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Dr. I. Michael Leitman, MD

Accepting New Patients

(57 Ratings)

Specializes in: General Surgery

Boston University School of Medicine (1985)

Professional interests include: diverticular disease, colorectal cancer, colectomy (colon resection), and more.

5 E 98th Street 14th Floor, Suite C
New York, NY 10029

(212) 844-8570

Dr. I. Michael Leitman, MD is a general surgeon in New York, NY specializing in general surgery. He graduated from Boston University School of Medicine in 1985 and has 40 years of experience. Dr. I. Michael Leitman, MD is affiliated with Mount Sinai Health System, ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI, The Derfner Foundation Ambulatory Surgery Center Mount Sinai Brooklyn Mount Sinai Queens, The Mount Sinai Hospital New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai Mount Sinai West and Mount Sinai Morningside Mount Sinai Beth Israel.

Office Locations

Address:

5 E 98th Street 14th Floor, Suite C
New York, NY 10029

Address:

Mount Sinai Union Square 10 Union Square East
New York, NY 10003

Some issues Dr. I. Michael Leitman, MD can help you with:

Breast Biopsy

Breast biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of tissue is collected from the breast for testing. A physician may prescribe a breast biopsy for a variety of reasons, but they are most frequently prescribed for a lump found in the breast. Biopsy samples extracted are examined by pathologists in a laboratory setting and are tested to determine if they are cancerous or benign, or indicative of some other condition. Depending on the lab results, physicians may prescribe additional treatment. Other circumstances which may prompt a breast biopsy include:

Mammograms that detect other unusual features in the chest, such as a cyst or calcium deposit
Breast scans or ultrasounds that display abnormalities
Nipple changes, such as scaling, crusting, or bloody discharge

Breast biopsies are collected through several different procedures and the specific type of biopsy that a patient receives depends on the size, location, and features of a breast lump or irregularity. The three main methods of collecting a breast biopsy include:

Fine needle aspiration (FNA biopsy), where a thin needle is directed into a breast lump or abnormality, extracting a small sample of tissue or liquid
Core needle biopsy (CNB biopsy), where a hollow needle is directed into a breast lump or abnormality, extracting cylinders of tissue called "cores"
Open (surgical) biopsy, where a breast lump is removed through an incision in the breast

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy (CNB) are sometimes image-guided, where a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI helps direct the physician performing the needle extraction.

Fine needle aspiration, the most common biopsy method, generally requires few patient preparations. It is recommended patients avoid using lotion, deodorant, and perfume prior to their biopsy procedure. FNA biopsy is performed with local anesthesia (topical numbing cream) and typically has a quick recovery, but patients may experience soreness for a few days. Core needle biopsy extracts slightly more tissue than an FNA biopsy.

Open (surgical) biopsy is more invasive and requires general anesthesia, where patients are put to sleep during the procedure. Patients must fast prior to the surgery. After the biopsy is performed, patients are monitored in a recovery room for a time before being discharged, when they will need someone else to provide transportation.

Although some may consider breast biopsy to be a simple procedure, it can catch critical issues - particularly breast cancer - that impact wellness. If a breast biopsy reveals an underlying condition like life-threatening cancer, patients can receive the diagnosis and medical treatment that is necessary for their long-term health.

Colectomy (Colon Resection)

Colectomy is surgery to remove all or part of the colon, or the longest part of the large intestine. The colon may be affected by diseases such as cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. In a colectomy, all or part of the colon that is infected, blocked, or cancerous is removed.

A colectomy may be performed by laparoscopic or open surgery. A laparoscopic colectomy requires several small cuts on the abdomen, and uses a thin tube with a camera, called a laparoscope. Laparoscopic colectomies are less invasive than open procedures. For some individuals, a laparoscopic colectomy may not be possible, and instead an open colectomy is performed. In an open colectomy, a large incision is made on the abdomen. Open colectomies typically require longer recovery periods.

