Chen Fulton, MD

This is a long review but if you are thinking about visiting Dr. Chen, I hope you can spend a few minutes to read about my experience with him before you do.
I visited Dr. Chen a year or two ago after I had returned from college. I was previously under the care of another doctor in Illinois and I was trying to find a suitable pain management specialist in the area who had a good reputation and was close to home. I have issues with lower back pain caused by slipped discs in my back and needed a doctor who could treat a chronic condition.
I had multiple family members who were patients of Dr. Chen and they all recommended him to me so I booked an appointment with him. When I arrived, I was handed some paperwork (mostly medical in nature) and was called in to see Dr. Chen within a few minutes. He asked me general questions, the usual where is the pain, how bad is it, what makes it worse, etc… He took out my MRI images and went through them with me. What struck me as being unusual was his utter denial of what clearly was multiple slipped discs as he played off each abnormality as «it’s normal» and that «I was perfectly healthy.» I’m not a doctor but I’ve been told by at least five who have seen my MRIs who could easily attest to my medical condition.
A few minutes later he pulled out a piece of paper which had information documenting all my pharmacy records. He then accuses me of «doctor shopping» and interrogated me over every scrutinized detail on the sheet. I had never even mentioned or asked to be prescribed medication though he undeniably claimed that that was the reason I was visiting and that he would «definitely not write me anything.» I wasn’t sure why he suspected me of anything when I had nothing wrong with my pharmaceutical records. I was being prescribed medication by doctors who were well aware of me being under the care of each other. Furthermore, he had asked me why I was under the treatment of the same drug prescribed by two different doctors. When I responded that they were both practitioners in the same group practice (who both had access to my file/​prescription records) and that I only alternated between them because of availability, he laughed off my response as if it was the most ridiculous thing he ever heard. He then proceeded to tell me that there was «nothing he could do for me.» I told him that my goal was not to get prescriptions but to receive a suitable treatment plan for my pain. I had prior epidural injections and had asked him about that. Once again, he denied my request and told me that he «could not doing anything.» The only thing that he had offered me was «help, if I needed it», as if to insinuate that I was a drug addict.
I was so shocked at his accusations at that point that I wasn’t even sure how to respond. I had never in my entire life been so outright incriminated as a patient. After about a minute of awkward silence as I was thinking to myself «what in the world is going on,» he asked me to leave. As I walked out the door, he told me he only prescribes medication for very old patients who have severe medical conditions and whose «extreme pain» warrants medication. Lastly, he told me that he would send my referral back to my previous doctor and note on my file that I had «attempted to seek medication from him.» When I asked, my original doctor had no such information from Dr. Chen; apparently he was too lazy to do even that. I left and never came back.
I have never in my life met a doctor who had even come close to being as awful as Dr. Chen. He not only pointed fingers at me for doing nothing wrong but he flat out denied providing me with any form of medical treatment. After seeing other people’s experience on Unilocal,I truly hope that this was a fluke in his normal practice and that he doesn’t treat his regular patients like this. I wouldn’t recommend him to my worst enemy.

Wish there were more stars available. I am a health care provider and I appreciate when someone is knowledgeable and kind. Dr. Chen exemplifies all of that. After getting great relief from an epidural, I re injured myself in a fall. Dr. Chen has been following me closely to make sure that I am alright. It just doesn’t get better.

one of the best doctors ive ever been to. front office staff is very helpful and polite. they get back to you right away and follow through. dr. chen himself is knowledgeable, calm, patient, and willing to answer tons of questions even if it takes more time. he asked me «what are the biggest concerns you would like me to address and what do you want out of this visit?» it is obvious that he actually cares.
i got some xrays and the radiologist that reviewed the films was utterly incompetent. dr. chen carefully read the report and noticed that it was completely incorrect. so, he looked at the films himself and sent the report back to the radiologist to get it revised. i really appreciate him advocating for me.