Do not believe their reviews. If you take your health serious, you will not get the appropriate care with this office. You can't even get an appointment with the actual doctor. They only will schedule you with a PA. On my last appointment that I insisted in seeing my doctor, because they don't care how sick you are, and they only care to schedule you for a procedure where they can make more money out of the insurance , they took my insurance card and held it in the back office just to make sure they got paid. I have a PPO plan, and get treated like a second class citizen regardless. After my appointment, when I asked if I could get a follow up appointment they said that they don't have anything available until the beginning of the year. Meaning I have to wait two months out to see anyone if I'm not having surgery. When the doctor gave me a new medication and even told me to return for a follow up in two weeks. This is the type of treatment you get in a development world with insurance? Meanwhile I'm the one suffering for months without an end in sight. read more

I have a very extensive health history. I was referred to Dr. Lee after my previous Specialist went out of my Network. I've seen Dr. Lee 3x and one of those times was for a small procedure. I think in total, including the "scope" that I had, he probably spent all of 45 minutes with me and that includes my initial visit. That was maybe 7 minutes top and that was a first consult. I feel that I'm not valued as a patient and treated dismissively. I had my entire colon removed several years ago and have Crohn's. I get an infusion every 2 months as treatment. You would think he'd want me to follow up after those treatments but said it wasn't necessary. I don't like his bedside manners. I think he just wants his patients in and out as quickly as possible. read more

I was in touch with Dr. Lee's office several times post Colonoscopy procedure as I was experiencing pain throughout my glutes and back legs that came on the day after my procedure. The pain was so severe (unlike anything I've ever experienced) and made it difficult to sleep. Dr. Lee's office ordered blood work (STAT) and then NEVER followed up with my to discuss the results. I called multiple times to get my lab results which sat on his desk for days. On a Thursday call, I was told the results were with him, but he hadn't had a chance to review and would try to get back to me within 3 business days (so I was supposed to remain in pain through a weekend?!). And at that, I was never contacted with results or follow up. I still have never heard anything back from his office. I was forced to have another doctor friend interpret the results from QUEST when I did eventually receive those results from QUEST through their portal. I will never see Dr. Lee again nor ever be able to recommend anyone else chose him. Do yourself a favor and go with a different doctor. read more

If I could give a negative 5 stars I would. Worst experience ever. Waited 45 minutes at the Irvine office for a consultation. No apology. Dr Paul Lee came in and asked why I was there. I said my insurance required an at home poo test, results was blood in the stool. Dr Lee asked when was my last colonoscopy, I said 10 years ago. Dr Lee said we will schedule you and he walked out. A few minutes later a young girl came in and I followed her to her desk. Procedure was scheduled for November 2, I purchased their prep EZ2Go. Dr. Lee spent less than 5 minutes with me and said less than 15 words. I was not impressed. Prep day was a horror, as was the next morning having to drink more. Arrived at Newport Beach Orange Coast Endoscopy center at noon my check in time for 1:00 pm procedure. I waited and waited and waited, finally a Nurse came out and said there was a scheduling conflict with the anesthesiologist and it would be another hour wait. It was 2 and a half hour wait. This is unacceptable. Wheeled into the surgery room and Dr Lee was on his phone, he never acknowledged me. Dr Lee was talking then with the anesthesiologist about their cars being recalled. I was not talked to, nor did anyone apologize for the long wait. Dr. Lee stopped by and said all went well and off he went. The Nurse got my paperwork. I called Dr Lee's office the next day to find out what happened and to let them know I was not happy. Turns out Dr Lee didn't schedule the anesthesiologist. My paperwork said time in and time out; less than 10 minutes. I said I will not be coming back, it was the worst experience ever. She asked if there was anything she could do. I said yes, let Dr Lee know his patients are people and need to be treated with respect and acknowledged. read more

