARACELI CRUZ decided to raise her voice at my husband and tell him our protocol is 7-10 business days to get a form filled out!? IF SHE WOULD HAVE SAID THAT SINCE THE BEGINNING WE COULD HAVE AVOIDED ALL OF THIS!!!! The way she spoke to my husband In front of a bunch of other clients was completely unnecessary and unprofessional. This will be the last time we attend this business and take our business else where! No wonder the bad reviews! read more

BEST DOC EVER. I had the privilege of both working for and being treated by Dr. Hong. You know you have a good boss if you trust him to put needles in your neck :) Dr. Hong is one of the best physicians I have ever known or worked for. He is highly intelligent yet completely down-to-earth and personable. He truly cares for his patients and is always looking out for their best interests and to provide the best care possible. As his nurse for over a year, I can attest to this personally. He is honest, ethical, and extremely compassionate. It was a joy to work for and with him. Procedurally, he is gentle and precise. I am historically terrified of needles (Who isn't?), but receiving injections was a breeze. I couldn't believe how little pain I experienced (just the Lidocaine which burns like a mother for about 3 seconds). His office manager Terri is wonderful. She is friendly, kind, and extremely efficient. She will go above and beyond to ensure that the patients are getting what they need. She is fantastic. All of the office staff is hard-working, fun, and they all like each other :) It is truly a great environment, both for patients and employees. Over all, one of the best practices -- pain or otherwise -- I have ever had the privilege to work for. I'd send my entire family to Dr. Hong in a heartbeat. I'd give him 10 stars if I could. read more

I have seen Dr Kalin several times now. I love the fact that I feel he actually listens to what I have to say. I also feel he is open and honest when I ask him questions that are sensitive to me. He is always on time, and never makes me feel I am wasting his time. I would highly recommend him to any pain patient. read more

one the most extremely negative experiences. The doctor did not seem to care that I was in pain and have been for 13 years from multiple surgeries. I would recommend NEVER going here. He was extremely smug from the beginning and seemed far more interested in dollar signs from whatever injections they give people then actually listening and trying to help people with real pain. read more

I met with Dr. Hong , he is a very nice doctor. He actually sat with me for a full hour going over my history and what was bothering me. By the end he came up with a plan that he thinks will help me. Don't worry he's not a pill pusher either if you tell him you don't want pain pills or would like to try something else instead he really respects that. Just a heads up don't show up to the wrong office or the the lady at the front desk aka The dragon lady will get really annoyed with you and give you an attitude, even if its not your fault. I'm giving them three stars to see if the treatment works and for the attitude dragon lady slomo gave me. read more

People on front desk are rude and unprofessional. Bad business practice. I asked for payment plan to pay my balance they refused with attitude. People who manage the office don't treat you as human. In term of treatment, they are OK (close to below average). The treatment I received helped for a little while but the pain was back way sooner than they promised. All over, I will never go back to their office again. read more

DR.. KALIN....Well, I was taken by the charm and 150.00 co pays, as long as you are willing to test everything you are given as a day experiment then you are welcome. I was given several neurological drugs with serious side effects and then dismissed when I questioned the Collar of pharmaceutical dependence. I'd steer clear of this doctor. Bad experience read more

horrible i was given 2 injections in my spine in the wrong area they had no clue what was wrong with me i ended up with nerve damage in my thigh. i also had so many unnecessary test done and the answer was in a mri with contrast and they would have seen i had a herniated disc pushing up against my nerve. horrible read more

I have been going here for chronic back pain for a couple of years and I find the doctors and staff always helpful. Dr. Malholtra has kept me pain free.the entire time I have been seeing him.I am seen at the time of my appt.with very little waiting.Dr Malholtra is very good at what he does and I am comfortable with the treatment I have rec'd.Highly recommend them read more

All this practice cares about is money. I initially came in wanting a procedure that I wanted done that helped me before. Dr. Khalin initially ruled it out completely. He wanted me to have two sets of steroid shots in my back before he'd send me to a back surgeon, although I mentioned that those shots never helped me in the past. And of-course, I had to get another MRI because the one that was a year old was not good enough. After the back surgeon saw me, he indicated that I should've gotten that procedure I initially wanted. As I'm making payments for all these visits and procedures, I'm called out of the blue by their billing person who indicates that I had to make a payment within 4 days. I explained to her that I didn't get paid for a week and a half and I'd be more than happy to make a payment then. She cancelled my upcoming appointment and would not allow me to make another until the balance was paid in full, which was well over a thousand dollars, be paid off. The doctor would not provide any refills and the billing person plainly said to me "find another doctor" when all I wanted to do was to continue the care. This lack of professionalism and poor customer service should make anyone run. I am very disappointed that a physician would act that way. I was also once told that he doesn't speak to patients directly over the phone but only during the visit, which I found to be very arrogant and demeaning. Just terrible! I'm sorry I ever was referred to him and his practice. read more

Dr. Hong was hope in the darkness for me. He helped me so much. He implanted a neurostimulator and gave me my life back. I had went to Mayo Clinic Pain Rehab, and had been poorly treated where I live. I drive 3 hours to see him, because he is knowledgeable, good bed side manner, and as a patient, I know he cares that I get the best outcome, and the highest functioning possible. I would recommend him to anyone that has chronic pain. He has many skills to help you. His staff is extremely kind and engaging, and does their best to meet the needs of a patient. I personally experienced this. read more