July 2008

Doc Brooks offers medical advice and lollipops

photo by Julie Wiatt

by Elizabeth Brinkama

It’s an all too familiar scenario these days. Your child needs a school physical by Monday in order to play sports and surprise, they tell you about it today. Perhaps you need to get your blood pressure or cholesterol levels checked regularly, but it’s not always convenient to see your physician during her scheduled office hours.

There are myriad reasons that a quick trip to the doctor’s office is needed, but not always possible when long lead times to make an appointment and a crystal ball to know when you will be coming down with something seem to be the norm in order to see your personal physician.

Takoma Park and Silver Spring residents, however, can now feel better faster with the arrival of our very own walk-in medical clinic to service just those needs and more.
Dr. Jacinth Brooks, Luv ‘n Care’s primary care physician, answered our most pressing questions.

What brings you to Takoma Park?

I studied medicine at Howard University College of Medicine, graduating in 1985 and then did my residency at Howard University Hospital.

For the last ten years, I have had a small town practice in Edgewater, MD. Prior to that, I was in the Langley Park/Silver Spring area. I always wanted to be the type of doctor that I had as a child. My doctor seemed like part of the family. He lived close by, greeted me in the grocery store, and made house calls.

My husband and I lived in Takoma Park as newlyweds 26 years ago and we loved it! Our children attended elementary and high school here. The close community setting in Takoma Park was what I always desired to return to, so when an office space became available, I jumped at the chance! It’s where I’d like to stay!

What about that pesky insurance?

At this time, we have decided not to participate with most insurance companies so that we can provide quality care at an affordable price. For example, we charge just $50 for a sport or school physical where insurance fees suggest we charge $75 - $100. Most patients will be reimbursed all but their co-pay because our fees are so reasonable.

From past experience, when a practice accepts most insurance, more money is spent to hire billing staff or buy billing software instead of on actual patient care. A quota of patients are then assigned to you from each insurance company making it almost impossible to service each patient in a timely manner, thus appointments are two weeks away and visits last only five minutes. This will not be the case at Luv ‘n Care.

Will I get a lollipop if you give me a shot?

Sure!

Luv n Care
7030 Carroll Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912
240-839-7133

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