If I could leave a negative star review I would. When I first started going to this practice they were good and caring. Now they are a colonoscopy mill and to see a real MD is almost impossible. After trying to get in to see a Dr and being seen by a NP numerous times, I should have known better and found a different Dr. and listened to my body. After being sent home with PPI's and told I have gerd over a very long time period, I was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer at another practice. If you need a colonoscopy I recommend them, otherwise BEWARE! read more

I did my appointment for colonoscopy, I read the yelp reviews and I got scared. After procedure I promised myself to write about my experience at Hoag Endoscopy center in Irvine.Being thankful to Dr Lee. From the first moment everybody was very helpful. Mike, Brian prepared me for the procedure. Made me feel good, very calm. Meeting Dr Jason Johnson, anesthesiologist and Dr Paul Lee who did the colonoscopy made me feel that I am in good hand. Dr Lee asked me if i have any question about procedure. Both doctors were very nice, caring and knowledgeable. My fear disappeared in seconds. I slept during the procedure, I don't remember anything. I woke up being back in the room where I changed. Dr Lee came, talked about the successful procedure. Gave me advices and I was done. No fear, no pain just happiness that everything went so smooth. Now I know that I chose the right Endoscopy center with great staff members. Thank you Dr Lee! read more

Dr. Lee had me swallow a camera for a test. The camera never came out. I left multiple messages finally got through. He told me to get an x-ray. It had been two weeks at this point waited for a callback another week until they called and told me the camera was still there And go get a bowl prep and I explained it had been a long time. Please give me another x-ray and see if it's still there before I dehydrate my body. He never called back again so I went to urgent care got an x-ray. The camera was gone. I called Dr. Lee again, left multiple messages and still have not heard back six weeks later you can't rely on this guy completely appalled that they left this camera in me and never followed up and still have never followed up. I'd rather go someplace where I'm not just a number. Very disappointed I have good insurance but they obviously don't keep track of who they're caring for which shows they truly don't care read more

It took me THREE months to get a follow up appointment (which was never offered to me). I called his office in the meantime, left a voicemail that my symptoms were worse. Nobody called me back. My primary doctor called his office as well, they offered a nurse or practitioner. Finally I was told that they would be texting Dr Paul Lee's assistant and will call me back. Nobody called me back. I told Dr Lee about this issue and he said he was not there to talk about logistics, that I could look for any other doctor. He was rude and arrogant and did not solve my problem. I had to go to a private doctor for help. read more

Attempted to make a telehealth appt for my husband due to some GI issues. The office was fine scheduling the appointment for us the first time around. They requested paperwork that we sent back to them. Asked if they received it and if there were any other things needed and no response. My husband is ready for his telehealth appointment, waits for 15 minutes no reply. I try 5 different times to call the office and on the fifth try I get to a person and she says he is still in his last procedure and usually is 30- 45 minutes late to his appointments so we should just wait. She then gives me the option of waiting, we already waited 30 minutes and still no call, or rescheduling. We opt to reschedule and she has to transfer me to another department to make the appointment but im on hold forever again. Not a good first impression as an office. Please be considerate of your patients' time commitments. read more

Dr. Lee is a quid pro quo doctor. He will not advise, share & provide pertinent information related to acid reflux. I pay for visit, he listens, but no talking. His staff is totally UNRESPONSIVE. read more

