Descartes Li, MD

Psychiatry Psychiatry & Neurology

Descartes Li is a Psychiatry Psychiatry & Neurology specialist based in San Francisco, CA with over 33 years of clinical experience. Medicare-enrolled per CMS records and offers virtual telehealth visits.

(415) 476-3762San Francisco, CA
Telehealth Available
NPI Active per CMS — Q2 2026|Medicare Enrolled|Order & Refer

Descartes Li, MD has practiced psychiatry & neurology for 33+ years, working in group practice. He graduated from University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine in 1993 and has 33+ years of clinical experience. He regularly sees Medicare patients with mood disorders, anxiety, and bipolar disorder (per CMS claims data).

1 of 1,508 Psychiatry & Neurology providers in CASee all Psychiatry & Neurology in San Francisco33+ years experienceNPI since 2006

Older · 4063dNPPES updated 2015-04-08 · verify NPI on CMS · Verify license at Medical Board of California

Contact & Location

Practice Location

401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143-2211

Fax: (415) 502-2661
CMS Clinical Data

How Does This Doctor Compare?

MIPS Score

2023

74.47/100

California avg: 78.6 · US avg: 83.6

Lower than most doctors nationally(-9.1 pts)

How the government rates this doctor's Medicare care quality. Scores above 75 are considered good.

Medicare Patients

88

Unique beneficiaries

Standard volume

Prescription Recipients

20

Patients prescribed

Prescriptions Written

153

Total claims

Total Medicare drug cost: $5k

Percentile rankings compared against 9,360 reporting peers in California.

Data Note: Sourced from CMS Medicare Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Percentile rankings compare this provider against all peers with reported data in the same state. Updated annually to reflect the latest federal reporting cycle.

Patient Condition Panel

What This Doctor Treats Most

Based on Medicare claims data — here's what patients commonly see this doctor for

Based on Medicare data, this doctor primarily manages Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, and Bipolar Disorder.

Mood Disorders
75%

Conditions affecting emotional state, including depression and bipolar disorder

Anxiety Disorders
Higher than avg (+29%)63%

Excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily life

US avg: 34.1%

↑ More patients than average (+29%) — a focus area for this doctor

Bipolar Disorder
61%

A condition with extreme mood swings between emotional highs and lows

High Cholesterol
Lower than avg (-18%)52%

Elevated cholesterol or triglycerides that increase heart disease risk

US avg: 70.4%

↓ Fewer patients than average (-18%) — less common here

Depression
Higher than avg (+20%)52%

A mood disorder causing persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities

US avg: 31.8%

↑ More patients than average (+20%) — a focus area for this doctor

Hypertension
Lower than avg (-25%)45%

High blood pressure — a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke

US avg: 70.2%

↓ Fewer patients than average (-25%) — less common here

Arthritis
Lower than avg (-11%)38%

Joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, and stiffness

US avg: 49.3%

↓ Fewer patients than average (-11%) — less common here

Chronic Kidney Disease
Lower than avg (-5%)25%

Gradual loss of kidney function over time, often linked to diabetes or hypertension

US avg: 29.6%

↓ Fewer patients than average (-5%) — less common here

GeneralBehavioralNational avg

Percentage of this provider's Medicare patients diagnosed with each condition. Source: CMS Utilization Data.

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Background & Specialty

Education, training, and specialty classification from CMS NPPES and Medicare records.

Career Journey
  1. Graduated medical school · 1993

    University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine

  2. 33 years in practice

    Senior practitioner

Psychiatry & NeurologyAllopathic & Osteopathic Physicians

Psychiatrists are physicians who diagnose and treat mental health conditions including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and substance use disorders. They can prescribe medications and provide psychotherapy.

Taxonomy: 2084P0800X

Education & Training

University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine (Class of 1993)

Practice Footprint

Mailing address

1635 Divisadero Street, Suite 625, Box 1821, San Francisco, CA 94143-0001

Differs from practice location

Primary hospital affiliation: Acute Care - Veterans Administration

CMS Certification Number: 20003F

View hospital on Medicare Care Compare

Virtual Psychiatry & Neurology Care With Descartes Li

NPPES records indicate this provider offers telehealth services. Contact the office to confirm availability and scheduling.

Schedule a virtual visit with Descartes Li for mood disorder follow-ups, anxiety counseling, bipolar management — no travel to San Francisco required. The office sends a secure video link before your appointment. Most visits take 15–30 minutes. Medicare enrolled per CMS records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Descartes Li

Dr. Li is listed as active in the NPI registry with telehealth listed in San Francisco, CA. NPI status alone doesn't confirm open availability — call the office to confirm. Phone: (415) 476-3762.

Verified across 5 federal data sources

Sourced from CMS NPPES · OIG LEIE · CMS QPP 2023 · CMS Medicare Part D · CMS Physician Comparator. See Data Methodology.

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Claim Profile

Medical Disclaimer: NPI Telehealth is a provider directory for informational purposes only. This page does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Provider data is sourced from the CMS NPPES federal registry and public Medicare datasets. NPI Telehealth does not verify clinical qualifications beyond federal records. Data may not reflect real-time availability — always contact the provider's office directly to confirm details before seeking care.

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