Dr. Hon-Wai Lam is a native of the Bay Area. Dr. Lam graduated Magna Cum Laude from UC Berkeley. He earned his medical degree from University of California at Los Angeles and specializes in Family Medicine. Previously, he served as volunteer clinical faculty at UCLA. Dr. Lam sees patients of all ages and staffs weekend hours.
Dr. James S. Kong is also a native of the Bay Area. Dr. Kong graduated Magna Cum Laude from UC Berkeley. He earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University. Dr. Kong completed both his Internal Medicine Residency and Fellowship in Allergy/Immunology at UC Davis. Dr. Kong is currently serving as volunteer Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, & Clinical Immunology at UC Davis.
Dr. James S. Kong is also a native of the Bay Area. Dr. Kong graduated Magna Cum Laude from UC Berkeley. He earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University. Dr. Kong completed both his Internal Medicine Residency and Fellowship in Allergy/Immunology at UC Davis. Dr. Kong is currently serving as volunteer Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, & Clinical Immunology at UC Davis.
Services
Why an allergist? Allergists are medical specialists who treat allergic diseases and related conditions. These include asthma, hay fever, sinusitis, rashes, hives and certain kinds of reactions to foods, insect stings and drugs.
Every board-certified allergist first completes specialty training in either internal medical or pediatrics, and then completes an additional training program of two or more years studying the diagnosis and treatment of allergic and related diseases.Certification by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology requires not only approved training, but also successful completion of a challenging written examination.
Every board-certified allergist first completes specialty training in either internal medical or pediatrics, and then completes an additional training program of two or more years studying the diagnosis and treatment of allergic and related diseases.Certification by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology requires not only approved training, but also successful completion of a challenging written examination.
After taking a careful medical history from you and reviewing your completed patient questionnaire, your allergist/immunologist will determined whether or not diagnostic tests are necessary. As many tests as possible will be completed during your first visit. If you may be allergic, you are reacting to a particular substance in your environment called an allergen.
Skin testing consists of introducing a small amount of antigen (the substance you may be allergic to) into the skin. In most cases, single or multi-pronged plastic devices will be used to place the antigen on the back or lower arms. Occasionally there is a need to also inject the antigen into the superficial layers of the skin.
Immotherapy or "Allergy Shots", provided by qualified physicians, is an effective and safe treatment for asthma, allergic rhinitis and insect venom allergy. A report from the Mayo Clinic on 79,593 immunotherapy injections over a 10-year period showed the incidence of adverse reactions to be less than two-tenths of 1 percent (0.137 percent).
Thank you for choosing Alameda Centre Physicians for your medical care. We know you have many choices when it comes to your healthcare and we appreciate the opportunity to care for you. Our goal is to provide you with unsurpassed treatment and care. Our Financial Policy was created to clearly delineate the financial terms of your care.
Reviews (19)
BengisRow A.
Apr 17, 2021
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The visit started okay until I asked to have an allergy test done. I came to see this office as I was advised by an ER doctor to see an allergist due to an allergic reaction I had to the 1st COVID vaccine. James Kong suggested to go to a place where they're able to administer the 2nd vaccine in 3 parts. Okay. I asked for an allergy test including food. James Kong stated that I didn't need it; the allergy test wouldn't really determine at which form of the food I tend to have an allergic reaction to; that it is not the food, but the way it is served/cooked. I proceeded by saying
Tiffany V.
Feb 06, 2021
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Cindy L.
Jan 29, 2021
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Got referred here my a family member. Dr. Kong was very nice, pleasant and has a great sense of humor which made the visit not boring. It was for my son visit. He refused to go to his pediatrician since he is a foot taller than she is:). He said he is ready for his adult doctor.
He was making sure my son got all the vaccines needed before he is heading to college.
He was making sure my son got all the vaccines needed before he is heading to college.
Quincy M.
Feb 08, 2019
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Today was my first visit to the office. I came because I occasionally get hives and didn't know what it was from. The front desk lady was nice. The check-in process was quick and I didn't have to wait long. Dr. Kong went over what could be the cause of my hives and luckily it was something I could control by starting small first like taking OTC medications. He answered a lot of my other clinical questions non-relating to my hives also. I am glad my coworker referred me to him. I left with a prescription but after arriving home I got a phone call from the office asking which pharmacy I
Pam E.
