Leon E Popovitz, MD

Dr. Popovitz is an excellent orthopaedist. I went to Dr. Popovitz’s office with severe knee pain
and much difficulty walking. Immediately the concern was to ease my pain, and make it easier for me to walk. What makes Dr. Popovitz and excellent doctor is that he takes time to listen, and gives you options with comprehensive explanations of treatments and surgical interventions; not just based and your diagnostic tests, but also on your personal preference.
On the day following my knee surgery Dr. Popovitz was there to speak to my spouse and insure that I was stable prior to discharge. Post surgery he discussed with me the plan of care that would be best effective.
I have to also compliment the excellent staff and PAS that work with Dr. Popovitz. They are patient, knowledgeable and concern themselves with your needs.

Dr. Popovitz treated me for two separate injuries, both requiring surgery and plenty of follow up visits. At every step of the way Dr. P and his entire staff were professional, responsive, and friendly. The procedures were always explained in detail and I had ample opportunity to have questions answered. Dr. P has a great bedside manner that was very calming and encouraging. The office clearly operates at high volume of patients but I always felt like everyone there really cared about my treatment and well-​being, from Dr. P. to the PAs to the front desk staff. I highly recommend NY Bone and Joint.

If I had to sum up my experience here in 3 words, it’d probably be: efficient, attentive, and solutions-​oriented. Granted, this was only the second orthopedist I’ve ever visited in my life, but I’d have to say that Dr. Popovits and his staff were by far the most efficient and helpful medical staff I’ve ever encountered. They make sure you’re seen promptly, ask all the right questions, and exercise patience in offering a diagnosis, which seems to be an increasingly rare trait nowadays.
I went to see Dr. Popovitz after receiving an alarming diagnosis from a neighborhood Orthopedist. I had hurt my knee playing kickball, and after seeing my xrays, he said I had «early onset arthritis» based on a tiny bump between my joints (btw I’m only 26). What can i do to treat it? Nothing, he said. Apparently there was no cure for me besides avoiding anything that uses my knees (ie. climbing stairs, hiking, dancing, etc) for the rest of my life. Anyway, I showed Dr. Popovitz those x-​rays and he immediately dismissed that ridiculous theory and recommended a few weeks of physical therapy to start – which by the way is available at the same location.

dr. Popovitz gave me a new ACL. Surgery, pre and post treatment were absolutely perfect.
In 2011, during my year of living in NY due to secondment, dr. Popovitz advised me ACL surgery even though there would be some time rehabilitation involved. Not only did I enjoy NY a lot, my «new» knee helped me do the following:
Started playing field hockey again in Sept. 2011,
Started running laps in Central Park again,
Run a marathon in 2012,
Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2013,
Cycle the Tour of Flanders in 2013, 2014 and 2015,
Cycle up Mt. Ventoux in 2013,
Go heliboarding in Switzerland,
Become very active in sports in general,
Currently training for a triathlon in July.
Not a single of these events went by without a thought of the excellent advise and work in 2011, for which I am very grateful!
Thank you so much again!
Arnoud

Dr. Popovitz was recommended to me several years ago from two other friends who had surgeries with him. I’ve had four knee surgeries myself and only two with Dr. Popovitz. I wish I knew about his practice prior to my last two surgeries. The desk staff is extremely friendly and efficient and I am always taken on time. Lee, his assistant is extremely knowledgeable, and very, very good at her job. Dr. Popovitz is one of my favorite doctors. He’s kind, cautious and realistic. Its very difficult to find a docotr who is an expert in their field AND develops such good report with their patients. As much as I hate my knees, I love coming to this office!

Partially torn labrum was Dr. Popovitz’s diagnosis when I finally got an MRI for an old nagging pain in my left shoulder; pain that would turn into agonizing discomfort every time I tried to lift anything north of 5lbs. Several consultations later, and I was set for an elective labral repair surgery, which was preceded by a calming assurance from Dr. Popovitz that he will take good care of me… Words of comfort seldom turn into sustained acts of nurture, but Dr. Popovitz and his PT team have a way of turning cynics into believers.
During the last 7 ½ months of my recovery I would meet with Dr. Popovitz regularly to discuss my progress. In post-​operative state, that is a constant «two steps forward one step back» game. It’s a time filled with hope, excitement, fear, hesitation and reacquainting with your own body; a full spectrum of emotions that Dr. Popovitz made manageable to navigate. Over time, I found all of my on-​going concerns (and when you heal — there are plenty) expertly explained away by Dr. Popovitz. He would do so with encouragement and trust instilling confidence, not to mention enduring patience. He also would maintain continuous dialogue with his team of PT’s who always found new ways to challenge me to strengthen and excel. The PT staff deserves an honorable mention to say the least. I have never in my life encountered a group of consummate professionals working so well together in the name of rehabilitative excellence. Their commitment to individual improvement is genuine and unwavering.
Well, back to life. I am only 7 ½ months out and have been going to gym full time for the past 2 months. Although I’m still cautious about certain exercises, I find a great deal of comfort in knowing that the possibilities are mine to test, painlessly. Recovering from a shoulder surgery is a long and arduous road, a journey that thusfar has been an educational and humbling experience, as well as a precious opportunity to develop and solidify faith in those who truly heal.
My gratitude to Dr. Popovitz and his staff is eternal.
Also huge thanks to Jake, Jason, Brandon, Carlos, Cecilia, Helen, Melanie, the most flexible front desk staff in NYC, and everyone else I haven’t mentioned.