After the incisions are made, a portion of the colon is removed, and the remaining ends of the colon are attached to each other in a procedure called anastomosis. Waste can continue to travel through the body as normal. However, in some situations, it may be necessary for the end of the colon to be attached to an opening in the abdomen, called a stoma. This procedure is called an ostomy. Types of ostomies include:

Colostomy, in which the remaining portion of the colon is attached to the abdominal opening.
Ileostomy, in which the small intestine is attached to the abdominal opening.

An ostomy bag will be attached to the skin to collect waste. If the entire colon is removed, either an ileostomy is performed, or the small intestine is connected to the anus and waste may pass through as normal.

Stomas may be permanent or temporary. If the stoma is temporary, the ends of the colon will be rejoined in a later procedure. Temporary stomas are generally used to allow time for the colon to heal following surgery.

A colectomy may take between one and four hours. Following the procedure, patients will need to consume a liquid and low fiber diet before gradually returning to their normal diet. Patients will need to stay in the hospital for three to seven days for monitoring. Full recovery and return to normal activity may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy)

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of the upper abdomen, underneath the liver. Its purpose is to store bile, which is used to digest fat. Occasionally, the gallbladder can develop mineral stones, called gallstones. If they are large enough, gallstones can block the ducts in the gallbladder and cause swelling and infection. Gallstones can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication, but sometimes this is not enough. In these cases, it is best to remove the gallbladder before it can cause more serious problems. The surgical removal of the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy.

Today, most gallbladder surgeries are done laparoscopically. Four tiny incisions are made in the abdomen, and small tools are inserted through these tiny incisions to perform the surgery. Because the incisions are much smaller, recovery time is much faster with this type of surgery. Patients are usually discharged from the hospital the same day. Sometimes, open surgery is used to remove a gallbladder. In this type of surgery, a cut about six inches long is made in the upper right abdomen. After the gallbladder is removed, it is sutured or stapled closed. With open surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for two to three days to recover before they are discharged.

Gallbladder removal, like any surgery, carries some risks, such as bleeding, infection, or the development of blood clots. Doctors will tell patients how to minimize their risk for complications. After surgery, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for several days. They should not soak in a bath until their sutures or staples have been removed. Patients should wash hands before touching the area around the incision. It will take a couple of days until patients feel like themselves again and a few weeks until their scar has healed and faded.

In The News (see more mentions in the news)

“Nicole Faye Landesman, the daughter of Jo-Ellen Jacobson Landesman and Mark E. Landesman of Marlboro, N.J., was married Sept. 17 to Benjamin Russell Leitman, the son of Carole Lustig-Berez of Dix...”—"Nicole Landesman, Benjamin Leitman (Published 2016)", New York Times, September 2016

“"Surgeons really have to let go of the patient when they have an image abnormality," said Dr. I. Michael Leitman, chief of general surgery at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York.”—"Breast biopsy study finds surgery used too often", Twin Cities Pioneer Press, February 2011

“"Surgeons really have to let go of the patient when they have an image abnormality," said Dr. I. Michael Leitman, the chief of general surgery at Beth Israel Medical Center in Manhattan.”—"Study of Breast Biopsies Finds Surgery Used Too Extensively (Published 2011)", New York Times, February 2011

doctor visit	92

**Gender**
Male	35
Female	41

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	56
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	43
From 75 to 84	18
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	66
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	37
Depression	14
Chronic Kidney Disease	20
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	37
Dementia	0
Cancer	24

doctor visit	56

**Gender**
Male	20
Female	34

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	36
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	36
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	67
High Cholesterol	65
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	52
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	44
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	72

**Gender**
Male	70
Female	70

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	108
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	82
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	57
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	46
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	26
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	34
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	60

**Gender**
Male	31
Female	26

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	45
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	33
From 75 to 84	12
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	60
High Cholesterol	53
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	42
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	26
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	33
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	41

**Gender**
Male	13
Female	31

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	32
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	26
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	50
High Cholesterol	41
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	32
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	54

**Gender**
Male	20
Female	28

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	32
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	31
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	58
High Cholesterol	54
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	44
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	29
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

**Gender**
Male	34
Female	24

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	42
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	27
From 75 to 84	18
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	48
High Cholesterol	0
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	31
Dementia	0
Cancer	21

doctor visit	36

**Gender**
Male	14
Female	25

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	22
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	24
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	28
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	0
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	108

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. I. Michael Leitman, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. I. Michael Leitman, MD treated as a general surgeon in New York, NY were open surgery, abdominal surgery and gastrointestinal procedures.

abdominal surgery	10
doctor visit	64
gastrointestinal procedures	10
open surgery	10

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. I. Michael Leitman, MD.

