Hello,
I'm Dr. Jason Leonard, and I am board-certified in Family Medicine. I have worked as a Family Medicine physician in Sumter and Columbia with Colonial Healthcare since completing residency in 2007. I practice the full spectrum of outpatient primary care medicine, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and acute/urgent care issues. I am also board-certified in Obesity Medicine, and I have additional training in managing patients with opioid addiction. Throughout my career, I have received numerous top doctor awards, including being named on of the Top 10 Family Medicine physicians in South Carolina. I see patients of all ages, races, and backgrounds, and I am grateful that you are allowing me to participate in managing your health.
My mission is to provide outstanding care to patients in central South Carolina. I practice evidence-based medicine based on the latest guidelines and expert recommendations. I will always do my best to provide you with the most current approach to managing your conditions. When you leave my office, I hope you feel that you received value during your visit and are satisfied with the direction your health is heading. My philosophy as a doctor is that my main role is to guide you with your health - you are ultimately responsible for and in charge of your health. In that spirit, I always welcome feedback from my patients, and I encourage patients to talk to me if they feel unhappy with or unsure about the direction we are taking their care. I never want anyone to end a visit with unanswered questions or confusion about the plan we have mutually decided on. As I want to address each issue thoroughly, for patients with multiple active issues, we may not be able to address each problem at every visit.
Please bring all your medications to each visit, as well as a formulary if possible. I will always do my best to make sure you are on medications that are the most effective while also being affordable. If you cannot afford a medication or have side effects, please call my office immediately so that we can address this right away; do not wait until your next office visit. I am one of a few doctors in South Carolina that prohibits drug companies from having access to my prescribing practices, so you can rest assured that my prescription patterns are free of outside influences.
Continuity of care is a cornerstone of effective long-term health, and in that spirit, I always try to see any patient who needs a same day appointment. I would encourage you to try my office first before heading to an urgent care or emergency room as I can often handle many issues without you needing to see a provider you are not familiar with or wait an extended period of time in an ER.
If a referral is placed, my staff will contact that specialist office for you and trust that someone from that office will contact you in a reasonable time frame. If you do not hear back from your referral with-in one week, please call my office. If you are unhappy with the provider I have referred you to, please also contact my office so we can find a different provider for you.
In order to be respectful of the medical needs of our patients please be courteous and call the office promptly if you are unable to attend an appointment. This time will be reallocated to another patient who needs treatment. If it is necessary to cancel your scheduled appointment I require that you call one (1) working day in advance. Appointments are in high demand, and your early cancellation will give another patient the ability to have access to timely medical care. More than three (3) no-show appointments will result in dismissal from the practice.
While I treat almost all issues handled by a primary-care physician, I do not prescribe narcotics or benzodiazepines on a chronic basis. Therefore, you may be required to obtain these medications through a Pain Management or Psychiatry specialist. Please note that I also do not prescribe antibiotics over the phone.
Should you have questions in between visits, I have a dedicated staff member to answer calls and concerns from my patients. She works only for me and only with my patients. Her office extension is 1071, but you can reach her directly at (803) 619-5415. For your convenience, we can respond to you via voice call or text.
My goal for you is that you live a long and healthy life, and I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of your journey.
