Lee A. Tan

MD

Neurosurgeon
Complex spinal deformity surgeon

Dr. Lee Tan is a neurosurgeon with expertise in both minimally invasive and traditional open surgical techniques for patients with various spinal disorders. The conditions he treats include scoliosis, kyphosis, flat back syndrome, chin-on-chest deformity, cervical disc herniation, cervical stenosis, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis. Trained in neurological and orthopedic spine surgery, he can assess patients from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Tan's research interests include spinal biomechanics, motion-preservation surgical techniques and improving surgical outcomes for patients with spinal deformities.

Tan received his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine. He then completed a residency in neurological surgery at Rush University Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in complex spine surgery at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

Tan is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons and North American Spine Society.

  • Education

    Indiana University School of Medicine, 2010

  • Fellowships

    Columbia University Medical Center, Adult and Pediatric Comprehensive Spine, 2017

  • Board Certifications

    Neurological Surgery, American Board of Neurological Surgery

  • Academic Title

    Associate Professor

  • Languages

    Mandarin

My training in both neurosurgery and orthopedic spine surgery allows me to evaluate spinal disorders from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Conditions I specialize in

Where I see patients (2)

    My reviews

    4.8

    Overall Experience
    493 Ratings
    About our process
    Aug 29, 2024
    One of those medical connections I do not have a problem with
    Aug 21, 2024
    Dr Lee Tan is the best
    Aug 18, 2024
    The best hospital in the world here in San Francisco California
    Aug 12, 2024
    I don't recall being asked if I was ready (emotionally) for surgery. I believe it was assumed by all of us that surgery was the only option for my condition. Since he was my 2nd opinion doctor, he saw what needed to be done and started the process to relieve my pain. And for that I am grateful!
    Aug 09, 2024
    He included me in everything. I had family with me and he even reviewed the X-rays with us
    Aug 08, 2024
    For the first time, somebody actually showed me the MRI and what was going on with my back. Very grateful for the information.
    Aug 07, 2024
    Very satisfied with the service
    Aug 01, 2024
    I have been too many doctors over the past four years and Dr. Tan is by far the best and the one that I trust most.
    Jun 27, 2024
    Dr. Tan was awesome - everything a patient needs/wants from a provider. He listened well and clearly explained everything to me. Additionally, he was very kind & personable, and obviously very smart. I would have great confidence that his treatment/surgery would be excellent when I decide to move forward with this.
    Jun 19, 2024
    Dr tan is excellent .
    Jun 19, 2024
    I did not get a full 30 minutes of video visit time with Lee Tan. Even though I only received 20 some minutes of video visit time with Lee Tan it was a very good experience. Lee Tan was concise and thorough with clear descriptions of my condition. I feel well informed about my condition for such a short visit. Now I have questions about the surgery itself and and also the recovery. . . When, where, and how will it happen?
    Jun 12, 2024
    Dr.Tan was outstanding. Listened well, cared for me, provided instructions and a very clear path forward for my recovery. I am very pleased with Dr Tan
    Jun 12, 2024
    Dr. Tan and no problem. Christiansen have been very responsive and thorough. I have been pleased with their care and feel a bit bad that I cannot be more pleasant in approaching another needed spine surgery. I am grateful to them.
    May 31, 2024
    He was pretty " to the point", but didn't propose any alternatives to the surgery...as he knew I was still smoking some cigarettes...And later said to Case Manager, April Joyce, R.N. That he wouldn't do the surgery until I was "free"
    May 30, 2024
    Good
    May 10, 2024
    Very wonderful experience
    May 01, 2024
    Very attentive. Very informative. Very personable. Excellent care!
    Apr 28, 2024
    Everything just an excellent rating!
    Apr 20, 2024
    Dr. Tan works very hard to provide good outcomes for his patients.
    Apr 18, 2024
    Dr Tan is a very good doctor and explained all the details to me.
    Mar 28, 2024
    Dr Tan and his PA Emma were outstanding.
    Mar 27, 2024
    I am beyond thrilled with the care and treatment I have received at UCSF. This includes Dr Tan and Dr Gamburd
    Mar 07, 2024
    Dr.Tan explanned and showed us medical condition and which procedure would help improve quality of life
