Dr. Michael K. Lai, MD | Santa Maria, CA | Endocrinology

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Dr. Michael Lai is a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in diabetes and metabolism, as well as internal medicine. He earned his medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and completed his residency at St. Mary Medical Center. With 49 years of clinical experience, Dr. Lai has developed extensive expertise in managing complex hormonal and metabolic conditions. He is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Dr. Lai practices at Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, California, and maintains affiliations with French Hospital Medical Center, Adventist Health Sierra Vista, and California Men's Colony Hospital. He focuses on treating Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol in children and teens, and hyperlipidemia. His practice includes advanced diabetes management techniques such as continuous glucose monitoring and training patients on autoinjectors and insulin pens. Patients have given him an average rating of 2.7 stars.

AI-generated from data on this provider profile.

2.6

37 Ratings
49 years of experience
speaks English, Spanish
St Mary Medical Center
24 written reviews
2 specialties
11 areas of expertise
4 hospital affiliations
1 office location
Male

37 ratings & reviews

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Showing 1 to 10 of 24 reviews

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Very strange to read some of these 1-star reviews. I've been seeing Dr. Lai for several years, and he has always been very kind and compassionate towards me. I mean, he has been REALLY nice. Don't get the negative feedback at all. Seriously.

September 13th, 2024

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This is an uncaring doctor that doesn’t return calls except at their convenience-no commitment to patient care. Evidently he never read the hippocratic oath.

May 6th, 2019

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Dr. Lai is a good clinician but his office staff is not. They do not respond to phone calls, when you ask them to send laboratory test requests that the doctor ordered they do not seem to know what they are doing. If I was the office manager for this clinic, I would probably clean house and hire competent people.

March 14th, 2019

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Went to see Dr K waited 2 hours and 15 minutes finally I left the front staff did not acknowledge me never apologized very rude. Really disappointed

January 30th, 2019

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Dr. Lai was a very thorough doctor and explained all blood work results so we could understand what was going on. But... his office staff was the rudest and most unprofessional of any medical office I have ever been to. Both the man and woman need to be replaced by a staff of friendly, caring and competent people.

January 4th, 2019

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This was my first visit and was at the SLO office. Staff was friendly and helpful, and Dr. Lai was very thorough, knowledgeable and took the time both to explain the physiological issues and to do a complete history and exam. He didn’t rush to medication or surgery. Very positive!

September 17th, 2018

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Dr. Lai and his office staff are amazing. I see various physician's throughout the year due to my illness and by far Dr. Lai and his office staff are the most courteous and efficient I have encountered.

May 22nd, 2017

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I saw Dr. Lai and was treated so poorly. He is very vague in what he says. When you ask questions he becomes very angry! The day that you became a doctor...isn't that the day you decided to be compassionate and care about the people that come to see you and pay for your services. Left feeling devastated and degraded.

January 13th, 2017

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Excellent t doctor! Asked questions that have never been asked of me before. After dealing with symptoms of a few disorders for years, I feel like I am finally getting some answers. I would not hesitate to recommend him to friends and family.

December 28th, 2016

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He doesn't listen to what I have to say. I'm changing to a new doctor.

March 25th, 2015

Marian Regional Medical Center

1400 E Church StSanta Maria, CA 93454

Tel: (805) 739-3000


Dr. Michael Keith Lai, MD	Dr. Franco A Felizarta, MD	Dr. Arashdeep S Poonia, MD	Dr. Jon Wallace Propst, MD
Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism	Infectious Disease	Nephrology	Anesthesiology
	Accepts New Patients	Accepts New Patients
2.6 (37 Ratings)	4.5 (17 Ratings)	0 (0 Ratings)	0 (0 Ratings)
49 Years of Experience	35 Years of Experience	16 Years of Experience	38 Years of Experience
No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option	No Virtual Visit Option
Speaks English, Spanish	Speaks English, Spanish	Speaks English, Spanish	Speaks English, Spanish
Santa Maria , CA	Bakersfield , CA	Santa Maria , CA	Santa Maria , CA
Med School: David Geffen School Of Medicine At Ucla	Med School: University Of The Philippines Manila College Of Medicine	Med School: Temple University School of Medicine	Med School: University Of Miami Leonard M Miller School Of Medicine
Current Profile	View Profile	View Profile	View Profile

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Acromegaly
Addison Disease
Cushing Disease
Diabetes (Types I & II)
Fatigue
Gland Issues
Hormones
Hyperthyroidism
Hypopituitarism
Hypothyroidism
Internal Medicine

MEDICAL LICENSE

Medical Doctor, California, 2026, Active

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Residency

St Mary Medical Center

Medical School

David Geffen School Of Medicine At UclaGraduated in 1977

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Is Dr. Michael Lai accepting new patients?: Dr. Michael Lai has not indicated that they accept new patients. Contact their office through their Vitals profile to check for availability.
How can I make an appointment with Dr. Michael Lai?: You can find contact information for Dr. Michael Lai here on Vitals.
Does Dr. Michael Lai accept my insurance?: You can see the insurance plans that Dr. Michael Lai accepts on their Vitals profile.
Which hospitals is Dr. Michael Lai affiliated with?: Dr. Michael Lai is affiliated with French Hospital Medical Center, Marian Regional Medical Center, Adventist Health Sierra Vista, and California Mens Colony Hospital.
Does Dr. Michael Lai accept virtual/telehealth appointments?: Dr. Michael Lai has not indicated that they accept virtual/teleheatlh appointments. Contact their office through their Vitals profile to check for availability.

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