Lee Maureen, DPM

Terrible bedside manner. There are so many better DPMs in the city I don’t know why you would waste your time with her.

I never really thought I had problems with my feet except for the fact that I constantly «roll» my ankles when playing sports. Lately, I’ve been getting more severe injuries (ankles and knees) while playing sports which have been healing slower, necessitating physiotherapy. When my physiotherapist told me that normal people don’t have pain after walking for 30minutes or so (something I’ve had all my life), she suggested that I go see a podiatrist and consider orthotics.
Dr. Lee spent a lot of time with me examining me feet, watching me walk, explaining the problem (I’m an overpronater) and the different solutions. She is extremely knowledgable and is very patient in explaining orthopedic science to lay people like me so we can understand. Turns out my pain from walking and «ankle» injuries are likely due to my overpronation. (Actually the problem wasn’t my ankle, but my subtaler joint!)
She recommended orthotics for my feet to correct the over pronation. First she makes a plaster of your feet using white goopy tape. While messier, this is superior to foam based methods because she can mold your feet while holding them in the anatomically correct (efficient?) position. Then she brings the mold to her factory where she hand fabricates your inserts! (I think she’s one of the only doctors in the area who hand fabricate inserts).
I imagine there are different inserts for different types of problems. Mine are made of hard plastic, very lightweight and about the size of a deck of cards. They are really easy to take in and out of my shoes. She can also make full length foamy inserts, and even inserts for dress shoes! The process takes about a week or two, and you go back for fitting, where if needed she can make adjustments. Some adjustments need to go back to her factory, but most adjustments can be done right in her office.
With the inserts, I feel much less strain in my arches and inner/​back knees. Also my gait seems to be more centered along my foot instead of towards my big toe.
YMMV as everyone’s feet are different! 5 stars for me! :D

Had trouble getting a refund on overpayment… Although Dr Lee seems very good at what she does, and she’s very direct which I appreciate… her front office person and business practice is questionable. I saw her at the beginning of October, not realizing that my out of pocket maximum had been met (this means my insurance pays my copay and the participating doctor waits). The claim was processed a week after it was submitted (the day of my visit). And notifications went out. I called them two weeks later when I realized I was entitled to a refund. I was told by the front office person that they had to wait a month for my check to clear. I pointed out I paid cash. She said they have to wait a month for the insurance check to be received and cleared, then they wait 30 days — its their policy. This is not in their policy that I signed by the way. Its now the end of December and I do not have my refund yet. I hope they made enough interest off that $ 40 to make it worth losing at the very least this patient, if not more.

This individual may be a competent podiatrist, but there is surely something to be said for warmth, friendliness, and/​or empathy in any profession where interaction with others is inevitable. The most remarkable thing about Lee is her chilly demeanour. Not a smile, not a word more than absolutely necessary. I found out afterwards that this is her M.O. & has been often commented upon. Maybe she hates dealing with people & would be happier examining the hooves of four-​legged creatures.

Dr. Lee is simply the best podiatrist I have ever worked with. I don’t under stand the criticism by a couple of commentators. I am sure there is two sides to the story.

I was there for a pain I been carrying with me for almost a year and Dr. Lee resolved it like magic. She took her time examining and listened to my explaining of pain. She is quite knowledgeable and explains thoroughly. Perhaps there are better podiatry offices — I don’t know — but if you have foot issues go see Dr. Lee.

