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Lee A. Tan
4.8 out of 5 (444)
Lee A. Tan

Lee A. Tan, MD

Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery at San Francisco Parnassus
400 Parnassus Ave., Eighth Floor,
San Francisco, CA 94143
+1 more location
(415) 353-2739
4.8 out of 5 (444)
Virtual visits available
4.8 out of 5 (444)
Virtual visits available
Neurosurgery at San Francisco Parnassus
400 Parnassus Ave., Eighth Floor,
San Francisco, CA 94143
+1 more location
(415) 353-2739

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.

  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Neurological Surgery, Neurological Surgery, 2020

  • Fellowships

    Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Orthopaedic Surgery, 2017

  • Residencies

    Rush University Medical Center, Neurosurgery, 2016

  • Internship

    Rush University Medical Center, Neurosurgery, 2011

  • Education

    Indiana University School of Medicine, 2010

  • Languages

    English

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

Conditions I specialize in

Treatments I provide

Where I see patients (2)

    My reviews

    4.8

    Overall Experience
    444 Ratings
    About our process
    Feb 14, 2025
    Dr. Tan is exceptional Nuerosurgeon who I trust wholeheartedly in his care and expertise in all my endeavors.
    Feb 06, 2025
    Excellent care from start to all follow-ups. Very pleased with my care including all hospital care.
    Feb 06, 2025
    Quality beyond words!
    Jan 30, 2025
    I'm much less nervous about surgery knowing Dr.Tan is doing it.
    Jan 29, 2025
    He is the best!!!!!!!
    Jan 24, 2025
    I am very grateful for all the care I received before, during and after my surgery. Dr. Tan was responsive to my questions.
    Jan 21, 2025
    Such thorough exam, insight and work up. Great communicator. I am looking forward to feeling better in my body and know I will be in excellent hands in Dr Tan's care. While physical therapy has helped me feel a little bit better in my body, it can't fix the situation with my cervical spine. I feel comfortable with the explanation and timeline regarding my upcoming surgery. I'm thankful for my referral from my PCP to UCSF!
    Jan 16, 2025
    Exceptional in every respect.
    Jan 16, 2025
    We had a good experience. The Drs were friendly, caring and very confident, which made us comfortable and encouraged for a great outcome before, during and after surgery.
    Dec 29, 2024
    Dr. Tan is very clear in his explanations and the procedure that will take place. I have confidence in his ability to do the surgery correctly.
    Dec 04, 2024
    A great first zoom meeting for me.
    Dec 04, 2024
    I am so thankful I was able to be seen by such a caring and knowledgeable Dr.
    Dec 04, 2024
    He was polite,patient and explained my problem
    Nov 17, 2024
    I appreciate getting notes from the visit that I could access via MyChart. An in person visit is the best, but this telehealth visit with Dr. Tan was one of the best I've had .
    Nov 14, 2024
    He gave us excellent information, making our decision easier. The person helping him was excellent too!
    Oct 24, 2024
    Ucsf was the first people To actually show me what was going on with my back
    Oct 24, 2024
    Dr.Tan is very good
    Oct 19, 2024
    Dr. Tan listened to me, he's the best
    Oct 18, 2024
    Good job
    Sep 26, 2024
    Excellent experience with Dr. Tan.
    Sep 26, 2024
    I would definitely be recommending Dr. Tan.
    Sep 25, 2024
    I missed my log on to our video appt and he was kind enough to call me on the phone and remind me to log on. No other Dr has ever done that. I really appreciated that because my case is of urgency.
    Sep 25, 2024
    Yes very professional
    Sep 19, 2024
    I was put at ease with all my concerns regarding my neck issues and treatment.
    Sep 04, 2024
    My experience was great in every aspect of my visit
    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.
    Jul 14, 2024
    Little info provided on possible next steps after imaging. Limited long-term view.
    Jul 12, 2024
    Dr. Tan listens, explains, answers questions and is empathetic. His Tam is wonderful. They respond in a timely manner. They listen well and are empathetic. The entire group is kind, caring, professional and excellent at their jobs.
    Jul 03, 2024
    Dr. Tan and his team were amazing. Very compassionate and informative.
    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 !

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