Wai Lee, MD

Urology
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
More specialties
Accepting New Patients
Virtual Visits/Telehealth
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Overview

Wai Lee, MD is the Director of Urogynecology & Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery for the department of Urology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He specializes in male and female voiding dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, urethral diverticula, vaginal fistulae, and neurogenic bladder. He is dual-board certified in both Urology and in Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery by the American Board of Urology.

Dr. Lee offers advanced surgical and nonsurgical options, including robotic and vaginal reconstructive surgery, and is recognized as a Center of Excellence for Sacral Neuromodulation, a leading therapy for overactive bladder, urinary retention, fecal incontinence, and urgency incontinence.

Dr. Lee completed his urology residency at Stony Brook University Hospital, followed by fellowship training in Urogynecology & Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery at Virginia Mason in Seattle, Washington. During his fellowship, Dr. Lee gained extensive expertise in complex reconstructive procedures and also took part in an international mission to Uganda, where he helped women with obstetric trauma by repairing vaginal fistulae. He joined Columbia after working at Northwell Health - North Shore University Hospital on Long Island.

Dr. Lee's research interests include novel approaches to neuromodulation and chemodenervation for overactive bladder, as well as healthcare disparities in urology. Dr. Lee has presented his research at numerous national meetings. His work has been published in leading national and international journals including the Journal of Urology, Neurourology and Urodynamics, Urology, Urogynecology, Urologic Clinics of North America, and the International Urogynecology Journal.

The conditions Dr. Lee treats can have a profound social and emotional impact on the individual. He understands that patience, dedication, and compassion are needed to achieve the best outcomes for his patients.

Areas of Expertise / Conditions Treated

  • Female Incontinence
  • Neurogenic Bladder
  • Overactive Bladder
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse
  • Urethral Diverticulum
  • Voiding Dysfunction

Academic Appointments

  • Assistant Professor of Urology at CUMC

Languages

  • Chinese (Mandarin)

Gender

  • Male

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Virtual Visits/Telehealth

Virtual Visits allow you to connect with your provider from the comfort, convenience, and safety of your own home.

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Location(s)

51 West 51st Street
New York, NY 10019
Primary
Phone:
161 Fort Washington Avenue
New York, NY 10032

Insurance Accepted

Aetna

  • Aetna Signature Administrators
  • EPO
  • HMO
  • Medicare Managed Care
  • NY Signature
  • POS
  • PPO
  • Student Health

Affinity Health Plan

  • Essential Plan
  • Medicaid Managed Care

Amida Care

  • Special Needs

Cigna

  • EPO
  • Great West (National)
  • HMO
  • Medicare Managed Care
  • POS
  • PPO

Emblem/GHI

  • Medicare Managed Care
  • PPO

Emblem/HIP

  • ConnectiCare
  • EPO
  • Essential Plan
  • HMO
  • Medicaid Managed Care
  • Medicare Managed Care
  • POS
  • PPO
  • Select Care (Exchange)
  • Vytra

Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield

  • EPO
  • HMO
  • Medicare Managed Care
  • PPO

Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield HealthPlus

  • Child/Family Health Plus
  • Essential Plan
  • Medicaid Managed Care

Fidelis Care

  • Child/Family Health Plus
  • Essential Plan
  • Medicaid Managed Care
  • Medicare Managed Care

Healthfirst

  • Child/Family Health Plus
  • Leaf (Exchange)
  • Medicaid Managed Care
  • Medicare Managed Care

Local 1199

  • Local 1199

MagnaCare (National)

  • MagnaCare

Medicare

  • Traditional Medicare

Multiplan

  • Multiplan

MVP Health Care

  • Child/Family Health Plus
  • Essential Plan
  • HMO
  • Medicaid Managed Care

RiverSpring

  • Special Needs

UnitedHealthcare

  • Compass (Exchange)
  • Empire Plan
  • HMO
  • Medicaid (Community Plan)
  • Medicare Managed Care
  • Oxford Freedom
  • Oxford HMO
  • Oxford Liberty
  • POS
  • PPO

VNSNY CHOICE

  • Medicare Managed Care
  • SelectHealth
  • Special Needs

WellCare

  • Medicaid Managed Care
  • Medicare Managed Care

World Trade Center Health Plan

  • World Trade Center Health Plan

*Before your appointment, please contact the doctor’s office or your insurance provider to verify that your insurance is accepted. This list of insurances can change, and the insurance plans listed may not be accepted at all office locations for this provider.

Credentials & Experience

Education & Training

  • MD, State University of New York (SUNY), Stony Brook
  • Residency: Urology, Stony Brook University
  • Fellowship: Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, Virginia Mason Hospital & Medical Center

Board Certifications

  • Urology
  • Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery

Honors & Awards

  • Best Overall Conference Video, Society of Urodynamics Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction, 2025
  • Best in Session Scientific Abstract, Society of Urodynamics Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction, 2025
  • Teacher of the Year, Department of Urology, Smith Institute for Urology at Northwell Health, 2023
  • Center of Excellence, InterStim Center of Surgical Excellence for Dr. Wai Lee, Smith Institute for Urology at Northwell Health, 2022
  • Distinguished Abstract, Benaroya Research Institute Research Symposium, 2019
  • First Place, New York Section American Urological Association Resident Essay Contest Socioeconomic Category, 2017, 2018
  • Alpha Omega Alpha, 2014
  • Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society, 2005
  • Frank S. Rathbone Health Science Scholarship, 2025