    Jan 04, 2024
    Excellent care
    Dec 01, 2023
    Dr Tan is the best. He and my team have me up and walking again
    Nov 29, 2023
    Both he and his entire staff are the best!
    Nov 23, 2023
    Best and most through Dr appt I have ever had.
    Nov 22, 2023
    I can't say enough positive words to express the wonderful treatment and care I received from my team
    Nov 22, 2023
    Dr.Tan is amazing, and he diagnosed me so quickly.. My surgery went so well, my pain I had was severe. After surgery that pain was gone!!!
    Nov 20, 2023
    Dr Tan was very clear about the issues with my back, he was also very patient with me. I'm looking forward to meeting him in person.
    Nov 10, 2023
    Impressed and grateful for Dr.Lee Tan and his staff!
    Nov 06, 2023
    Good
    Nov 05, 2023
    Good
    Oct 30, 2023
    Great
    Oct 28, 2023
    EXEKENTE
    Oct 13, 2023
    Forgot to ask a few questions. Hopefully will have another opportunity to do so in the near future.
    Sep 28, 2023
    Listened well first. Explained conditions well.
    Sep 23, 2023
    I have the best team with Dr Tann
    Sep 22, 2023
    Good
    Sep 20, 2023
    Terrific
    Aug 10, 2023
    Didn't listen to my concerns. Reviewed my lower back MRI and had his mind made up before we started.
    Aug 09, 2023
    Dr Tan is Outstanding! I would have to say he is the best Dr I have ever had regarding my back issues and actually "hearing" me! The surgery I had from him was beyond 5 stars, it was life changing! The care from the beginning to after care from UCSF has been unbelievable. I am beyond grateful!
    Aug 05, 2023
    There were several people who came in with dr Tan. A visiting physician, a researcher, and I don't know who the other one was. Because the room is small, It was very crowded, and I felt distracted, especially because of what I saw on my whole body x-ray - that was a surprise to me. I also came away wondering if there were other ways to approach my issues besides surgery. I don't think so, given my symptoms and my MRIs and x-rays, but I would've liked the time to have ask about that. Also, I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing to take care of myself between now and the surgery. Basically, the visit seemed rushed. I very much like Dr. Tan, tho, and have confidence in him as my neurosurgeon and his team. I carefully researched him and UCSF before I made an appointment. I'm grateful to live close enough to UCSF to be a patient there.
    Jul 26, 2023
    Dr. Tan absolutely knew his stuff, and was kind and humble as well!
    Jul 22, 2023
    Dr Tan was very thorough in his explanations. I especially appreciated him taking the extra time to review the films with me in order to show anatomical and explain physiologically what is happening and how to fix it. Excellent!
    Jul 20, 2023
    Good attention
    Jul 01, 2023
    Being treated by UCSF instead of being treated up here in Santa Rosa was much better and to care the procedures my surgery everything much better thank you
    Jun 28, 2023
    Dr Tran really took time to explain the severity of my situation and he showed concern that reassures me this is what I have to do to live a quality life
    Jun 24, 2023
    Great, great, great. Once again I could not be happier
    Jun 22, 2023
    Dr TAN AND ENTIRE STAFF AS WELL AS HOSPITAL STAFF WERE AND HAVE BEEN WONDERFUL
    Jun 03, 2023
    I was channeled to DR Tan. I did not select which physician specialty I needed nor asked which If there was a specific one I needed to see. My disappointment stems from after months of waiting for this appointment and significant travel time, being told that DR Tan's specialty is surgery, which is not what we were searching for . To improve the intake process, It should have acknowledged what type of mds are available rather than just assigning me one. In this case, it was a complete waste of our and his time. Added to the pain was his inability to offer a local practitioner In South Bay who we could search for.
    Jun 02, 2023
    Dr. Lee Tan is a wonderful doctor, he listens to his patients, and really cares about their well being !
    May 25, 2023
    After 13 years finally someome listened and observed. Thank you.
    May 01, 2023
    I routinely recommend Dr. Tan to people with spine injuries.
    Apr 29, 2023
    Dr Tan has a terrific staff that always responds to my emails or calls promptly. Dr Tan is an amazing surgeon. The surgery he did to stabilize C2/3 litterally saved my life. I was in so much pain before the surgery. I can't thank Dr Tan and his staff enough.
    Apr 27, 2023
    Dr Tan and his surgical team is amazing!!
    Apr 26, 2023
    Dr. Tan has been, by far, the most knowledgeable and compassionate surgeon we have encountered on this long and difficult journey. We couldn't be more grateful for the confidence and hope he has given us.
