Our goal is to provide a comfortable, convenient, personalized healthcare environment in which an expanded array of medical and wellness services are offered, in a manner that recognizes and values the unique needs and preferences of each patient. We want you to be completely satisfied with every aspect of your care.
Our smaller practice size allows us to devote more time to each patient’s care and individual needs. There will be little or no office waiting room time and appointments will start promptly. This practice model offers time to schedule more than 60 minutes for the Comprehensive Annual Health Assessment and at least 30 minutes for routine appointments. If a problem requires extra time for evaluation, we will accommodate you to the best of our ability. Because you will have the ability to communicate via patient dedicated cell phone and email, many issues that arise can be addressed remotely (via telephone, email or video conference), without having to take time out of your day to come to the office. This service is included in your annual membership fee. We do kindly request that our patients reserve evening and weekend communications for urgent matters only.
Our office is located at 45 Grove Street, New Canaan, CT, 06840
Dr. Leibowitz: Stamford Hospital & Danbury Hospital
Dr. Murphy: Stamford Hospital & Northern Westchester Hospital
Our goal is to be available to our patients whenever we are needed. However, there will be occasions when we are out of town or otherwise unavailable. In these situations, we will help facilitate immediate assessments whenever necessary.
Our practice provides personalized primary care through a membership-based model, not through insurance. We’ve chosen to opt out of commercial insurance and Medicare, which means we don’t submit claims or collect co-pays. Instead, all the care we provide in our office is included in your annual membership fee.
Your insurance or Medicare will still apply for all other services, such as lab tests, imaging, or specialist visits. Because we’ve opted out of Medicare, neither we nor our patients can submit claims to Medicare for our services. Of course, you’re always free to see a physician who participates in Medicare if you prefer that approach.
We have elected not to participate as an in-network provider for any commercial health insurance plan, and we have also opted out of Medicare. All office visits and your Comprehensive Annual Health Assessment will be included in the annual fee. As medically indicated, we will make it a priority to refer you to in-network physicians for any necessary consultations and to in-network facilities for diagnostic tests and hospitalizations. Any services rendered by these physicians or facilities will be billed by the performing entity and should be covered by your insurer according to your policy benefits and in-network fees. We expect that coverage of services by other providers should not be affected by the change in our insurance status.
You are advised to consult with your FSA or HSA plan administrator, employer, HR representative or tax advisor to clarify qualification in your particular circumstance.
Your annual fee pays for membership in the practice. All procedures and services not performed in my office will be billed by the performing physician and/or entity.
Please know that you can contact us at any time. However, if you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. You can then call us or ask the hospital personnel to contact us so we may assist in your care. If you have a non-urgent problem, please contact us first.
If the problem is minor, call us first. However, if you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately – then call us. With the exception of controlled substances, most prescriptions can be ordered anywhere in the country. If you seek care at an emergency room or urgent care center outside our area, we request that you have the doctor seeing you call us for coordination. We will be readily available for phone consultation with you and/or other healthcare personnel. If you should require hospitalization while away, at your request we will attempt to establish regular phone communication with you and your attending physician(s) to ensure continuity of care.
Should you desire, we are available to help you decide which specialist to see and to coordinate such consultations. This will ensure the most appropriate resource is used, the earliest arrangements are made, and your applicable medical information is sent in advance of your specialist visit.
Yes. Paying your annual fee allows you to be a member of our practice whether you are sick or well. We strongly encourage you to utilize the benefits offered, regardless of your state of health, to proactively safeguard your health.
Your membership agreement can be terminated upon 30 days written notice. If you move and wish to secure a new physician, the annual fee will be refunded on a pro-rated basis. However, if the Comprehensive Annual Health Assessment has been completed,no refund will be offered. The last three years of your records will be sent to your new physician upon receipt of a signed release. This release of records is required by law.
As part of our commitment to your long-term health and wellness, our philosophy is to educate you about your medical needs and risks. We will work with you to assess your level of fitness, provide weight management guidance, and offer advice on leading a healthy lifestyle. In addition, we will work with you to support your emotional well-being and recommend an appropriate personal wellness plan. This will allow you to take an active role in managing and maintaining your best health.
When you call our office there will be no complicated “phone tree” to navigate… just real people with a real concern for your health and well-being. All phone calls will be returned promptly, but if you deem your problem “urgent” we will make every effort to speak with you at the time of your call.
This will allow easy and direct communication for urgent medical problems that occur outside of our regular office hours. Ideally, we want to hear from you when you are ill or injured to coordinate your care. However, for true emergencies always call 911 first.
You will receive a prompt response from us (usually within 24 hours). Patients may send us a text message, if a brief communication is appropriate. Because email and text communication is not secure, please use discretion when choosing topics to discuss with us via these platforms. Your patient portal is the best way to communicate securely and confidentially.
Your annual fee covers all office visits during a one-year period. Due to our smaller patient panel, with the exception of your Comprehensive Annual Health Assessment, most office visits will be available on short notice, at your request, even for minor or non-urgent medical problems, regardless of medical necessity.
Office visits will start promptly, allowing more time to thoroughly address all of your questions and concerns at each visit. Comprehensive Annual Health Assessment appointments will be scheduled for more than 60 minutes, and all other appointments will be scheduled for approximately 30 minutes.
Office visits are best scheduled during normal office hours when the full complement of staff is available. However, should you require an occasional visit outside of our usual office hours, we will certainly do our best to reasonably accommodate you.
If you are ill or otherwise unable to come to the office, a house call may be offered. However, the need for each out-of-office visit will be determined on a case-by-case basis, at our discretion.
If a parent opts to join our personalized care practice, we are happy to care for dependents, ages 12 up to 18 years old for an additional nominal fee.
Should you need to be hospitalized, we will remain involved in your care and continue to advocate on your behalf. We may make courtesy visits while you are hospitalized, on a case by case basis, at our discretion, and will communicate regularly with the hospitalist who is providing services.
When you are in an independent or skilled nursing facility, on a temporary or permanent basis, we will be involved with your care through periodic site visits and communication with those involved with your care, on a case-by-case basis. We will be available to your family to address any concerns and offer counsel.
Whether you are on a brief vacation, living some of the year in a second residence or otherwise unable to come to the office, we will offer a “virtual” consultation (via FaceTime or Skype) as determined on a case-by-case basis, at my discretion and subject to the state law requirements. However, if in our judgment, you need to be seen by a local physician, you will be encouraged by me to seek medical attention. We will communicate with you directly, as well as with your treating physician, to support the coordination of your care on health issues that may arise.
A periodic newsletter on medical subjects of interest will be provided to you.