Looking to level up your health and wellness? Primary Health of Connecticut is where you can start. Dr. Nicole Maksymiw offers a truly different approach. They are redefining the healthcare experience. This means no more long waits, no more rushed appointments, and no more chasing results. Just premium individualized care and bespoke service. We spoke to Dr. Maksymiw to learn more.
FLM: What is your focus and speciality?
Dr. Nicole Maksymiw: I am an Internal Medicine-trained physician who practices adult primary care. I am passionate about preventive medicine and helping patients stay healthy before problems arise. I also believe that a strong physician-patient relationship is one of the most important factors in achieving better health outcomes.
FLM: What was the catalyst for opening Primary Health?
Dr. Nicole Maksymiw: I have been a primary care physician for more than 10 years and have worked in a variety of healthcare settings. Over time, healthcare has become increasingly complex, and many physicians have less flexibility in how they care for their patients. Visit times have become shorter, and meaningful doctor-patient relationships can be more difficult to maintain. In my search for a better way to practice medicine, I discovered the Direct Primary Care model. This approach allows me to spend significantly more time with patients—often an hour or more—and be more accessible when they need me. Patients can call or text me directly rather than navigating a call center, and together we can address concerns early, before they develop into larger health issues. My goal is to bring primary care back to what it should be, a trusted relationship between a patient and their physician.
FLM: How does your approach differ from a more conventional philosophy?
Dr. Nicole Maksymiw: My practice operates using the Direct Primary Care model. Rather than billing insurance for primary care services, patients pay a monthly membership fee that covers their care. This includes primary care visits, urgent care visits, follow-up appointments, and communication by phone, text and email. Because I am not constrained by the traditional insurance model, I can offer longer appointments, greater accessibility, and more personalized care. I am also able to provide access to heavily discounted laboratory testing, with many comprehensive lab panels costing only $30–$40. Patients who prefer to use their insurance for laboratory testing are welcome to do so as well.
FLM: Who is your typical patient?
Dr. Nicole Maksymiw: Through my practice, I care for patients throughout Fairfield County. My patients vary widely in age, background, and life circumstances. What many of them have in common is a desire to return to a more personal model of healthcare, one where they have a dedicated physician who knows them, is accessible when they need help, and takes the time to listen.
FLM: What can a new patient expect working with your team that maybe has been missing from their previous care?
Dr. Nicole Maksymiw: Many patients come to me frustrated by long wait times, difficulty reaching their doctor's office, or seeing a different provider at every visit. One of the biggest benefits of the Direct Primary Care model is that patients can address concerns when they first arise rather than waiting weeks or months for an appointment. The process begins with a complimentary meet-and-greet so we can determine whether the practice is a good fit. Patients then schedule a comprehensive annual physical that lasts at least an hour. During that visit, I take a detailed medical history, review current health concerns, and develop a personalized plan. Laboratory testing is often ordered, and patients return soon afterward to review results and discuss next steps together. Patients can call or text me directly with questions or concerns and receive a timely response. That accessibility allows us to address issues early and maintain continuity of care.
FLM: Another unique aspect of your practice is that you also work with small business owners. Can you elaborate on that and why?
Dr. Nicole Maksymiw: Many small business owners would like to provide meaningful healthcare benefits for their employees but struggle with the rising cost of traditional insurance premiums. Direct Primary Care offers an affordable solution that gives employees direct access to a physician. For many businesses, it serves as a valuable employee benefit that improves access to healthcare while helping employees stay healthy and productive. It is a practical way for small businesses to invest in their workforce without the financial burden of providing comprehensive insurance coverage.
FLM: If you could share some proactive tips for boosting health as we head into the fall, what would it be?
Dr. Nicole Maksymiw: Fall marks the beginning of cold and flu season, so it is important to focus on the fundamentals of good health. Regular physical activity, even something as simple as a daily walk, can improve overall health and support the immune system. Strength training is another valuable addition that can help maintain muscle mass and overall wellness as we age. A balanced diet that is low in sugar and highly processed carbohydrates can help reduce inflammation and support long-term health. Finally, I encourage patients to stay up to date on recommended vaccinations, including the annual flu vaccine.
FLM: What has been the most fulfilling aspect of your work as a primary care physician?
Dr. Nicole Maksymiw: The reason I chose primary care is that I enjoy building meaningful relationships with my patients. Having my own practice has allowed me to reconnect with that aspect of medicine in a way that was becoming increasingly difficult in traditional healthcare settings. Because I am able to spend more time with each patient, we can have deeper conversations, better understand the factors affecting their health, and work together to address the root causes of many concerns. Seeing patients improve over time and knowing that I have been able to make a meaningful difference in their lives is the most rewarding part of what I do.
Primary Health of Connecticut
324 Elm Street, Suite 203A
Monroe, CT 06468
203-212-9959
primaryhealthct.com
I also believe that a strong physician-patient relationship is one of the most important factors in achieving better health outcomes.