Dr. Charles Lee, MD – Family Physician | La Quinta, CA

Dr. Charles Lee, MD is a Family Physician practicing at his clinic in La Quinta, CA. He is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The Medical Board of California (MBC) and practices under the California Business and Professions Code, Division 2, Chapter 5 (Medical Practice Act).

To confirm if Dr. Charles Lee is currently accepting new patients, please contact (760) 834-7920. Dr. Charles Lee focuses on providing continuous and comprehensive primary medical care for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. This includes preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of ongoing health needs, serving as the central point for patient care. He serves patients of all ages.

Dr. Charles Lee, MD is a family medicine physician in La Quinta, CA. He is affiliated with medical facilities Eisenhower Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente Panorama City Medical Center. He is accepting telehealth appointments. His approach emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and fostering collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Charles Lee provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Charles Lee is committed to improving the health and well-being of his community.

Dr. Charles Lee addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Sleep-Related Leg Cramp: This involves experiencing painful cramps in the legs, often at night, affecting sleep quality.
• Foot Infection: Infections in the foot can range from minor fungal infections to more serious bacterial infections, requiring prompt treatment.
• Scrotal Pain: Pain in the scrotum can have various causes, from minor irritations to more serious underlying conditions.
• Nail Infection: Nail infections, often fungal, can cause discoloration, thickening, and pain in the nails.
• Leukocytopenia: This condition involves a lower-than-normal white blood cell count, increasing the risk of infections.
• Sebaceous Cysts: These are benign cysts that can develop in the skin, often causing discomfort or cosmetic concerns.
• All Headaches (incl. Migraine): Headaches, including migraines, can range in severity and cause significant disruption to daily life.
• Vitamin B Deficiency: Deficiencies in various B vitamins can lead to a range of health problems.
• Down Syndrome: This is a genetic condition affecting physical and mental development.
• Joint Pain: Joint pain can stem from various causes, including arthritis, injuries, or other conditions.
• Tonsillitis: This is an inflammation of the tonsils, often caused by infection.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: This involves a dependence on tobacco products, requiring cessation support.
• Mild Asthma: This is a chronic respiratory condition causing inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): UTIs are common infections of the urinary system.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Charles Lee addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Family Physician manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how he can assist with your specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms you are experiencing, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Dr. Charles Lee offers a range of services to meet his patients' healthcare needs, such as:

• 3D Ultrasound: A 3D ultrasound uses sound waves to create a detailed, three-dimensional image of internal organs or tissues.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood to assess lung function.
• Diabetic Neuropathy Nerve Release Testing: A test to assess nerve damage related to your diabetes.
• Esophagoscopy: Your doctor will use a scope with a camera to view the lining of your esophagus to diagnose or monitor conditions.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart to detect abnormalities in heart rhythm or structure.
• Pregnancy Ultrasound: This ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the developing fetus during pregnancy.
• Immunization Administration: This service provides vaccinations to protect against various infectious diseases.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Charles Lee. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a specialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Family Physicians in California and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Medical Board of California (MBC).

Dr. Charles Lee is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. Whether it's managing common concerns or pursuing preventative wellness, he helps patients set and reach meaningful goals. The following examples illustrate how this collaborative approach with Dr. Charles Lee can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With effective treatment, patients often experience significant relief from scrotal pain, allowing them to return to their normal activities and enjoy a better quality of life. Many are able to resume work, exercise, and other daily routines without discomfort.
• With careful monitoring and treatment, patients experiencing leukocytopenia often see their white blood cell counts return to healthy levels. This allows them to regain strength and participate more fully in their daily lives, reducing their risk of infection.
• With proper treatment, patients find their sebaceous cysts effectively managed, leading to clearer skin and a renewed sense of confidence. They are then able to comfortably participate in social activities and enjoy life without the self-consciousness previously caused by their skin condition.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Charles Lee, can achieve positive health outcomes and resume meaningful activities. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

This family medicine practice is conveniently located in the La Quinta, California area, near key city attractions and public services. It's generally accessible via local transportation options serving La Quinta. The clinic is designed to be accessible to all patients, with features to accommodate various mobility needs. Parking options are generally accessible near the clinic; please inquire when scheduling if you have specific parking needs.

Understanding your insurance coverage is an important step in planning your healthcare with Dr. Charles Lee. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Charles Lee or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

• Kaiser Permanente
  • Plan: California - Southern, Type: HMO

Important Note on Insurance Verification:

Insurance networks and accepted plans can change frequently and without prior notice. The list above, if provided, is for general guidance only and may not be completely up-to-date or cover all specific plans within a network. It is imperative that patients personally verify that Dr. Charles Lee is currently an in-network provider for their specific insurance plan, and fully understand all coverage details (including co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance requirements, and any need for referrals or pre-authorizations for services with Dr. Charles Lee) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (760) 834-7920 when you call to schedule. While our staff can assist with general insurance questions, your insurance company is the definitive source for your coverage information. Understanding your benefits ahead of time helps prevent unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

Please be aware that some services, such as certain preventative screenings not covered under your specific plan, administrative forms, or non-medically necessary procedures, may not be covered by insurance and could be your financial responsibility.

Dr. Charles Lee may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• Eisenhower Medical Center (Rancho Mirage, CA)
• Kaiser Permanente Panorama City Medical Center (Panorama City, CA)

Dr. Charles Lee has completed all necessary medical education and holds current licensure. Specifics can be discussed or verified with The Medical Board of California (MBC).

