About Our Practice

Primary Care Facilities for Gaithersburg, Rockville, Columbia, Germantown, Joppa, Silver Spring, Frederick, and Bowie, MD We aim to provide outstanding, customized healthcare services right within your local community.

First Medical Associates formerly known as doctors first

First Medical Associates Primary Care Centers are dynamic, modern practices delivering high-quality, individualized primary care in multiple convenient locations in Rockville, Germantown, Gaithersburg, Columbia, Joppa, Frederick, Silver Spring and Bowie, Maryland. We provide a comprehensive and collaborative approach to health care. Our best-in-class internists and primary care doctors are specialists in accurate diagnosis and treatment in a safe, compassionate, and friendly environment. Our core mission is to care for you across the health spectrum from treating sudden illness to chronic diseases, as well as providing a comprehensive annual medical review and physical that helps you achieve your personal health goals. In addition, we offer an extensive menu of services:

  • Diabetes & High Blood Pressure management,
  • Gynecological exams,
  • Telehealth virtual consultations,
  • Weight loss programs, and
  • Geriatric care
  • Annual Health Check-Up

Our goal is to deliver truly exceptional and highly personalized care, right in your neighborhood.

First Medical Associates provides healthcare facilities in Rockville, Germantown, Gaithersburg, Columbia, Joppa, Frederick, Silver Spring and Bowie, Maryland. Each location offers a well-trained team of physicians and advanced care practitioners who offer expert care to their patients. Whether it’s a routine check-up or a complex medical issue, the team at First Medical Associates strives to provide personalized care that meets the unique needs of each patient. Their commitment to excellence has made them a trusted provider of healthcare services in the community.

We accommodate a wide variety of prominent health insurance providers, such as Medicare, Medicaid, CareFirst BlueCross Blue Shield, and Aetna. Each of our First Medical Associates facilities is equipped with on-site laboratory and diagnostic tools to ensure prompt medical services for our patients. Our practices are characterized by individualized care and outstanding doctor-patient rapport. Our highly regarded team of family doctors possess expertise in delivering comprehensive, long-term medical assistance, as well as overseeing and organizing treatments. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you and assisting you in taking charge of your health!

Psychiatric Insurances

*Self-Pay
$150/Consultation

Accepted Insurances

  • Aetna
  • Blue Choice
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • CareFirst
  • Humana
  • Johns Hopkins Health
  • Maryland Medicaid (Wellpoint/Amerigroup Carefirst Community Plan, Aetna Medicaid, United Health Medicaid, Priority Partner-Johns Hopkins, Amerigroup and straight Medicaid)
  • Medicare (Including Medicare Advantage Plans with United Health Care, Carefirst, John Hopkins, Aetna) All Secondary Insurances accepted
  • Cigna
  • UHC

find a Location near you

First Medical Associates

Gaithersburg, MD | 301-515-2902
806 West Diamond Ave, Suite 110 Gaithersburg, MD 20878

First Medical Associates

Germantown, MD | 301-284-3181
12800 Middlebrook Road, Suite 400 Germantown, MD 20874

First Medical Associates

Rockville, MD | 301-200-1687
9601 Blackwell Road, Suite 210 Rockville, MD 20850

First Medical Associates

Columbia, MD | 410-204-4921
8600 Snowden River Pkwy, Suite 207 Columbia, MD 21045

First Medical Associates

Bowie, MD | 301-262-6797
14300 Gallant Fox Ln, Suite 110
Bowie, MD 20715

First Medical Associates

Silver Spring, MD | 301-593-7792
9801 Georgia Ave, Suite 229
Silver Spring, MD 20902

First Medical Associates

Joppa, MD | 410-918-0777
1415 S Mountain Rd, Suite 100
Joppatowne, MD 21085

First Medical Associates

Frederick, MD | 301-515-2901
196 Thomas Johnson Dr, Unit 235, Frederick, MD, 21702

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

We accept most insurance providers. If you have specific questions regarding your coverage, please contact us for additional information.

What is a primary care physician?

