Lee Michael T MD — Local services in Phoenix

I take little pleasure in writing this review, however, my experience warrants the information concerning my treatment plan from Dr. Michael Lee. Introduction: Dr. Michael Lee has a great reputation in terms of sports medicine. In the past, he has treated professional athletes, police, and firefighters throughout the valley. His office is decorated with many pictures, memorabilia, etc., as trophies of his work. In terms of firefighters, there are particular health centers that refer firefighters throughout the valley to Dr. Michael Lee. This creates a constant flow of business. Present: I am not exactly sure what has changed with Dr. Michael Lee‘s practice; some possibilities include being absorbed into a mainstream medical organization, or developing relationships with pharmaceutical companies and using their products. I was sent to Dr. Michael Lee as a referral from a Fire Dept, Health Facility. I Had nagging knee pain following a commercial fire. I had x-rays and detailed imaging performed, to which Dr. Lee could examine and create a plan of treatment. Dr. Lee decided to give me several injections into the location of the problem; which was at the joint of the knee. After weeks of these injections to which there was no reduction in pain, or progress or mobility, Dr. Lee suggested an arthroscopic surgery. Post Surgery: at this point, I thought there was a problem with my meniscus, or another issue that required a scope to make the corrections. Again, Dr. Lee has much experience and many pictures of athletes on his wall. Some of my meniscus was treated, as well as removal, or as it was said “cleaned up “ of some cartilage that Dr. Lee felt had some arthritis in the area as well. Physical Therapy was in constant motion during this time, and my knee was not getting better, rather it was getting worse. I am now FIVE months into this process. Dr. Lee continued with his injections, gel injections, followed with Physical Therapy, for the next two months? I also received one Cortisone shot, which had no effect in mending the problem or pain control. Advocating for myself: due to the reputation of Dr. Michael Lee, and the referral from the Health Facility, I did not think there was an alternate treatment, as I believed Lee was up on the most cutting edge treatments. I was wrong. I had a second opinion, and even a third opinion conducted at that point. Both surgeons were sports medicine doctors, one in Scottsdale, and one in Thousand Oaks, California. Both of these surgeons immediately - within 60 seconds of looking at my x-ray alone, stated “this is a partial knee replacement from day one.” Needless to say, I was deflated. I’m a single father, I work very hard, and try to work overtime when I can to make ends meet. Contrary to popular belief, firefighters do not make a lot of money. We have good benefits, we put a lot of our paycheck into retirement savings accounts, and we work overtime when we can to maintain our households. Over the seven months under Dr. Lee’s care, I estimate that I lost a substantial amount of overtime that could have been made for my family- had I been diagnosed properly from the beginning. Outcome: I left Dr. Lee’s office, and began working with another surgeon in Scottsdale. The diagnosis was “bone on bone “which means there is not an injection or any other means that would fix this problem. Even if the injection ideology was considered as a least invasive procedure, it should have been disregarded after a couple of months. How much was being charged for these injections? How many people in my position are receiving injections instead of reconstructive surgery? My new surgeon did his job… While I feel that, Dr. Lee is personable, has knowledge, and has helped many people in the past; In my case he fell short. I write this with the hopes that others in my field, as well as athletic civilians thoroughly look at their treatment plan. Get a second opinion, even if he or she is told the surgeon is the best; in order to make a well-rounded-educated decision. Good luck and...

I saw Dr. Lee Post A fall from 6 foot injuring my right shoulder and receive 10 staples in the back of my head. I met with Dr. Lee and his assistant and explain to him the damage from my shoulder. While being in there Dr. Lee apparently didn’t even listen to me in regards to my shoulder and I had to explain that I was not waiting for a settlement or any financial gain I just wanted to get my shoulder fixed. He never really explained the MRI report and proceeded to give me three steroid injections setting me back one week in pain. After emailing his medical assistant in regards to filling my anti-inflammatory medication she proceeded to ask me what the medication was and where the pharmacy was located. She was the one who initially sent the prescription over. So when the prescription ran out I emailed her and she explained that she is currently very busy and doing two jobs then she replied with an email in all CAPS. By the time the prescription was sent over to the pharmacy my doctors appointment was the next day. I went to Dr. Lee’s office for a second consultation in regards to my shoulder I was told that he was running late due to surgery so I was placed in a room and Waited. After an hour and a half after an hour and a half with no one checking on myself I walked out. After receiving the medical records the records he transcribed he has the wrong shoulder listed as the injured shoulder. I have never met a more pompous, egotistical and poor orthopedic doctor in my life. Apparently if you were famous you would receive better service. If you have an injury I need an orthopedic surgeon I would not look at Dr. Lee Or recommend him to anyone. I received a second consultation with an orthopedic specialist in Scottsdale and I’m scheduled for surgery next week to fix the problem. I saved all correspondence with Dr. Lee’s medical assistant if anyone wants my opinion please feel free to contact me but I would rather take my chances YouTubing Labral tear surgery before I would let Dr....

I dislocated my shoulder in a skiing accident in 2004. When I returned to the valley, with my arm in a sling, I went to an Orthopedic referred by the urgent care facility... which turned out to be a mistake. He viewed the x-rays from the clinic and said that there was no significant damage, and it would just have to heal. About 6 months later, I had mobility back, but my shoulder started feeling arthritic - where just leaning on the armrest in the car would make my shoulder sore. Luckily, I whined about it enough that a friend suggested that I see Dr. Lee, as he's had multiple knee surgeries, and had great results. Turns out I should have gone to him right away. He did a detailed scan on my shoulder and discovered that all of the ligaments between my acromion and my clavicle had been severed (not just strained). If I had seen him immediately, he could have done two arthroscopic surgeries ... one to insert screws to pull the bones together and allow the ligaments to heal back together, and then one to remove the screws, after which, it would theoretically be back to normal. But with the amount of time that passed, the ligaments healed away from each other and could not be salvaged. The only other solution was for him to install titanium cables to essentially replace the ligaments. I had physical therapy for a while after the surgery, and I was warned that my use of the shoulder would remain limited. However, I've been pleasantly surprised that I haven't experienced any reduced range of motion, and I have not had any pain in that shoulder (at all) in the 14 years since. I could not recommend him any more highly. If you have a skeletal injury, I would get in to see him as soon...