This was perhaps the worst experience I have ever had with ANY doctor. I have been experiencing stomach pain for sometime and noted that Dr. Lee was listed as "head of the Digestive Diseases Institute" for Hoag Hospital in Irvine. I called several months ago for an appointment and was told I would need to see the physician assistant first. After taking my information she scheduled an appointment for a arthroscopic procedure and asked that I have my primary care doctor do the blood test, etc. and send to them. I had the procedure and called to schedule and appointment with Dr. Lee. It took several weeks before I could get the appointment. But I thought ok this is good he will have all the information and will be able to give me a diagnosis and treatment recommendations. I walked into the room and he didn't seem to have looked at any of the tests and asked what was I there for! I went through the entire explanation again and he said I would need to take a breath test which entailed breathing into about 20 little bags and sending them off to a lab in North Carolina. All of this took about two months. I called again for an appointment to see Dr. Lee and waited abut 3 weeks. He was very noncommitment not really telling me much other than the test showed SIBO and I would need to take antibiotics. I have very good health insurance but the prescribed antibiotic was $800 - the pharmacist said it was around $2,500 w/o insurance. I called the office and ask that Dr. Lee call me. This is where it got dicey. He never called. I called several days later, he never called. Called a third time several days later...no returned call! Made an appointment which took another two or three weeks and when I saw him I told him I couldn't afford the antibiotic did he have any other suggestions. He didn't. By this time he seemed to be pretty much checked out - no suggestions just have to live with it. He did say they might be able to get samples. Several weeks went by. I called again to see if it was possible to get samples. I was told I would be put on a wait list. He had not put me on the list. I was pretty upset - unable to sleep, every thing I ate upset my stomach more. And no help from Dr. Lee. After another pretty exasperating call to the office...I received a call that they had samples which I had to take 3 a day for a month. About 2 months in my feet and legs began to swell and were very painful. I called and about two weeks later after several more phone calls the office said Dr. Lee had said the medication does not cause swelling. But the internet for that drug says it does cause swelling. I called back and they said Dr Lee had said I needed to see my primary doctor. He never called again, no follow, or reply to my questions on the portal. I will need to see another gastrologist and start all over again. My experience was: poor to no follow-up, no communication for where do we go from here. I would never, never recommend him to anyone. Unless you want to spend months and months trying to get a response and then it be very non-committal...no suggestions of alterative treatments, etc. DON'T GO TO THIS DOCTOR!! read more

Had colonscopy at Irvine Center. No one called or told me how I can get biopsy result. I called the endo center and they said I had to call the Dr office. I called Dr Lee's office several times and was told he would call me with results. The nurse said she cannot post on patient portal until he reviews. If he's not going to call back they should just post the results. It is very frustrating to keep calling with no feedback. The physician is not reading my results or calling me back. How long do people have to wait for you??? It seems like a big mill where all the physicians want to do is the procedure and not do the follow ups on them. Poor communication. In very small print on the colonoscopy paper it said Dr Lee is one of many physicians who own the endo center on Irvine@Sand CAnyon. A suggestion is that you print on the post op papers what the next steps will be and when you will communicate back with patients about biopsy results so people aren't frustrated. Also, felt very rushed in this facility. I barely got out of the procedure and nurse was handing me bag of clothes when I was dizzy. Rushed out the door when I could hardly walk. read more

Just finished a procedure done by Dr. Lee. Very positive, professional experience. I recently had negative experience with another gastro doc, but Dr. Lee was thorough, gentle and I have no pain the evening after my procedure. I was in pain for 5 days after the other doctor" treated me".VERY happy with Dr Lee read more

Everything seem to go well with the procedure ( was under IV sedation ). The facility is brand new ( Irvine @ sand canyon ) and the staff were friendly. The only gripe is that they don't often answer their phones and it may be a while before they call you back for an appointment. Overall, a good experience. Dr Lee seems like a good doc and the office is nice but the office overall is not responsive and has no idea what your copay would be so you have to find that out yourself. But I think that's just what the norm for medical offices read more

Totally not happy with Dr Lee :( My sister been Goung to him for the longest time and he still can't figure out why she in pain losing weight etc :( It's all about another cat scan more blood work more tests come back another 2 weeks try these pills etc I Love my Sis!! He may be nice Dr but hello my Sis is still in pain and over 6 months now he can't figure it out yet!!! I pray she just second opinion and goes elsewhere read more

