A.A. Specialty Health Center is the 1st and biggest integrated, private specialty clinic practice of its kind in Alaska. Doctors from diverse medical specialties work together in our center to care for patients, and are joined by common information systems and a philosophy that the requirements of the patient come 1st.
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Doctors from diverse medical specialties work together in our center to provide outstanding care for patients. Patients are referred to AA Spine & Pain for an interventional or diagnostic procedures by their treating provider. All procedures are performed by our highly trained pain specialists. Patients will be returned to the referring provider for follow up and continued management.
Dr. Alfred Lonser, M.D. has a background in Engineering. He obtained a Medical Degree from Loma Linda University in1998. He then went to the University of Virginia for a surgery residency before transitioning into Anesthesia. After successfully completing the Residency and Board requirements he and his family moved to Anchorage in 2002, where he was an anesthesiologist for Providence Hospital for 5 years.
Dr. Kenneth Boomgaard grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan where he studied at Grand Valley State University. He attended medical school at Wayne State University and completed his Family Practice residency at Saint Louis University. He holds Board Certification in Family Medicine and is a member of the American Academy of Pain Medicine.
Dr. Shawn Johnston was raised in Michigan, attending high school in Kingsford. He received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Michigan and his Medical Doctorate from the University of Michigan Medical School. Dr. Johnston went on to complete his residency program in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation from the Mayo Clinic in 1999.
Dr. Larry Levine is a lifelong Alaskan, born and raised in Anchorage and graduating from West High School. He attended the University of Nevada where he received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and his Medical Doctorate from their School of Medicine. Dr. Levine completed his Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency at Ohio State University Hospitals and became the Chief Resident the following year. He returned to Alaska in 1995 and began practicing at Alaska Spine Institute, becoming the Medical Director in 2004.
Reviews (17)
Susan Gillen
Jun 08, 2022
Dr. Johnson walked away from me and never talked to me because of a mistake I made, I misplaced my medication. I told him the try. But he turned me over to Greg Wilkinson who isn't even a doctor! I never seen the doctor that I had for years again! (Dr. Johnson). I srocry at the way I was treated! Greg dropped me off all my medication too fast. It landed me in the hospital many times!
I'm still very sick because of the cruel way I was treated! So if you are thinking about going here as a patient, you can't be human, you can't make a mistake or you will be dropped immediately! Trust me. I've had seizures, and a heart attack because of "their care"! Never tell them that you made a mistake. with anything!
I'm still very sick because of the cruel way I was treated! So if you are thinking about going here as a patient, you can't be human, you can't make a mistake or you will be dropped immediately! Trust me. I've had seizures, and a heart attack because of "their care"! Never tell them that you made a mistake. with anything!
Trevor W.
Feb 18, 2022
They didn't want to do my paperwork and they messed up appointments and then blamed me for them. I decided to change clinics because they didn't do their administrative work. Wanted me to drop off paperwork and then chase it down. The last straw was the surgery manager telling me that I was not scheduled for procedure and was rude. I had to bite my tongue, but I decided enough.
Elisa Miller
Oct 23, 2021
AA pain spine is amazing. We are very blessed in Alaska to have these amazing professional Doctors to be here to give the specialized medical care that some of us need. I don't like having to be in the Heath I'm in but I'm very blessed that Dr Boomgaard and his staff are caring amazing and very professional Thank you Dr Boomgaard and staff for the excellent professional caring medical care u give. I'm proud to be your patient Elisa Miller
Laurel Z.
Mar 20, 2021
Aycara Jordan
Mar 14, 2021
I was a patient of AA spine and pain for 5 years. I never failed a UA or had any problems with them until May 2020. They said they tried to call me in for a pill count but because of covid my appointments were on zoom. They never called my house phone our tried to email me. I also had to endure very painful injection and a treatment to burn my nerves to have less pain.
