A pre-college physical exam is a must

Before you go to college, get a physical

You may need to take a pre-college physical exam before you enroll in a university or college — and you should anyway. The first step in taking charge of your own health is to visit a doctor and find out about any medical issues that may affect your life on campus. You can have this done by your own doctor before you leave home, or go to a primary care facility near campus.

A pre-college physical exam will look at both your current health and your medical history. Bring a record of your immunizations and find out if you need any booster shots. Bring a record of your medical history, and be prepared to undergo a complete physical examination. The doctor will discuss your unique health concerns, how to stay healthy on campus and what dangers to avoid. There may also be lab tests. Make sure you find out if you are still covered by the same insurance policy as your parents.

Prrimary care facilities in Germantown

Look for a primary care facility near where you will be living. A good place to get a pre-college physical exam in the Germantown area is Germantown Primary Care Associates, which serves patients in Montgomery County, Germantown, Gaithersburg and Hyattstown. Dr. Manbir Takhar is the Chief Medical Officer. If they cannot fit you into their schedule, they will direct you to their sister unit next door, Medical Access. The basic physical costs $70. Make an appointment today.

Germantown Primary Care offers experienced care for your needs.

Primary care physicians for Gemantown, MD

Primary care doctors in Germantown, MD and Montgomery County take care of you and your family with compassionate medical care. Our office puts the needs of patients first, which includes maintaining our own clinical lab. This saves our patients the time and energy it takes to run all over Germantown, MD and Montgomery County looking for a clinic. We are proud to say that own clinical lab exceeds OHSA standards.

Don’t let another year slip by before making an appointment with caring primary care doctor to discuss your health. Medical issues are usually more easily resolved in the early stages than in later ones. 

Schedule a primary care evaluation

Whether it’s time for your annual physical or it’s been a few years since you stepped into a primary care doctor’s office, we want you to be at peak health. The doctors at our office want to discuss your medical health history, as well as your family’s medical history, including the health of your parents and grandparents.

Dr. Manbir Takhar and her compassionate staff at Germantown Primary Care time to talk to you about any health concerns you or your family are facing.  Be sure to be honest about your health during this exam and know that our office is there to help you.

Whether you need sports physicals, immunizations or an annual medical check-ups, we are here for you. Contact Germantown Primary Care Associates to schedule an appointment today. We offer experienced primarycare to residents in Montgomery County, Germantown, Gaithersburg and Hyattstown.  

The best quality primary care available

You are encouraged to become a part of Germantown Primary Care Associates (GPCA), especially if you are in search of the best primary care available. The clinic tests for diseases like MMR, Shingles, Yellow Fever and TB. They also offer cancer prevention, vaccinations and annual, college and sports physicals. They are a primary care facility in Germantown, MD and Montgomery County. GPCA aims to be available whenever their patients may need them. They also look out for the patient's best interest. Undivided attention is just one of the opportunities available for every patient during their appointment. This is done so GPCA can offer unprecedented primary care and become a partner with their patient.

A primary care physician can often make the experience uncomfortable and stressful. But not GPCA. They aim to improve the health and lifestyle of each patient by being a complete part of the situation the patient is experiencing. GPCA has more than twenty years of experience, making them the best primary care in the area. A.C.T. is the clinic's mission, which stands for availability, compassion and care and trust. In this way, they can influence and improve each and every patient's life. They offer extended hours and are open on weekends and holidays for all your emergency needs. GPCA wants to improve the lifestyle of their patient's so they don't have to rely on medication, if possible.

The best primary care doctors at GPCA

The best primary care available in Germantown, MD is due to dedicated and friendly doctors. Dr. Manbir Takhar is board certified in Internal Medicine. She completed her undergraduate degree and medical degree in 1986. She is prepared to handle any types of illness or injury, due to high patient volume in her previous work. Dr. Joseluis Jimenez is another doctor at the clinic. He brings with him a diversified medical background to Germantown, MD and Montgomery County. Dr. Hiru Khianey is the perfect doctor to see if you want to go to the most experienced physician at GPCA.

If you are looking for a primary care physician, you will obviously want the best primary care. GPCA are serving patients in Montgomery County, Germantown, Gaithersburg and Hyattstown, MD. There are testimonials on the website that prove that GPCA has the highest quality primary care. The clinic has a medical laboratory on site, as well as various laboratory equipment and apparatus that is used in examinations. The clinic is proud to announce that their standards are even higher than the ones set by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).