Dr. Lee was a great doctor (based on only 1 appt.) He prescribed an ointment and suggested a colonoscopy. However, I never hear back from his receptionist/office to schedule a date or to see how much it will cost out-of-pocket for the procedure. I have called several times with no answer. I have been hung up several times as well and the phone just constantly rings, then someone picks up the phone and hangs up so the call disconnects. The 1 star is for the office staff for a couple reasons. 1. Terrible with follow-ups 2. Never answers the phone 3. Their phone reception is horrendous and if the office staff can't hear you they just hang up w/o returning your call. I have called over 10x from the beginning of setting my first appt. to present. It's unfortunate b/c I wanted Dr. Lee to do the colonoscopy. But I am not looking else where. read more

this is the worst office staff I've ever come across. they never answer the phone nor to they ahere to their promise to call you back within 24 hours . they never did nor did their scheduling staff who said they would call with 24 hrs again never did. when I got someone on the line they said they could help but someone would get back to me shortly. still waiting 3days now. RUN FROM THESE PEOPLE !!!! They said I could text them , which I believe is a violation of hipp rules. the doctor might be good but not worth the hassle of dealing with the staff. I only got to see a PA , even though I paid full doctor fees. read more

Dr Lee performed 2 procedures and consulted on continuing digestive problems. He was professional, compassionate, and issued my test results promptly. He was available to discuss my results and continuing treatment. His office staff was courteous and extremely helpful in scheduling, follow-up, and keeping me informed during a very stressful time. I am exceptionally pleased with this medical practice, Digestive Disease Consultants of Orange County (CA) read more

Outstanding doctor! He is very knowledgeable and has good patient etiquette. I saw him for a secondary opinion and it couldn't have gone better. Thanks to him I didn't need unnecessary surgery. I would highly recommend him. read more

Professional, but didn't seem to care necessarily about you or your well being. He was quick to make procedures, all of which were not helpful, and I'm having to do a repeat endoscopy due to a misdiagnosis. read more

Dr. Lee's office staff are amazing. They are very attentive and make sure they can fit you in if you have an emeregency! I had an endoscopy w/ Dr. Lee and the whole process was smooth. I have had many surgeries but this was a simple procedure that didn't feel too hectic and that is seriously because he made me feel so comfortable! Thank you Dr. Lee. read more

I had Dr. Lee perform an endoscopy and a colonoscopy today. Everything was great and I appreciate Dr. Lee and his team. No issues in terms of how I was treated from when I arrived until I woke up after the procedures. read more

I was very impressed with Dr Paul Lee & his staff! Everyone was very helpful, pleasant & knowledgeable. I have and will Highly recommend his services! Thank you for your professionalism and care, It was very much appreciated. 5 STARS ***** read more

If Paul Lee is a good doctor I will Never know. His front desk staff arrives DOA at the job. When I finally got thru the woman's attitude was like she couldn't be bothered. As she requested I email my insurance card and never got a call back. Don't Bother read more

Paul lee is a wonderful Doctor. He makes sure that you are comfortable during your procedure. He gets to know you and your history to make sure he understands why you are needing the endoscopy or colonoscopy. I will go to him for all of my procedures if necessary. read more

I had a very good experience. The office help was excellent. My doctor was very professional, patient, good listener and made me feel at ease.There is no better doctor than him I would highly recommend him to others. read more

Dr. Lee performed my colonoscopy on June 30. He and his staff were very professional in every sense. I received two follow-up calls following the procedure, and I had no complications or problems to report.. I highly recommend Dr. Lee and his staff. Burdett H. read more

Excellent bedside manner, great staff. Dr. Lee is extremely knowledgable in GI and is very responsive. Communication is good in the office; if you leave a message, he will contact you the same day. I would definitely recommend him . read more

The doctors and staff are friendly and very professional. I had very little wait time and was seen with sensitivity, courtesy, and professionalism. I would highly recommend going to see Dr. Lee or any of his partners. read more