Bad idea both made my pain worse than before I had them. My entire spine is fused and I have had stainless steel harrtion rods since I was 15 years old. I have socoliocs and my curve was a 74 when I had my opperation in Seattle Washington. I should have stopped going to them after they gave me painful injection they left me in so much pain and didn't help my condition.
Bad idea both made my pain worse than before I had them. My entire spine is fused and I have had stainless steel harrtion rods since I was 15 years old. I have socoliocs and my curve was a 74 when I had my opperation in Seattle Washington. I should have stopped going to them after they gave me painful injection they left me in so much pain and didn't help my condition.
Myst
Mar 04, 2021
I can't say much about the other doctors of AA Spine and Pain Clinic because I have never seen them personally. However I can talk about the doctor I see. Mary Beth Calor is amazing, at our first visit she actually examined me. Which has never happened at any other pain clinic I have gone to. This was a wonderful change as I have been on pain mngmnt for many years.
She access my troubles and start a treatment plan, and they have been spot on, an I have finally gotten some relief for a period of time. It does'nt last as long as I wish it would, (4 to 6 months) but some relief is better than none. DR CALOR is a kind, competent, and compassionate doctor and I recommend her highly. Thank you Dr Calor and thank you to your wonderful staff. signed. Jennifer G.B.
She access my troubles and start a treatment plan, and they have been spot on, an I have finally gotten some relief for a period of time. It does'nt last as long as I wish it would, (4 to 6 months) but some relief is better than none. DR CALOR is a kind, competent, and compassionate doctor and I recommend her highly. Thank you Dr Calor and thank you to your wonderful staff. signed. Jennifer G.B.
Aycara J.
Nov 03, 2020
I wouldn't recommend aa spine and pain to anybody. I went there for 4 years but was let go for not answering my phone when they called me they said for a pill count. They didn't try to call my house phone just my cellphone. I know other people who were let go after being in pain management for years there as well. It seems like they have a agenda to let go of Medicaid parents as you can not do point less procedure that leave you worse than before you had the procedure. A couple Drs that were with them for years left there practice because they didn't agree with the way the practice was being ran and there pay was cut 40 percent.
Rebecca Huberty
Mar 19, 2020
If i could give a 0, I would. My Dr sent a referral. Almost a month later, I still have yet to get an appointment. It took 3 weeks to get "approved" to be a patient. Still waiting on them to call me back to even get the appointment scheduled. What a joke. They don't return calls. This is not my first bad experience with this clinic.
Jennifer W.
Jan 11, 2020
Akbj
Oct 25, 2019
I was referred here after my provider of about 10 years moved out of state. She set the bar high. Update: In the past year & a half I've been a pt here I've seen 5 different Dr's or providers. Be prepared to have them leave or retire. Would get used to someone & really like them & they would leave. Things have changed. Another thing I've experienced is that some providers leave chart notes in your portal for you to read following your appt. & some do not.
I don't understand why it's not required, they should all do that. It helps communication & to prevent misunderstandings. Visits are short. The front desk staff are amazing, very friendly even though they're so busy.
I don't understand why it's not required, they should all do that. It helps communication & to prevent misunderstandings. Visits are short. The front desk staff are amazing, very friendly even though they're so busy.
Amy Goodlataw
Feb 02, 2019
I have been with this clinic for a year and a half. Dr. Hagen Is awesome! I've always been treated great there by the staff up front until today. Over the last week I have rescheduled/didn't make it a few times due to weather.work.let's just say life. I've never experienced anything except understanding until today. I guess there's a no-show fee that they are now enforcing without warning or advertising.
So when I was done with Dr. Hagen I went to go schedule my monthly appointment and the older blonde with glasses was so unprofessional and so rude I asked to speak to her boss. She wouldn't schedule my next appointment until I paid my bill. She told me I was rude and threatened to terminate my contract with AA if I continued to debate with her. I was livid.
I paid my bill and went to speak to Charlotte. I don't cry usually but I was in tears talking to Charlotte. This is NO way to treat patients. AA should be embarrassed that's who is representing them. What kind of message does this behavior send to the community? Charlotte scheduled my appointment and took the time to listen to me. Thank you Charlotte!