Primary care physicians in the Germantown, MD area

When trying to find a primary care physician, patients are looking for a doctor who cares. They want undivided attention during appointments and a doctor who can be available during weekends and holidays in case of emergencies. Patients are looking for qualified and experienced doctors, as well as those that are caring and friendly with a good bedside manner. Germantown Primary Care Associates (GPCA) has it all and then some. GPCA offers weekend and holiday hours, as well as providing extended weekday hours. The doctors at GPCA hope to have a partnership with each patient, giving them the best chance of getting excellent primary care. The doctors care about each of their patients and follow a mission statement called A.C.T. This stands for availability, compassion and care and trust.

The staff is competent with a state-of-the-art laboratory. This allows GPCA to work more quickly and offers a better way to analyze their patients. The clinic also has lab equipment and x-ray services used in exams. GPCA treats burns, physicals, animal bites, STDs, heart health concerns, and breast exams. The GPCA actually exceeds the requirements of OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration). The clinic has more than twenty years of experience in providing patients the best primary care available in Germantown, MD and Montgomery County. They try to avoid prescribing medication, while instead focusing on better health habits and better eating habits.

Primary care physician Dr. Manbir Takhar

Dr. Manbir Takhar is the Chief Medical Officer at GPCA since 2012. She completed her medical degree in 1986 and is board-certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Takhar is accustomed to a heavy patient load due to her work at a walk-in clinic and emergency room. She is a Medical Review Officer, certified by The Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC), as well as being a Civil Surgeon, a post appointed to her by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Other doctors at the clinic are Dr. Hiru Khianey and Dr. Joseluis Jimenez.

Dr. Khianey is a key Internist at GPCA and focuses on teaching preventative care and wellness. She has a good mix of Western medicine and Eastern philosophy. With his Masters in Health Administration, Dr. Jimenez is accustomed to trauma centers and small and large health organizations. If you are looking for great primary care physicians, consider GPCA. With unique advice for each patient, outcomes are guaranteed for your personal situation. They are currently serving patients in Montgomery County, Germantown, Gaithersburg and Hyattstown, MD. Schedule you consultation appointment today.

Information about primary care services

What is primary care?

Primary care is essential to your health. Your primary care doctor should be your first point of contact for all of your continuous, comprehensive care, and the person you call when you suspect you have an undiagnosed health concern, sign, or symptom. By maintaining a long-term relationship with their patients, primary care doctors are able to keep better track of how they are progressing with treatments, know their medical history, and provide individualized care. It is important for you to choose a primary care physician that you feel you can speak openly with regarding any issues you may be having. Your local primary care clinic serves patients in Germantown, MD and throughout Montgomery County, offering superior services for all of your primary care needs, and is easily accessible via major thoroughfares.

Germantown Primary Care

Germantown Primary Care has had thousands of patients throughout Germantown, Gaithersburg, Hyattstown, and Montgomery County for almost two decades. Germantown Primary Care’s Chief Medical Officer is Dr. Manbir Takhar, a position she has had since 2012, and previously with Medical Access PC since 1999. The clinic offers all standard primary care services, including: vaccinations and travel vaccinations; screening for heart and lung health, testing for anemia, STDs, diabetes, pregnancy, and more; physicals, including the annual, sports, pre-college, Department of Transportation, and immigration physicals; family planning; counseling and support; treatment for injuries like burns, strains, sprains, and fractures; treatment for skin disorders, rashes, adverse reactions, and Lyme disease; treatment for bladder, yeast, and urinary infections; allergy testing; and prostate and breast exams. 

Primary care doctors and services in Germantown, MD and Montgomery County

Overview

Primary care includes medical examinations, internal medicine, treatments, diagnoses, and other health services. Patients in Germantown, MD, Montgomery County, and the surrounding areas can visit their local primary care clinic for these important services.

Physicals

Your primary care clinic offers a number of physical examinations to suit your needs and lifestyle, including the annual, sports, pre-college, DoT, and immigration physical. The sports physical is for children and teens involved in school sports that require proof of ability to play safely. The pre-college physical is a requirement of most colleges and universities before students can attend campus. The DoT physical is required of all Department of Transportation employees.

Other Evaluations

In addition to the standard exams and evaluations that are part of the annual physical, individuals may require specific evaluations. This includes testing for STDs and pregnancy, family planning, prostate and breast exams, Pap smears, testing for skin disorders, lung health, and heart health.