**Gender**
Male	23
Female	27

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	37
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	0
Other	0

**Age**
85 and over	0
75 to 84	4
Less than 65	0
65 to 74	30

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. I. Michael Leitman, MD From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. I. Michael Leitman, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and diabetes.

Hypertension	46
High Cholesterol	38
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	4
Chronic Kidney Disease	7
Asthma	0
Osteoporosis	0
Heart Failure	1
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	24
Atrial Fibrillation	0
Dementia	0
Cancer	4

Education & Training

Dr. I. Michael Leitman, MD graduated from Boston University School of Medicine in 1985. He completed residency at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and has a state license in New York.

Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine (1985)

Residency: New York-Presbyterian Hospital

Board Certification: American Board of Surgery

Licensed In: New York

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. I. Michael Leitman, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Mount Sinai Health System

ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI

The Derfner Foundation Ambulatory Surgery Center Mount Sinai Brooklyn Mount Sinai Queens

The Mount Sinai Hospital New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai Mount Sinai West

Mount Sinai Morningside Mount Sinai Beth Israel

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Dr. I. Michael Leitman, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, MagnaCare, Elderplan, EmblemHealth, WellCare, Oscar, Fidelis Care, Healthfirst Medicaid, United Healthcare, Aetna, Medicaid, Empire BlueCross BlueShield, Humana, Cigna, 1199SEIU, Healthfirst Medicare, MetroPlus Health, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), Group Health Incorporated (GHI), Centivo, Medicare - NY, Senior Whole Health, Oxford - Freedom and Liberty, Medicare - NJ, Hotel Trades, VNSNY Choice Medicare, VillageCareMax and Partners Health Plan.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. I. Michael Leitman, MD accepts the following insurance providers:

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield

MagnaCare

Elderplan

EmblemHealth

WellCare

Oscar

Fidelis Care

Healthfirst Medicaid

United Healthcare

Aetna

Medicaid

Empire BlueCross BlueShield

Humana

Cigna

1199SEIU

Healthfirst Medicare

MetroPlus Health

Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)

Group Health Incorporated (GHI)

Centivo

Medicare - NY

Senior Whole Health

Oxford - Freedom and Liberty

Medicare - NJ

Hotel Trades

VNSNY Choice Medicare

VillageCareMax

Partners Health Plan

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Ratings & Reviews

Dr. I. Michael Leitman, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 57 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. I. Michael Leitman, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in New York, NY.

4.9

Overall Rating

(57 Ratings)

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. I. Michael Leitman, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Medical Device Business Services, Inc.	$5,721 ATTUNE $828	$4,892
Bolton Medical Inc	$358 Grafts $321	STENTS $37

**Types of Payments**
Consulting Fee	$4,892
Travel and Lodging	$619
Food and Beverage	$567

Biography

Dr. I. Leitman's area of specialization is general surgery. His average rating from his patients is 5.0 stars (out of 5). Dr. Leitman's areas of expertise include the following: diverticular disease, anti-reflux surgery, and surgical breast biopsy. He is affiliated with Mount Sinai Health System. He takes Medicaid Managed Care, Blue California, and Fidelis Care, in addition to other insurance carriers. According to Mount Sinai Health System, he is currently accepting new patients at his office in New York, NY. Before completing his residency at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Dr. Leitman attended medical school at Boston University School of Medicine. His distinctions include: Mount Sinai Faculty Council 2022 Best Doctors in New York; "Top Doctor" New York Metro Area Castle Connolly Medical Ltd; and Castle Connolly Medical Ltd 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award.