Feb 05, 2018
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I don't post this lightly. I've been working with Dr. Kong for a few years and had really appreciated his manner and attentiveness in person - while I was well. But at the first sign of a potential problem, everything fell completely apart.
First, the office staff. Others have posted about his office staff and it is still true. I found they were tolerable as long as I was paying my co-pay or scheduling an appointment. Two further comments:
1. Keep in mind THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO WILL DELIVER THE BAD NEWS! Let that sink it - the absolute lack of compassion is pretty jaw-dropping
First, the office staff. Others have posted about his office staff and it is still true. I found they were tolerable as long as I was paying my co-pay or scheduling an appointment. Two further comments:
1. Keep in mind THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO WILL DELIVER THE BAD NEWS! Let that sink it - the absolute lack of compassion is pretty jaw-dropping
Jared Russell
Jan 03, 2018
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Dr. Is very good at his craft, understanding, show genuine concern for my well being, has a specialty with immunology and allergy issues. Straighter shooter and is open to suggestions regarding treatment methods practices that may be newly recognized.
Not open on weekends, support staff and assistants are great too, very helpful
Not open on weekends, support staff and assistants are great too, very helpful
Alfredo G.
May 21, 2016
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I'm fortunate to have had my primary care from Dr. Kong. From his demeanor, to his explanations with drawings, and never hesitating to go the extra mile you can tell Dr. Kong is passionate about his patient's health. I've since moved to Sacramento and subjected to corp own and run primary care clinics- I used to have it pretty good.
Peter M.
Feb 19, 2016
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So I needed a quick tb test for school. Made an appointment for 3:30. Got there at 3:25, and waited in the lobby until 4. Once inside, I sit in the waiting room for another 45 minutes. A little before 5pm the Doctor comes in and I ask for a tb test. He leaves and doesn't return for another 15 minutes. Gives me my shot and I'm frustratedly running out the door by 5:15. Three weeks later, I receive a bill for a total of three services, two of which were not performed. The tb test alone was only approximately 20 dollars. However the bill was close to 300. Don't ever come here unless
Aaron Tavistock
Dec 31, 2015
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Rose A.
Jul 10, 2015
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Made an appointment because my allergies were a mess. To the point where I was losing my voice. Dr. Kong was nice, but of course, the solution was to hand me more prescriptions.
Two stars because I asked about an allergy test, but was only willing to do it if it was no more than X amount. He said sure, he'll charge no more than X. Imagine my surprise when I got the bill and was charged a few hundred MORE than what was agreed upon. Bait and Switch at it's finest. If it costs more than X, just say it and let the patient decide if it is worth the cost. The test was NOT worth the cost.
Two stars because I asked about an allergy test, but was only willing to do it if it was no more than X amount. He said sure, he'll charge no more than X. Imagine my surprise when I got the bill and was charged a few hundred MORE than what was agreed upon. Bait and Switch at it's finest. If it costs more than X, just say it and let the patient decide if it is worth the cost. The test was NOT worth the cost.
Jay S.
May 18, 2015
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Linda S.
Apr 08, 2015
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Dr Kong has been my Dr for approximately 10 years. Lucky for me I am very healthy. I see him annually for a physical and blood work. Recently I became sick and needed to see him. The unfriendly staff at the front desk asked me If I had the same insurance I said I recently went to medicare. I was told they would no longer see me. They were not taking medicare patients . After I recovered from the shock I asked her to have him call me. Of course he did not. If you need a Doctor choose one who really cares.
Ashley M.
May 30, 2014
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Rj W.
May 09, 2013
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A little more than a year ago I had a headache and stomach pains. Both felt throbbing and not stabbing so I didn't see a doctor for two days. I figured I had the flu. When I did go to James, he pressed down on my abdominal area and figured out I had appendicitis. A quick MRI at another hospital confirmed it and I had an operation.
Fast forward to today and I have a bacteria infection. White spots in the back of my throat. I went to the nearest hospital and they thought it was cancer and ordered a bunch of unneeded tests with no antibiotics. When I got phenomena, I went straight to James
Fast forward to today and I have a bacteria infection. White spots in the back of my throat. I went to the nearest hospital and they thought it was cancer and ordered a bunch of unneeded tests with no antibiotics. When I got phenomena, I went straight to James
Bj G.