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Charles Lee:

Are services from Dr. Charles Lee typically covered by health insurance in California?

Dr. Charles Lee, as a Family Physician in California, likely accepts many health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs (patients should verify Medicaid participation directly). However, it is absolutely crucial that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office at (760) 834-7920 prior to scheduling an appointment to confirm that Dr. Charles Lee is 'in-network' for your plan and understand your specific coverage details, co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, and any referral requirements for specialist visits if applicable. Some services (e.g., most cosmetic procedures, some administrative forms, non-medically necessary visits) may not be covered by insurance and could result in out-of-pocket expenses. Please ask the clinic about policies for uninsured or self-pay patients if applicable.

Do I typically need a referral to see Dr. Charles Lee as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Charles Lee to establish care as your Family Physician/Primary Care Physician (PCP), provided he is accepting new patients. However, to see most medical specialists (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist), Dr. Charles Lee will typically provide a referral after an assessment. Many insurance plans, particularly HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations), do require a referral from your designated PCP (Dr. Charles Lee, if so chosen) for specialist visits to be covered. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans may offer more flexibility for self-referral to specialists, but this might result in higher out-of-pocket costs if the specialist is out-of-network or if a referral would have secured better coverage. Always check the referral requirements of your specific insurance plan.

How long do appointments with Dr. Charles Lee typically last?

Appointment times with Dr. Charles Lee will vary based on the purpose of the visit. For a quick follow-up on a stable issue or a very straightforward problem, 15 minutes might suffice. For annual physicals/wellness visits, new patient consultations, or if you have several health concerns to discuss, Dr. Charles Lee will usually book a longer slot, such as 30-45 minutes, or occasionally more. Always try to be specific about your needs when scheduling your appointment at the clinic so the team can ensure enough time is set aside with Dr. Charles Lee to address your concerns thoroughly and effectively.

What happens if Dr. Charles Lee determines I need to see a medical specialist?

As your Family Physician/PCP, Dr. Charles Lee acts as your primary care coordinator. If he believes your condition requires specialized assessment or treatment, he will explain why a specialist consultation is necessary and will arrange the referral. This process will consider your insurance plan's requirements for specialist referrals and in-network providers. Dr. Charles Lee will send your pertinent medical details to the specialist. It's important to keep our clinic informed of any specialist appointments you attend and any new diagnoses or treatments recommended by the specialist so Dr. Charles Lee can continue to coordinate your overall care effectively and maintain a complete medical record.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical issue when the clinic is closed?

If you have a life-threatening medical emergency (such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, or major trauma), please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ER) immediately. For urgent, non-life-threatening issues that cannot wait until our clinic reopens (like minor sprains, UTIs, or worsening cold/flu symptoms), you may consider visiting an urgent care center. Some practices, like ours, may have an on-call physician or an answering service that can direct you to appropriate care or provide advice for urgent patient queries after hours; please check our clinic voicemail [(760) 834-7920] or website for specific after-hours instructions. Your insurance plan may also offer a 24/7 nurse advice line that can help you determine the best course of action.

What is 'continuity of care' and why is it important with a Family Physician like Dr. Charles Lee?

Continuity of care refers to the process where your Family Physician, Dr. Charles Lee, sees you for your health needs on an ongoing basis, rather than seeing different doctors for different issues. This consistency is valuable because Dr. Charles Lee becomes familiar with your medical background, your lifestyle, and what's 'normal' for you. This knowledge aids in quicker diagnosis, more effective treatment plans, better chronic disease management, and ensures that your care is well-coordinated, especially important when dealing with multiple specialists or navigating complex insurance plans. It's about having a trusted healthcare partner throughout your life who understands your complete health picture.

What does 'preventative care' involve with a Family Physician like Dr. Charles Lee in the US?

With Dr. Charles Lee, preventative care means taking proactive steps to maintain your health and prevent future illness. This encompasses services like scheduled immunizations (flu, pneumonia, shingles, etc.), screenings for diseases you might be at risk for (based on USPSTF recommendations for your age, family history, etc.), discussions about lifestyle modifications to reduce risks (e.g., related to nutrition, physical activity, substance use), and regular health assessments to monitor your overall status. Dr. Charles Lee works with you to create a personalized prevention plan, many components of which may be covered by your health insurance without cost-sharing.

What exactly is a Family Physician (Family Physician) and what is their role in the US healthcare system?

Your Family Physician (Family Physician) is your primary healthcare provider in the US, expertly trained to care for a wide spectrum of health issues. He manage acute illnesses, oversee care for long-term chronic diseases, provide routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling (often part of annual wellness visits or Medicare Annual Wellness Visits for seniors), administer vaccinations, and ensure you get access to specialized medical services through referrals, often navigating insurance requirements. The continuity of care he provide, understanding your health history and individual needs, is fundamental to effective family medicine and can lead to better health outcomes.

45280 Seeley Dr Fl 2
La Quinta CA 92253
Phone: (760) 834-7920

Dr. Charles Lee, MD is regulated by the California Business and Professions Code, Division 2, Chapter 5 (Medical Practice Act) in California and is licensed by The Medical Board of California (MBC).

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1750879177

Registration can typically be verified through The Medical Board of California (MBC) website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Family Physicians like Dr. Charles Lee are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your Family Physician about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners or specialists.