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Lori DeFreest, MD, PhD, FACS

Lori DeFreest, MD, PHD, FACS, a General Surgeon
Lori DeFreest, MD, PhD, FACS
General Surgeon
Specialties
General Surgery
General information
Gender: Female
Language: Interpreter Services Available, English
Accepting New Patients
UVM Medical Group
Offers Video Visits
Request an Appointment

About Me

When someone finds out they need surgery, it’s natural to have questions and feel anxious. I believe it's essential that patients understand what’s happening to them, so I take the time to meet them where they are — explaining their condition and treatment options in a way that empowers them to be active partners in their care.

Before becoming a physician, I spent many years as an analytical chemist and molecular biologist with the New York State Department of Health, and as a professor at Clinton Community College and SUNY Plattsburgh. That foundation in science and education continues to shape my approach to medicine today.

I earned my medical degree at SUNY Albany and completed my residency in general surgery at Albany Medical College, followed by a fellowship in critical care and trauma surgery. I then spent a decade as an acute care surgeon at Albany Med Health System, where I also served as an assistant professor at the medical college.

Now practicing in the North Country, I’m proud to offer a range of laparoscopic and open surgeries, with a focus on outpatient and ambulatory procedures. I’m especially grateful to be part of a system that allows me to care for patients close to home — before, during and after surgery.

I’ve always considered the North Country, where my family has kept a home since the early 1990s, as my home. I’m an avid hiker and kayaker with an abiding love for the Adirondacks.

I believe it's essential that patients understand what’s happening to them, so I take the time to meet them where they are.

Lori DeFreest, MD, PhD, FACS

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My Locations

Insurance Accepted

Please see below for all insurers contracted with the University of Vermont Health Network. Inclusion in this list does not guarantee participation of your specific insurance plan or coverage of your planned service. Please contact your insurer to determine your benefit coverage.

Surgical Services, Alice Hyde Medical Center
  • Aetna
  • Aither (formerly Resolve) / St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Health (Medicare)
  • Capital District Physicians' Health Plan (CDPHP)
  • Capital District Physicians' Healthcare Network (CDPHN)
  • CHAMPVA
  • Coventry Health Care/First Health
  • Emblem Health - GHI Family Health
  • Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Fidelis (New York Quality Healthcare Corporation)
  • Highmark Northeastern New York (Highmark NENY) (formerly BSNENY)
  • Humana / Choice Care Network
  • MagnaCare
  • Medicaid (NY)*
  • Medicare*
  • MultiPlan / Private HealthCare Systems (PHCS)
  • MVP
  • Nascencia (formerly VNA Homecare Options)
  • TriCare for Life – Skilled Nursing Facility
  • TriCare Humana Military
  • TriCare Martin’s Point Health Care
  • United HealthCare – The Empire Plan
  • United HealthCare (includes Dental)
  • Veteran's Administration Community Care Network (VA CCN) (United HealthCare)
  • Veterans Administration - Dental
  • Workers' Comp (VT and NY)

*Not every provider type is eligible to enroll with Government Payers. Please consult your provider’s office prior to visit for confirmation.

Last Updated: 11/15/24

General Surgery, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital
  • Aetna
  • Aither (formerly Resolve) / St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Health (Medicare)
  • Beacon (Value Options) (excludes Commercial HMO, Medicare Advantage, and Managed Medicaid)
  • Capital District Physicians' Health Plan (CDPHP)
  • Capital District Physicians' Healthcare Network (CDPHN)
  • CHAMPVA
  • Cigna
  • Coventry / First Health / Aetna (excludes HMO, EPO or QPOS)
  • Emblem Health - GHI Family Health
  • Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Fidelis (New York Quality Healthcare Corporation) (excludes Exchange products)
  • GEHA - The Affordable Network
  • Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (excludes NH Health Benefit Exchange, Medicare Advantage, and Managed Medicaid)
  • Highmark Northeastern New York (Highmark NENY) (formerly BSNENY)
  • Humana / Choice Care Network
  • MagnaCare
  • Managed Physical Network (MPN)
  • Medicaid (VT and NY)*
  • Medicare*
  • Multiplan / Private HealthCare Systems (PHCS) / Beech Street
  • MVP
  • Three Rivers Provider Network
  • TriCare for Life – Skilled Nursing Facility
  • TriCare Humana Military (excludes Humana Behavioral Health)
  • TriCare Martin's Point Health Care (excludes Behavioral Health)
  • United Behavioral Health/Optum
  • United HealthCare
  • United HealthCare – The Empire Plan
  • Veteran's Administration Community Care Network (VA CCN) (United HealthCare)

*Not every provider type is eligible to enroll with Government Payers. Please consult your provider’s office prior to visit for confirmation.

Last updated: 11/15/24

Experience

Education & Training
Fellowship Albany Medical Center - Surgical Critical Care
Residency Albany Medical Center - General Surgery
Doctor of Medicine Albany Medical College
Doctor of Philosophy Albany Medical College - N/A
Master of Science Albany Medical College - N/A
Bachelor of Science State University of New York, Albany - Chemistry
Board Certifications

American Board of Surgery - General Surgery

American Board of Surgery - Surgical Critical Care

844-UVM-HEALTH

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