Mar 22, 2013
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3/20/2013 6:15pm
I noticed that all the negative reviews were from years ago and maybe Dr. Kong was reading them!
I had a great experience with the front desk and with Dr. Kong.
I called and was easily able to make an appointment! Actually getting a person on the phone without being put on hold or going to an answering service.
Front desk person (short+Asian) was very helpful and informative with all my questions.
Dr. Kong is a fairly younger doctor compared to the white-haired and wrinkled ones that I've had before
He actually had a personality!!!
He was attentive to all the
I noticed that all the negative reviews were from years ago and maybe Dr. Kong was reading them!
I had a great experience with the front desk and with Dr. Kong.
I called and was easily able to make an appointment! Actually getting a person on the phone without being put on hold or going to an answering service.
Front desk person (short+Asian) was very helpful and informative with all my questions.
Dr. Kong is a fairly younger doctor compared to the white-haired and wrinkled ones that I've had before
He actually had a personality!!!
He was attentive to all the
Matt L.
Dec 12, 2009
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I'm looking at Babette's review and wondering if we could actually be talking about the same place.
I've been going to Dr. Kong (and occasionally his partner Dr. Lam) for over a year. They are both friendly and helpful, and the best part by far is their availability. They are open until 7 PM most days, and given that most of the world works for a living, it's great to have doctors with hours beyond 9-5! And if you need an appointment, they will almost always see you either that day or the next. Contrast that to where I used to go in SF, where my doctor was so UNavailable that
I've been going to Dr. Kong (and occasionally his partner Dr. Lam) for over a year. They are both friendly and helpful, and the best part by far is their availability. They are open until 7 PM most days, and given that most of the world works for a living, it's great to have doctors with hours beyond 9-5! And if you need an appointment, they will almost always see you either that day or the next. Contrast that to where I used to go in SF, where my doctor was so UNavailable that
Monica L.
Oct 03, 2008
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I like the fact that this place can get you in for an appointment when you need it, including same day. My husband and another couple on the island have also had this experience. They work evenings and weekends. It's so great!
Anyway, I went in with what turned out to be a broken foot. The receptionist was really polite and friendly. She even handed me their card with two hands which I had learned long ago in China as a sign of respect.
Dr. Kong was so friendly. He sent me right off to get an xray of my foot which he thought was only sprained cause I was so tough about it (he told me
Anyway, I went in with what turned out to be a broken foot. The receptionist was really polite and friendly. She even handed me their card with two hands which I had learned long ago in China as a sign of respect.
Dr. Kong was so friendly. He sent me right off to get an xray of my foot which he thought was only sprained cause I was so tough about it (he told me
Miska K.
Aug 14, 2008
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I found Dr Kong as I had a severe allergic reaction to SOMETHING a couple of months ago and was able to see me quickly and after normal doctors hours.
he helped me uderstand what was happening with my body even though the cause could not be determined and was unafraid of ordering all sorts of tests as well as getting me the scripts that I needed. Still need to get a scratch test done, but prepared me that there was not going to be a quick fix as it can't be determined what the casue was
they even sent me a check for a copay that I apparantly didn't need to pay after several visits
he helped me uderstand what was happening with my body even though the cause could not be determined and was unafraid of ordering all sorts of tests as well as getting me the scripts that I needed. Still need to get a scratch test done, but prepared me that there was not going to be a quick fix as it can't be determined what the casue was
they even sent me a check for a copay that I apparantly didn't need to pay after several visits
Megster H.
Jun 14, 2008
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So, went to Dr. Reid in the city, who also deserves all his 5-star goodness on Yelp, but needed to find somewhere to get allergy shots (In the East Bay) without paying parking and bridge toll a ton of times....and voila!
Went to Dr. Kong without any prior info, just b/c he's on the insurance website, and he's the *bomb*, people. Super nice, efficient staff, doesn't keep you waiting, his specialty is Pediatric and Adult Allergy & Immunology, and Internal Medicine. So he knows what the hell's going on.
He personally called my insurance to argue billing with them
Went to Dr. Kong without any prior info, just b/c he's on the insurance website, and he's the *bomb*, people. Super nice, efficient staff, doesn't keep you waiting, his specialty is Pediatric and Adult Allergy & Immunology, and Internal Medicine. So he knows what the hell's going on.
He personally called my insurance to argue billing with them