    Apr 16, 2023
    Dr. Tan is a very good surgeon. My outcome thus far from the procedure is very disappointing. I am hopeful things will improve.
    Apr 14, 2023
    Dr. Tan seems very intelligent and he doesn't seem to posses the necessary empathy skills to be a good listener.
    Apr 05, 2023
    All were amazing and friendly professinalism
    Mar 30, 2023
    This Docter is excellent, but always seems rushed. The Fellow spent more time but some questions were not answered. Some neurological problems I have are were not explained. I didn't feel that my concerns were fully addressed.
    Mar 29, 2023
    The Dr. Was very patient with us, answered our questions and did not rush us.
    Mar 10, 2023
    So grateful I was referred to Dr. Tan. Excellent practitioner!!!!!!!!!!
    Mar 01, 2023
    Dr Tan approached my care decisions by first asking about my desired range of activities and movements, which I really appreciated.
    Feb 23, 2023
    Possibly my best overall hospital experience
    Feb 22, 2023
    Dr. Tan was communicative, answered all questions and explained options.
    Feb 22, 2023
    Experience w Dr Tan was excellent! I'm completely confident in him as well as feel like he cares very much about his patients
    Feb 15, 2023
    Dr. Lee Tan was very professional. Very polite. Listen to me, and I believe has a plan to help me get my back fixed and back to recovery for me. I would recommend him to family and friends excellent provider. Very thankful I found him.
    Feb 09, 2023
    Dr Lee Tan was knowledgeable, informative and collaborative. Excellent experience. Thank you.
    Feb 03, 2023
    Dr. Tan is an excellent communicator. He doesn't interrupt and listens intently.
    Jan 29, 2023
    I've blessed to have this chance to continue my life with minimize pain.
    Jan 29, 2023
    I'm so impressed , thank you so much!
    Jan 28, 2023
    Dr Stan was kind and patient during our visit
    Jan 27, 2023
    I was very pleased with my appointment process. Although it took several weeks for my appointment to be scheduled, I understood the need for each "behind the scenes" step and felt that my situation was dealt with thoroughly and thoughtfully.
    Jan 18, 2023
    Amazing . Very lucky to be Uber Dr Tans care
    Jan 13, 2023
    Dr. Tan is the best! You are very lucky to have such a knowledgeable surgeon. I have pure confidence in him and travel a distance for his care
    Jan 11, 2023
    I was very impressed with Dr Tan's explanation of my problem and his treatment plan. I had been told by other practitioners that my problem would require a much more extensive surgery so I am quite relieved by Dr Tan's diagnosis and I am looking forward to getting my back surgery behind me (no pun intended).
    Jan 11, 2023
    My experience was very good, positive and helpful. The visit left me feeling much better about my 'problem' and better about my overall health.
    Dec 22, 2022
    Good
    Dec 15, 2022
    Dr. Tan is an excellent doctor & skilled surgeon. I highly recommend him!
    Dec 07, 2022
    I felt the appointment was a bit rushed and was hesitant to keep asking about the pros and cons of the revision surgery or any possible side effects. While the experience overall was positive, I felt that my information about the procedure is still incomplete and I'd appreciate more time/more thorough walkthrough of the pros and cons.
    Dec 01, 2022
    Dr Tan was asking specific questions and listening well. I feel that he was doing a good job of assessing the situation.
    Nov 30, 2022
    He was around 25 minutes late for the conference. I know Drs are busy people but my time is important too.
    Nov 30, 2022
    In my opinion, my doctor is more concerned with his statistics then he is at helping me get better.
    Nov 24, 2022
    I had to ask questions about recovery time
    Nov 18, 2022
    Very Pleased
    Nov 16, 2022
    I was very pleased that Dr. Lee Tan spent time with me explaining what is happening inside my spine and lower back. I am very pleased he didn't automatically say surgery. He took the time to look further
    Nov 09, 2022
    Dr. Tan always explains, answers my questions and includes me in visit.
    Nov 03, 2022
    Dr.Lee was very pleasing
    Nov 03, 2022
    Every aspect of my experience has been stellar, from early notices of apt.,access to friendly reply for any questions; Dr Tan is a listener, caring, thorough & expansive in his discussion of my surgery & recovery. A rare treat in these hectic times.
    Nov 02, 2022
    I continue to refer people to Dr Tan. He is a great surgeon and a lovely person
    Oct 26, 2022
    Absolutely wonderful experience
    Oct 21, 2022
    Very good communicator. Excellent clarity.

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