I don't write reviews either, like ever but I felt like this was a situation that I needed get out to you and an opportunity to advocate for myself. Has anyone else experienced something like this?
So when I was done with Dr. Hagen I went to go schedule my monthly appointment and the older blonde with glasses was so unprofessional and so rude I asked to speak to her boss. She wouldn't schedule my next appointment until I paid my bill. She told me I was rude and threatened to terminate my contract with AA if I continued to debate with her. I was livid.
I paid my bill and went to speak to Charlotte. I don't cry usually but I was in tears talking to Charlotte. This is NO way to treat patients. AA should be embarrassed that's who is representing them. What kind of message does this behavior send to the community? Charlotte scheduled my appointment and took the time to listen to me. Thank you Charlotte!
I don't write reviews either, like ever but I felt like this was a situation that I needed get out to you and an opportunity to advocate for myself. Has anyone else experienced something like this?
Leonna H.
Dec 06, 2018
I would like to apologize up front for lengthy review. I signed on to leave one not intending to be so descriptive. And leave a review of my gratitude. Then I read some negative ones. And thought again. I am being seen currently at the AA Spine Clinic by Dr Lonser. I had a few horrible auto accidents where I lost my spleen in one accident, then had my ankle completely dislocated, where my foot hung from my ankle like a weight in a sock in another. Whiplash a couple times.
At 5 years old I fell off slide landed head first suffered a concussion and spent 5 days one of which was my fifth birthday in the hospital. Had one if not 2 black eyes from 1-10 years of age most of the time. Was born with double hernia where boys get it that required surgical repair. My childhood was spent falling from anything I could or couldn't climb.
And my adult life was riddled with RA, carpel tunnel, and a curved spine that my mother said looked like a map of the Mississippi. Not to mention many auto accidents. My mother and the rest of my family often joked I was so accident prone I tripped over the print in the linoleum. Add scoliosis, that required lumbar surgery, bi-lateral carpel tunnel, that required surgery, and compressed spinal cord that requires future cervical surgery. Surgeries all in last two years.
And you can imagine the pain from my medical defects along with wear and tear from my many injuries. When I came to AA Spine I had 2 of 4 expected surgeries and since had my third. And was 1+ years into a relationship with the love of my life. My body was broken and my confidence of being able to participate in a relationship with the most loving man was weak.
I was in pain that had no good days. There was and still are days I spend most of the day in bed. But there are also those days where my hunny cooks and we sit in the living room or outside. We make plans and over see the remodeling of his home. We share stories of our lives to each other. And I can dream of a future. These are the days we get to laugh and build new memories.
These are the days I owe so much gratitude to Dr Lonser and his staff for. The care that I have received so far has been outstanding! And made me able to participate in what seems to be the beginning of my happily ever after. The doctor asserts himself with a common sense approach and that's refreshing. This approach reflects on his staff as well. Dr Lonser always takes his time with me, he answers all my questions and never seems to be in a rush to move on to the next patient.
I always feel completely satisfied after my appointment. There are no unanswered questions, doubts, or confusion.and does it in a manner, that I can understand what he is saying. He seems at ease, never rushed or annoyed with my questions. He also takes time to share jokes with my 12 year old autistic daughter. I feel Dr Lonser is a wonderful person.
He is courteous as he is kind. And as professional, Informative, and empathetic. It's so nice, he and his staff take time to show care and concern for both me and my daughter. I feel Dr Lonser and his staff truly care how my life and days each month are going. Not always like a doctors office. I find them Professional and yet So pleasant. AA Spine Clinics Dr Lonser and his staff, instill a great deal of confidence, in me and mine.
I find them friendly, and caring people. I couldn't be more pleased with their services before and after my surgeries I would recommend the whole office as well as procedures, to anybody and everyone who asks. As I have had several successful, as well as different, procedures, and visits with other staff members, all competent as well as pleasant.