Lab Tests

Your primary care clinic my suggest certain lab tests, and can write scripts for them. Lab tests may be for: STDs, anemia, cholesterol, tuberculosis, or thyroid problems.

Immunizations

All of the standard vaccinations, flu and travel vaccinations, and TB and allergy testing are offered at your local primary care clinic. 

Your Clinic

Germantown Primary Care has seen thousands of patients over the past two decades throughout Germantown, Hyattstown, Gaithersburg, and Montgomery County. The Chief Medical Officer of Germantown Primary Care Associates has been Dr. Manbir Takhar since 2012. She has a passion for using her expertise to better the lives of her patients.

Primary care in Germantown, MD and Montgomery County

Primary Care Overview

Primary care services include overall exams, diagnoses, and treatments. Individuals in the Germantown, MD and Montgomery County areas can visit their local quality clinic for primary care services.

Specific Evaluations

The specific evaluations offered as part of primary care include diagnosis and care of long-term health conditions, treatments for STDs, prostate exams, breast exams, Pap smears, pregnancy tests, family planning, testing and treatment for skin disorders, lung health (Pulmonary Function Tests), heart health (ECHO, stress tests, and EKGs), and wellness exams. Primary care also includes immunizations and an annual physical, in which a clinic staff member will check your: nose, joints, muscles, lungs, heart, abdomen, eyes, ears, skin, throat, neck and thyroid glands, breasts, and, for women, possibly also the pelvis. Lab tests may be required, which could include tests for: STDs, tuberculosis, thyroid problems, anemia, and cholesterol. Your blood pressure, weight, and height will also be measured, and you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire.

Your Clinic

Germantown Primary Care offers a wide range of services and facilities to meet your needs in Montgomery County, Germantown, Gaithersburg, and Hyattstown. The medical team, including Dr. Manbir Takhar, offers both progressive medical treatments and all-inclusive, quality urgent care. Dr. Takhar has been the Chief Medical Officer of Medical Access PC since 1999, and the Germantown Primary Care Associates since 2012. This quality clinic pushes to consistently be available to meet patients’ clinical needs, provide individual care and attention during consultations, and gain every patient’s trust. The clinic is easily accessible from all major thoroughfares.

Germantown Primary Care Associates’ tips for creating a personal wellness program

Germantown Primary Care Associates ideas for creating your own wellness program

Germantown Primary Care Associates and their medical director, Dr. Manbir Takhar recommend following a few key steps to create a successful program.

Know the status of your current health

You can make an appointment at Germantown Primary Care Associates for a full physical exam to determine if there are any health conditions which may impact your wellness program.  

Make time

Before you begin, make sure you carve out time for yourself every day.  Primary caredoctors, including Dr. Takhar recommend ensuring you have the time and energy to sustain your wellness routine.

Rest up

Another incredibly important part of a personal wellness program is getting the proper amount of sleep and rest.   

Manage stress

It is important that you do all that you can to manage the stress in your life.  Once you identify your stressors, then you can work to avoid them. 

Eating healthy

One of the most important parts of your personal wellness program is nutrition.  Eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugars and unhealthy fats is key. 

Exercise

Exercise is key to a successful personal wellness program. Even ten minutes a day of walking can make a difference in your health.  Find something you enjoy and commit to doing it at least five times per week.

Germantown Primary Care Associates, serving patients in Montgomery County, Germantown, Gaithersburg and Hyattstown are the recognized experts in primary care and overall wellness and will be happy to help you as you create your own personal wellness program.

  

Steps to selecting a primary care doctor

Finding a good primary care doctor

One of the most important health decisions is selecting the right primary care doctor.  Germantown Primary Care Associates in Germantown, MD is the perfect choice for primary care in Montgomery County.  Since it is difficult to find reliable and user-friendly information on specific practices or doctors, there are a few strategies you can use to help select the best primary care doctor for you. 

Choosing a primary care doctor

Many insurance plans require you to select one doctor to serve as your primary care physician.  This doctor will be your primary health care provider, not only treating common medical problems, but also making referrals to specialists when needed.  

Insurance coverage

Check the insurance company’s directory of approved providers.  These doctors will be part of the approved network of providers covered by your health insurance.  Germantown Primary Care Associates works with all the major insurance companies and will be happy to work with yours.