PCPs are like coaches. They oversee your overall health and wellness, listening to your concerns, examining your symptoms, suggesting treatment plans, prescribing medications, and referring you to specialists when necessary.

Do I need a primary care physician?

Having a primary care physician is important. They can get to know you and your medical history. Building a long-term relationship with a PCP can help you manage your health better and lower your healthcare costs over your lifetime.
Here are some added benefits of having a primary care physician:

  • Early detection and treatment of health problems
  • Referrals to specialists when needed
  • Access to preventive care, such as vaccinations and screenings
I rarely get sick, why do I need a primary care physician?
Even if you rarely get sick, it is still important to have a primary care physician. They can provide you with preventive care, such as vaccinations and screenings, and they can help you manage any chronic health conditions you may have. Routine checkups can also help to screen for diseases and conditions that you may not be aware of, and early detection is key to improved recovery chances. A PCP can also provide you with advice on how to stay healthy, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
A primary care physician can also be a valuable resource if you do get sick. They can diagnose your illness, prescribe medication, and provide you with follow-up care. They can also refer you to specialists if needed.
What should I discuss with my primary care doctor?

Here are some things you should discuss with your primary care doctor:

Your overall health and well-being.

Any chronic health conditions you may have.

Your medical history.

Your family's medical history.

Any medications you are taking.

Any allergies you have.

Any questions or concerns you have about your health.

It is also important to discuss your lifestyle with your primary care doctor. They can help you make healthy choices, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. They can also help you manage stress and get enough sleep.

Finally, it is important to discuss your preventive care with your primary care doctor. They can help you get vaccinations and screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies. They can also help you manage your blood pressure and cholesterol.

By discussing these things with your primary care doctor, you can help them provide you with the best possible care.

What is the difference between Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Primary Care?

Family medicine and internal medicine are both primary care specialties. Family medicine physicians provide care for patients of all ages, from birth to death. Internal medicine physicians provide care for adults, 18 years or older.
The main difference between family medicine and internal medicine is that family medicine physicians are trained to provide care for children, while internal medicine physicians are not. Family medicine physicians also typically have a broader range of experience, as they are trained to provide care for a wide range of medical conditions.
Both family medicine and internal medicine physicians can provide preventive care, such as vaccinations and screenings. They can also diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries. However, family medicine physicians may be more likely to refer patients to specialists, while internal medicine physicians may be more likely to provide care for complex medical conditions.
Ultimately, the best way to choose a primary care physician is to find one who is a good fit for you and your needs. You should consider your age, health conditions, and lifestyle when making your decision.

What is the role of a physician assistant or nurse practitioner in the practice?

Physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) are both advanced practice providers (APPs) who work under the supervision of a physician. They are trained to provide a wide range of medical services, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and ordering and interpreting tests.
PAs and NPs are able to provide care for a wide range of patients, from newborns to adults. They are also able to provide preventive care, such as vaccinations and screenings.
PAs and NPs play an important role in the healthcare system. They help to reduce the workload of physicians and provide care to patients who may not otherwise have access to it.
Here are some of the specific roles of PAs and NPs in the practice:

  • Diagnosing and treating illnesses: PAs and NPs are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses, including common colds, flu, allergies, and skin problems. They can also prescribe medications to treat these illnesses.
  • Prescribing medications: PAs and NPs are able to prescribe medications to treat a wide range of illnesses. They can also prescribe medications to manage chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
  • Ordering and interpreting tests: PAs and NPs are able to order and interpret tests, such as blood tests, X-rays, and MRIs. They can also interpret the results of these tests and make recommendations to patients.
  • Providing preventive care: PAs and NPs are able to provide preventive care, such as vaccinations and screenings. They can also provide advice on how to stay healthy, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
  • Educating patients: PAs and NPs are able to educate patients about their health and how to manage their health conditions. They can also provide information on healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

meet our providers

Meera Ramakrishnan

Meera Ramakrishnan

M.D.

Aashish Dewan

Aashish Dewan

M.D.

Babak Kazemi Nia

Babak Kazemi Nia

M.D.

Karthya Potti

Karthya Potti

M.D.

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