I cannot explain in words such a great body of people like them. Dr Lonser and staff are in my opinion A shining example of what every doctor and staff should strive to be. In writing this, I realized I have not shared with Dr Lonser and staff, how many doors of hope for my future as well as my family. They have made possible. I am forever in their debt.
At 5 years old I fell off slide landed head first suffered a concussion and spent 5 days one of which was my fifth birthday in the hospital. Had one if not 2 black eyes from 1-10 years of age most of the time. Was born with double hernia where boys get it that required surgical repair. My childhood was spent falling from anything I could or couldn't climb.
And my adult life was riddled with RA, carpel tunnel, and a curved spine that my mother said looked like a map of the Mississippi. Not to mention many auto accidents. My mother and the rest of my family often joked I was so accident prone I tripped over the print in the linoleum. Add scoliosis, that required lumbar surgery, bi-lateral carpel tunnel, that required surgery, and compressed spinal cord that requires future cervical surgery. Surgeries all in last two years.
And you can imagine the pain from my medical defects along with wear and tear from my many injuries. When I came to AA Spine I had 2 of 4 expected surgeries and since had my third. And was 1+ years into a relationship with the love of my life. My body was broken and my confidence of being able to participate in a relationship with the most loving man was weak.
I was in pain that had no good days. There was and still are days I spend most of the day in bed. But there are also those days where my hunny cooks and we sit in the living room or outside. We make plans and over see the remodeling of his home. We share stories of our lives to each other. And I can dream of a future. These are the days we get to laugh and build new memories.
These are the days I owe so much gratitude to Dr Lonser and his staff for. The care that I have received so far has been outstanding! And made me able to participate in what seems to be the beginning of my happily ever after. The doctor asserts himself with a common sense approach and that's refreshing. This approach reflects on his staff as well. Dr Lonser always takes his time with me, he answers all my questions and never seems to be in a rush to move on to the next patient.
I always feel completely satisfied after my appointment. There are no unanswered questions, doubts, or confusion.and does it in a manner, that I can understand what he is saying. He seems at ease, never rushed or annoyed with my questions. He also takes time to share jokes with my 12 year old autistic daughter. I feel Dr Lonser is a wonderful person.
He is courteous as he is kind. And as professional, Informative, and empathetic. It's so nice, he and his staff take time to show care and concern for both me and my daughter. I feel Dr Lonser and his staff truly care how my life and days each month are going. Not always like a doctors office. I find them Professional and yet So pleasant. AA Spine Clinics Dr Lonser and his staff, instill a great deal of confidence, in me and mine.
I find them friendly, and caring people. I couldn't be more pleased with their services before and after my surgeries I would recommend the whole office as well as procedures, to anybody and everyone who asks. As I have had several successful, as well as different, procedures, and visits with other staff members, all competent as well as pleasant.
I cannot explain in words such a great body of people like them. Dr Lonser and staff are in my opinion A shining example of what every doctor and staff should strive to be. In writing this, I realized I have not shared with Dr Lonser and staff, how many doors of hope for my future as well as my family. They have made possible. I am forever in their debt.
Vicki
Oct 26, 2018
While I had an issue with the company that handles the clinic's billing in the past, the office staff was extremely helpful in finally helping me get the matter resolved. As a result I have been able to return to the care of Dr Johnson who I find to be not only professional and compassionate, but also incredibly knowledgeable and current in his field.
He keeps up to date on the latest research concerning not only pain management practices, but also his patient's conditions. I couldn't ask for better care and highly recommend AA Spine and Pain Clinic. Just keep a close eye on the billing department if they're still outsourcing it. :
He keeps up to date on the latest research concerning not only pain management practices, but also his patient's conditions. I couldn't ask for better care and highly recommend AA Spine and Pain Clinic. Just keep a close eye on the billing department if they're still outsourcing it. :
Kalani C.