I must start off saying that Dr Lee is very knowledgeable in her field which was very apparent when she used excessively all the proper terms to describe what was going on with my foot. It would have been better if I actually understood what everything she meant exactly. I have did try to clarify and try to get her to elaborate, but after a while I gave up.
I also feel I have to mention that I was her last appointment of the day so she might just been having an off day. All the other reviews mentioned and praised her bedside manner. However, my experience was way different. I’m sure it wasn’t her intention– however, I did feel she talked down to me for most of the appointment. It didn’t help when I told her I wanted some time to think about her recommendation for another orthopedic considering I had just gotten a set from another doctor. I wanted some time to think about spending that money. I felt really pressured to get the orthopedic and I even told her that. She didn’t relent and instead started repeating that unless I did what she suggests I would never fix the problem. And although I agreed with her assessment to a certain extent, I didn’t need to feel pressured into making a decision.
I wouldn’t recommend going to her because I believe my doctor shouldn’t belittle me and allow me time to make decisions. I also think a doctor is approachable and listens to their patients and works with them to make the best decision for the patient. I shouldn’t have felt pressured and uncomfortable which is what I felt halfway through the appointment.
To address the cleanliness of the office– it is organized, but upon entering the smell of «fish tank that hasn’t been cleaned in a while» permeates your entire being. I had a really hard time not gagging upon entering.
I hope that helps.

Dr. Maureen Lee did a great job on my feet. She offered several solutions from inserts for my shoes all the way up to surgery (I opted for for the inserts)
Her office is very clean and she is organized. When we checked on whether my insurance would cover the visit she was very thorough and even spoke to my insurance people to make sure that we were all on the same page.
I really appreciated the non-​rushed feeling, she really took the time to diagnose the issue I was having with my feet and found solutions for me. I highly recommend Dr. Lee.

Dr. Lee is fantastic. Super nice and very thorough and helpful. She quickly diagnosed me with Cuboid Syndrome (not as scary as it sounds) and recommended treatment which was easy and worked great. Foot feels totally back to normal now. Thanks again!

Though I have not gone to many Podiatrists, I can easily say that the experience I had with this one was all good.
Her Bed side manner is awesome. Process was streamlined. She explained everything and the procedure for my injury while answer my amazing amount of questions with a smile. Was in and out within an hour of my appointment for an ingrown toe removal (Yes I know, GROSS).
The only downside is the parking is a bit of problem considering it’s SF. Not her fault, I blame SF and my decision to park far away. =(
I was not insured but the whole exam and procedure was quoted at $ 135 which was what I paid, so I don’t know about the whole «bait and switch» comment made by the first reviewer.
Overall, would recommend to friends, family, and strangers.

Wow what a difference orthodics makes. I had a bad sprain where I experienced pain (after exercise or significant activity) for more than five months. After the fifth month, I found my body favoring my other foot and developed the same pain. Doctor Maureen Lee quickly diagnosed the issue and set up a series of tests to quickly resolve the most likely issue and then provided me with orthidics that have completely CHANGED MY LIFE. I can now run and play sports without having to «ignore» my pain. She did a good job explaining how to break them in, use them, etc. And, she took me even when I was late to my appointment (albeit with a stern warning). Very professional and gets the job done quickly. Good beside manner yet efficient.
As for the other poster, it really is the patients’ responsibility to determine coverage, but it would help if her assistant verified that so you didn’t have to do the heavy lifting.

I agree with Johnny C. There is some responsibility for the patient to find out if the the doc is under their PPO, etc… However, I’ve NEVER been to an office where the front desk tells you, «You need to call your insurance. I don’t know anything about your insurance or your coverage or your copayment.» That’s ridiculous! Why do you want my insurance card and make me fill out all this information about my insurance, if you’re not going to call them yourself? She stared & asked, «What do you want to do? Are you going to call your insurance or not?’ I was totally baffled. I’m in the health profession — it is the front desk’s job to gather the patient’s insurance and member ID, call the insurance to check eligibility, and tell the patient what their copay will be for that day’s visit and what they’re covered for. Message to Dr. Lee: you need train your front desk peeps and not expect your patients to do their job. I walked out of the office. There are better podiatry practices out there.

Bait and switch — will tell you that your health insurance is fine and will be covered, but then it isn’t and you are responsible for the bill. Her stance was that it was the patient’s responsibilty to determine coverage, but of course she assures you that they take your health insurance and it won’t be a problem — until it’s time to pay the bill.
There are other Podiatrist that won’t try to rip you off. See them.
I wish I can give her no stars at all.