Check the doctor’s board certification

When a physician is board certified, it means they have earned a medical degree from a qualified medical school, passed one or more exams issued by the American Board of Medical Specialties, and are licensed by your state medical board.  Doctors are expected to participate in continuing education to remain certified.  Board certification means a physician is trained and qualified in that specialty.

Germantown Primary Care Associates in Germantown MD provides the best primary care in Montgomery County.  Give them a call to set up an appointment and choose them as your primary care provider.

Choosing primary care providers for your family

Choosing primary care for your health needs

Often, the first level of contact you will have with the health care system is through your primary care provider.  This can mean visiting a health clinic, a family doctor, or a pharmacy.  Primary care focuses on treating short-term medical issues, as well as managing longer term health problems. 

Objectives of primary care

Primary care is about a team approach to health care.  Germantown Primary Care Associates in Germantown, Maryland is a perfect example of how a team of healthcare professionals can provide quick, thorough and seamless health care to their patients.  The healthcare team at Germantown Primary Care Associates provides total healthcare to its patients all in one place.  When you seek primary care at a clinic such as Germantown Primary Care Associates, all of your health care professionals are in one place minimizing the time you spend on getting diagnosis and treatment. 

Choose the right primary care provider

When you select your primary care provider it is important to consider three factors.  First, a primary care physician should care.  Your doctor should listen to your concerns and ask the right questions to get to know their patients.  Next, the primary care doctor or provider must be competent to practice quality medicine.  Check the physician’s training and background online.  Are they board-certified?  And, last select a primary care physician who is technologically connected.  Ask your primary care provider how they schedule appointments.  Can you schedule online?  Do they provide email updates or online access to your medical information?  At Germantown Primary Care Associates in Germantown, Maryland the patient is first and each and every member of the staff works to ensure it remains that way.

How to choose a primary care doctor

What is a primary care physician?

Primary care physicians are much like the earlier family care doctors who treat everyone in the family and know all their medical histories.   Primary care doctors do not specialize in a specific medical area, but help their patients maintain their overall health and wellness by focusing on preventive care. 

What type of doctor can be a primary care doctor?

There are usually three medical specialties which can also be primary care doctors.  These include the family or general practice physician, the internal medicine physician and pediatricians.  The primary care physicians at Germantown Primary Care Associates possess a wide range of expertise and skills and can treat everyone in the family.

How to locate a primary care doctor

This is not something you should do lightly.  It is important to research possible primary care doctors to ensure you find the right doctor for you and your family.  First, check your health insurance plan.  They will usually have a list of doctors who are taking new patients and are in your network.  If you are moving, ask your current doctor for recommendations and even referrals. Check with your local hospital to see if they have a referral service. 

Why designate a primary care doctor?

These physicians see their patients regularly and are trained to look for symptoms which the patient may not notice.  Many times, patients do not notice when they develop a health problem and it can go for years without treatment resulting in a serious chronic health issue.

The primary care physicians at Germantown Primary Care Associates work to develop a relationship with their patient in order to keep illness at bay.  Give them a call today to set up your primary care appointment.

Primary care doctors note new research on treating migraine headaches

New research studies migraines and meditation

Primary care physicians are paying attention to new research which indicates that meditation is a good option for treating adultswith migraines. Primary care physicians know that stress can trigger headaches and research out of Wake Forest Baptist indicates meditation and yoga intervention can help relieve this stress.  Germantown Primary Care Associates in Germantown, Maryland believe this research may prove valuable in treating adults who suffer from chronic migraine headaches.

Primary care migraine treatment options

During the study, each research participant tracked their headaches in a headache log. They noted severity, frequency, and duration of any migraines they experienced.  Researchers found that those who received the MSBR intervention had fewer migraines which were less severe.  They also found that participants’ headaches were shorter and less disabling.  Research participants also experienced increased mindfulness and self-efficacy, including a feeling of more personal control over their migraines.  The study participants experienced no adverse events and were able to stay with the program.

Study participants who received the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MSBR) intervention experienced an average 1.4 fewer migraines during the research period.  Their headaches were also less severe and did not last as long. The primary care physicians at Germantown Primary Care Associates believe MSBR is a viable option for treating adults with migraines.

Whether you suffer from migraines or the common cold, Germantown Primary Care Associates in Germantown, Maryland can treat your medical condition.  Dr. Manbir Takhar and her professional team of medical personnel are the absolute best.  They are knowledgeable and up-to-date on all medical interventions and treatments.  Give them a call today to schedule your primary care appointment.