Aug 24, 2018
DO NOT HAVE ANY PROCEDURES done here. They're post-op care is non-existent. They give out way too much pain meds at the beginning in hopes that you will agree to a procedure. Each procedure is $5,000 minimum. That's where they get their profit. The individual doctor visit is $260. Big difference, huh? They make appointments to see you, but talk you into procedures you may not need to make money. It's fraudulent, to say the least. Do. Lonser doesn't care for patients.
He just wants to make money if the procedures. Dr. Boomgaard is an over-prescriber. Careful. You might die under his care. The MA's are straight out of Alaska Career Academy, with ZERO experience. The nurses are nice and are the only ones that are doing a good job.
He just wants to make money if the procedures. Dr. Boomgaard is an over-prescriber. Careful. You might die under his care. The MA's are straight out of Alaska Career Academy, with ZERO experience. The nurses are nice and are the only ones that are doing a good job.
Tatiana
Mar 30, 2018
I have seen two providers at the Anchorage location, and both have been absolutely fantastic. I saw the bad reviews that said they treat patients badly here and was on guard a bit at first, but I have never found that to be the case. I have always been treated with the utmost respect and courtesy. The entire staff is pleasant and polite. The providers I have seen were Dr. Steven Johnson and Yuriy Tretyak, and they are both wonderfully knowledgeable and committed to providing effective care. I cannot imagine a situation in which anyone I have met at this office would be rude or unhelpful to a patient with a legitimate condition. I am very glad I found them!
No Name
May 11, 2016
After reading these reviews i have to wonder, is there more than one AA pain clinic? i guess anyone can have an off day. i for one have had no issues with my treatment here, i also do not blame the receptionist when my bill is wrong. i also do not feel like i should be treated "special" DR. Lonser is my doctor, one of the best i have met. i can not help but wonder, are these negative reviews a result of people being fired from the clinic? kinda sounds like it. i for one like the fact that there are no nodding out junkies in the waiting room, unlike some other doctor offices i have been to. this is not a one stop pill shop. if that is what you are looking for, i would look elsewhere. as for a doctor saying you are faking cancer, i doubt ANY doctor would say that, i think someone went a little overboard with their "story".
Sadie S.
Jun 29, 2015
STAY FAR AWAY unless you want a doc office that never calls you back, screws up your insurance and has rude staff.! If I could give this place no stars I would. First off they DO NOT have ANY way to reach a doctor or the clinic after hours, not even voicemail to leave a message?! They also lie and say they never received faxes. I know for a FACT that my pharmacy faxed my ins. pre-auth for my meds 3 times!
I left message for my docs med assistant during office hours & she NEVER called me back. Then I receive a nasty voicemail from a woman named Laura who says: we never got no faxes, we never got nothin. Not kidding her slang was so ghetto I was shocked! I asked if I could please speak to her or someone 5 separate times and emailed. and no-one EVER called me back.
Now my pre-authorization was filled out Wrong so my ins will not pay for my meds. All of this trouble simply be they DONT care enough about their patients to call them back! A simple phone call was all I asked to clear up my pre-authorization mess that they caused & they just don't care. Shame on you AA pain for treating a patient this way. You should be shut down for your rude staff and inability to communicate. You've ruined my pre-authorization and now I'm paying out of pocket hundreds of dollars for your mistake. Makes me sick to my stomach how ruthless a doctor office can be.
I left message for my docs med assistant during office hours & she NEVER called me back. Then I receive a nasty voicemail from a woman named Laura who says: we never got no faxes, we never got nothin. Not kidding her slang was so ghetto I was shocked! I asked if I could please speak to her or someone 5 separate times and emailed. and no-one EVER called me back.
Now my pre-authorization was filled out Wrong so my ins will not pay for my meds. All of this trouble simply be they DONT care enough about their patients to call them back! A simple phone call was all I asked to clear up my pre-authorization mess that they caused & they just don't care. Shame on you AA pain for treating a patient this way. You should be shut down for your rude staff and inability to communicate. You've ruined my pre-authorization and now I'm paying out of pocket hundreds of dollars for your mistake. Makes me sick to my stomach how ruthless a doctor office can be.
