Tae J Chung, MD

Do not entrust your body to this person. He put me on an IV drug. I learned from a home nurse treating me that other doctors who put patients on this drug also prescribed another drug and weekly blood tests, to prevent gallbladder damage and check for stress on the liver. I called Dr. Chung to ask about this, and he immediately became verbally abusive and sarcastic. I went to another doctor, who was initially reluctant to take a patient away from Dr. Chung, but when I told the new doctor I had been put on the IV without weekly blood tests, he looked shocked and said, «That’s not right.» He took me on as a patient right then.

I went to him to find out what was going on with me. I was too young to have arthritis type symptoms. He and another doctor completely ignored me. You know if something is not right. 3 doctors later, I finally found out what was going on with my body. He may have been able to catch it early had he only listened. I felt rushed and unimportant. I would not recommend him at all.

I agree with MC F., posted on Feb 1 2016 (including medical posting on Unilocal?–also found by accident looking for Dr. Chung’s address). I saw Dr Chung a few years ago, and found him very competent, direct, and not one to engage in small talk (no problem for me– but rude? no just his direct communication style). I appreciate a short and direct communication style– even in MDs, as I am the type of patient that wants to get in and get out. I was having trouble with joint inflammation– hands, shoulders, knees and feet. I had many questions about his approach to the assessment, and a few comments about my expectations, and he answered all of my questions to my satisfaction. Once he conducted the physical exam, ran necessary and appropriate blood tests and obtained X-​rays, — he stated he did not see arthritis as my problem. It was a relief to not have arthritis, but the blood test showed I had Lyme. so I dealt with that issue. Long story short, I would not hesitate to see Dr. Chung again, and recommend him without reservation.

Let me say this… I came across my Rheumatologist’s reviews by other Unilocalers by accident… on Unilocal,no less. Who writes a review on Unilocal on something that is serious, specific to your medical condition and so personal? I mean, come on. I’ve been a patient of Dr. Chung for many years… I have gout (love drinking and shell fish so Unilocal is a great resource for my palete) and he has seen me on short notices and sometimes even during non office hours… if you have ever had gout, you know how painful it can be… so I appreciate his consideration tremendously. My previous doc… I have to work around his schedule… how would I know when I’d flare? Dr. Chung is… straight forward, no BS… that’s the best part about him… telling like he sees it. I didn’t appreciate my previous doctors cause they never gave me a straight answer. When you have a serious and complex medical condition that warrants a visit to a rheumatologist, I think a simple Unilocal review to equate to a burger review is just plain ignorant. But then again, when I’m sick, I don’t always exercise sound judgement. food for thought…

To be fair, I’ve only been to one appointment and I’ve read an awful lot of negative reviews. I’ve been looking for a new Rheumatologist the last couple of years. My GP recommended Dr. Chung. I will follow up with him and see how it goes.
The most bothersome irritant is that he said (paraphrasing, of course) «Let’s see what the blood tests reveal. If there’s no problem, you’re in remission.» I HATE that in doctors. It says «You don’t know if you’re sick but if the blood tests say you’re sick, then you ARE sick.»

Shockingly rude personality. Does not interview patient on symptoms or needs. Just jumps in with judgments and decisions. Insists on random uncalled for tests, but does not call for regular bloodwork which is an absolute must for my condition. Rude to his staff too. Just horrible experience. I gave him two tries hoping he was just having an off day the first time. Never again.