I should have known this visit would be lackluster when I couldn’t even make an appointment over the phone. My first call, I was put on hold three times. The receptionist then took my number to call me back when they were less busy.
She didn’t and half the day went by, so I called again the next day. (I was persistent because they take my insurance).
I made an appointment for THURS that week because that was my only available day.
Notice, I was miserably on crutches in New York City in snowy February.
I walked in and they told me my appointment was the day before, Wednesday, and the doctor was not in the office. I hobbled with bruised underarms all the way from Brooklyn for this?! I would NEVER make an appointment on Wednesday because I have work. They did not provide any sort of reminder, either, nor did they own up to the mistake and had me see his assistant (PA), saying he is the same thing.
I worked in medicine. Seeing a physician’s assistant when promised an orthopedic surgeon is not the same thing. Yes, they are qualified, but I was expecting the orthopedic surgeon upon seeing an urgent care physician earlier that week, and the practice did not deliver.
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That being said, Chris was my PA. He retook x-​rays and looked them over with a radiologist. He was efficient and the two stars is solely for his efforts and good bedside manner despite the obviously disorganized practice/​front desk staff. The X-​ray technician was also friendly and skilled.
The follow up was quick with Dr. Popovitz. He saw me for maybe 3 minutes and said I was healed. Overall, it was okay, but I think I was so scarred from my first visit I wouldn’t go back.

I want to let you all know how happy I was with the professional service levels at your practice.
I had shoulder surgery in May of 2014 with Dr. Popovitz, M.D. and he was assisted by Lynn and Christopher. The bedside manner and care they all took preparing me for surgery and also the post-​operative focus was tremendous. And, with the combined Physical Therapy Office within your practice this added to the integrated care and follow-​up.
I had all my PT sessions at the E 64^th St location in the early morning. I want to acknowledge and thank Helen, Betty, Jason, Jake, Sofia, Brendan and Lonnie for the great care and attention as they focused on helping me regain almost 100% of my mobility. Warm thoughts also go out to Angelina and Claudia for being great, supportive and positive presences in the office.
Again, one doesn’t find medical care and consistent follow-​up in such a hassle-​free, positive environment in New York City and I want to compliment the office management as well.
Thanks,
Neil

I had shoulder repair surgery with Dr Popovitz last week. I had an excellent experience with the Dr and his staff. My recovery has been moving along rapidly and the staff at the rehab center are terrific. I have 100% complete confidence in Dr Popovitz and would highly recommend him.
Nathan

I went here once this past January, and my appointment with NY Bone and Joint was a disaster.
My appointment was at 8:30. I walked in at 8:24 to a desk of four receptionists, two of whom were rudely gossiping and didn’t even bother looking up when I approached them.
I was placed in an exam room lined with autographed pictures of Anna Kournikova and Graig Nettles and waited. And waited. A PA stopped by at about 9:30. This was the first medical professional I saw. Remember, my appointment was at 8:30. She examined my foot and had some x-​rays done. It’s now 9:45, and no sign of the doctor. I’m placed in another exam room. More waiting. I read a lot of the book I brought. Finally, at 10:30, another PA comes in and asks me the same questions the first PA did. He claims the doctor will be in shortly. I met Dr. Popovitz at 10:40. I have no doubt his diagnosis of Achilles tendinitis was correct, but I was back up at the reception desk by 10:45. I can’t believe they suggested I do physical therapy there – are they high? You’ve got to be kidding me. I’m an attorney. My profession is filled with narcissistic assholes, but this orthopedist’s office is doing a damned fine job of putting physicians in the running for the «profession with the most arrogant jerks» award. I get it, doctors. You overbook, you run behind, I know how it is. And I’m not one of those people who hates waiting. Indeed, I get into a zen-​like mode while sitting in traffic and grocery store lines. Two hours, though, for a suggestion that I do physical therapy and a prescription for an anti-​inflammatory is beyond the pale. Maybe the superstar athletes who have come here for treatment received more attention, but if you’re not one of those, I would strongly advise against going to this place.

NEVER GO SEE THIS DOCTOR. Worst possible treatment (I waited 1 full hour without any apologies) — he literally spent 20 seconds with me. Unless you want $ 450 charged for a simple office visit, do not go.