Words cannot sufficiently articulate how impressed I am with Dr. Paul Lee and his office staff, especially Michelle - she is a gem! I am one of those perfectionist and I do not hand out compliments generously. I had my Colonoscopy at Hoag Hospital and it was a painless experience... a breeze! I am a 65 year old female, Dr. Lee is not only the tops in his field, he is a very compassionate, and patient individual - as he was not bothered by my numerous questions. I have and will continue to refer family and friends to angel man Dr. Lee :) read more

I saw dr. Lee over 3 weeks ago. Stuff informed me that they will submit for authorization for my procedure and it shouldn't take long. I called several times and left messages to get back to me regarding the status of authorization. No body would call back. For the forth time I had to call this office. I was transferred to Michelle I believe he name was. I Was put on a long hold, then they hang up on me. Very frustrating. I never had to deal with such a poor service before. May be you need to hire more stuff to handle all your patients... read more

Horrible service! Dr. Lee took 2 weeks to follow up after my endoscopy and required several calls for other follow ups. I would not recommend Dr. Lee to anybody. read more

I work in the medical industry, with many other physicians, and am very less than impressed. Dr. Lee is short, doesn't get back to you and that isn't acceptable. A prescription, that's very important, still hasn't been called in, nor did I get a call back after multiple requests. read more

If it wasn't for Dr Paul Lee I would still be still be in excruciating pain from a major complication due to recent back surgery. My insurance sent me to two other GI drs and both gave lazy answers and said its from surgery and I have to wait for the inside of my stomach to heal. Waiting for an appointment with Dr Lee was well worth it. I was truly suffering on my hands ad knees for over a month assuming pain was temporary. I cannot thank Dr Lee enough for taking the time to evaluate me. He is very professional and caring. While in waiting room I could witness how busy he was but he didn't hesitate to take the time to explain what was happening to me after he ordered a series of extensive tests. I knew something was wrong with me and because of Dr Lee i finally have a diagnosis. He gave me explicit direction on what to do next. His office has a patient portal and when I am in dire pain and email him he gets back to me in a timely manner. ALSO, I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT HIS FRONT OFFICE STAFF. THEY ARE SOFT SPOKEN, CARING AND EXTREMELY PATIENT CONSIDERING I WAS CALLING NUMEROUS TIMES CRYING FROM PAIN.THE STAFF HELPED ME CALM DOWN MORE THEN ONCE AND I WANT TO THANK THEM FOR PUTTING ME AT EASE. THEY ARE ON TOP OF THEIR GAME. I also have had appointments with Michelle. She is the nutritionist in his office. She explained to me what I need to eat and how since I do need another surgery due to a post op complication. After following a strict regimen I can function and go on with my day. Michelle is calm and collective. She has a soothing aura to her. She is excellent at what she does. read more

I've been recommending Dr.Lee to all my family & friends. Dr. Lee listens well and is very responsive. His answers to questions are easy to understand and very thorough. He always follows up after each procedure, his staff is professional & courteous, and the facilities are up-to-date and clean. Thank you, Dr. Lee & team for taking care of us so well! read more

I went to see Dr Lee for two procedures: an endoscopy and a colonoscopy (one month apart). While I was admittedly nervous, I was thankful that Dr Lee's professionalism and sensitivity helped make an otherwise challenging situation go smoothly. As a result, I have recommended to other friends and colleagues to see Dr Lee should they have any GI issues. He is an excellent doctor. read more

Dr. Lee has treated me since April 11, 2016. He performed colonoscopy and treatment thereafter. He has given good medical advice and assisted me with Crohn's treatment. He is compassionate, caring and a good listener. He suggested Humira which I believe has helped, although I still have colon that is swollen. He has referred me to specialist at UCI and Cedars in LA. Dr. Lee has been a great support and doctor during this time. In addition, his staff is remarkable. Thank you for helping me with Humira shots and being kind caregivers. I give Dr. Lee and his staff a high rating. read more