Dr. Savitha Manickam, MD – Family Physician | Rockville, MD

Dr. Savitha Manickam, MD is a Family Physician practicing at her clinic in Rockville, MD. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, patient-centered family medical care. Dr. Savitha Manickam is currently welcoming new patients to her practice. Please call (301) 990-3190 to inquire or schedule an appointment.

Dr. Savitha Manickam, MD is a family medicine physician in Rockville, MD and has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. She provides continuous and comprehensive primary medical care for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. This includes preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of ongoing health needs, serving as the central point for patient care. She serves patients of all ages and provides consultations primarily in English. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in family medicine, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients.

Dr. Savitha Manickam is registered with The Maryland Board of Physicians and practices under the Maryland Health Occupations Code, Title 14 (Physicians). She graduated from ECLECTIC MEDICINE UNIVERSITY in 2000 and is affiliated with The Johns Hopkins Hospital. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Her approach to care emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and collaborative physician-patient relationships. Dr. Savitha Manickam is committed to the ongoing health and well-being of her patients and the community she serves.

Dr. Savitha Manickam addresses a wide range of common health concerns, including:

• Tobacco Use Disorder: This involves providing support and resources to help patients quit smoking and address nicotine addiction.
• or Poison Sumac Poisoning: This involves diagnosing and treating the allergic skin reaction caused by exposure to poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
• Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis): This involves diagnosing and treating inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the inner surface of the eyelids and covering the sclera.
• Hypercalcemia: This involves diagnosing and managing abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood.
• Low Back Pain: This involves evaluating and managing low back pain through various approaches, including pain management and physical therapy recommendations.
• Confusion: This involves evaluating and determining the underlying cause of confusion, which can have many potential origins.
• Asthma: This involves managing asthma symptoms and preventing attacks through medication and lifestyle adjustments.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This involves diagnosing and treating infections affecting the urinary tract.
• Amenorrhea: This involves evaluating and managing the absence of menstruation.
• Osteoarthritis: This involves managing osteoarthritis pain and symptoms through various therapies.
• Excessive Menstrual Bleeding: This involves evaluating and managing abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Eczema and Contact Dermatitis: This involves diagnosing and treating inflammatory skin conditions.
• Abdominal Pain: This involves evaluating and determining the cause of abdominal pain.
• Obesity: This involves developing a comprehensive plan to address weight management.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Savitha Manickam addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Family Physician manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how she can assist with your specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms you are experiencing, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Dr. Savitha Manickam offers a range of services to meet her patients' healthcare needs, such as:

• Mammography: This imaging technique helps detect breast abnormalities.
• Diabetes Counseling: This involves providing education and support to patients with diabetes.
• Anemia and Iron Deficiency Screening: This involves testing to detect low red blood cell counts and iron deficiency.
• Spinal and Postural Screening: This involves assessing the spine and posture for potential problems.
• Trichomoniasis Screening: This involves testing for this sexually transmitted infection.
• Skin Testing and Screening: This involves examining the skin for abnormalities and performing allergy tests.
• Breast Cancer Screening: This involves providing screenings to detect breast cancer early.
• Drug Allergy Testing: This involves testing to identify drug allergies.
• Home Sleep Study: This involves performing a sleep study in the comfort of the patient's home.
• HeartAware Online Risk Screening: This involves using an online tool to assess cardiovascular risk.
• Melanoma Screening: This involves screening for melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
• Hepatitis C Virus Screening: This involves testing for the hepatitis C virus.
• Memory Evaluation: This involves assessing memory function.
• Chlamydia Infection Screening: This involves testing for this sexually transmitted infection.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Savitha Manickam. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a specialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Family Physicians in Maryland and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Maryland Board of Physicians.

Dr. Savitha Manickam is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. Whether it's managing common concerns or pursuing preventative wellness, she helps patients set and reach meaningful goals. The following examples illustrate how this collaborative approach with Dr. Savitha Manickam can make a difference in patients' lives:

• With effective management, patients experiencing excessive menstrual bleeding find relief from heavy flows and debilitating symptoms. This allows them to resume normal activities and enjoy a better quality of life without the constant worry and disruption.
• With careful management, patients experiencing amenorrhea often regain regular menstrual cycles, leading to a renewed sense of well-being and allowing them to pursue family planning goals with greater confidence. This restoration of hormonal balance can also alleviate associated symptoms and improve overall health.
• With careful management, many osteoarthritis patients experience reduced pain and increased mobility, enabling them to return to favorite activities like gardening or playing with grandchildren. Their improved quality of life allows for greater independence and enjoyment of daily life.
• Patients find renewed freedom from nicotine's grip, reclaiming their health and enjoying previously impossible activities like hiking or spending time with loved ones without shortness of breath. This improved lung function and overall well-being allows them to actively participate in life again.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of how patients, with the support of Dr. Savitha Manickam, can achieve positive health outcomes and resume meaningful activities. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

The practice is situated in a family medicine practice in the Rockville, Maryland area. It is conveniently located near key city attractions and public services in Rockville and is generally accessible via local transportation options serving Rockville. The clinic is designed to be accessible to all patients, with features to accommodate various mobility needs. Patients usually find parking readily available in the vicinity of the practice.

Understanding your insurance coverage is an important step in planning your healthcare with Dr. Savitha Manickam. The clinic may accept a variety of insurance plans. Below is a list of some insurance networks that Dr. Savitha Manickam or the clinic may be affiliated with. However, this list is subject to change and may not be exhaustive.

• Aetna
  • Plan: APCN Open Access Aetna Select
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS II
  • Plan: Elect Choice (Open Access), Type: EPO
  • Plan: Managed Choice (Open Access), Type: POS
  • Plan: Open Choice, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Premier Care Network APCN Choice (OAMC), Type: POS II
  • Plan: Select
  • Plan: Small Group Maryland Elect Choice Open Access
  • Plan: Small Group Maryland, Type: HMO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: Blue Card, Type: PPO
• CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: HealthyBlue, Type: HMO
• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  • Plan: BlueChoice Advantage, Type: POS
  • Plan: BluePreferred, Type: PPO
  • Plan: HealthBlue, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Maryland, Type: POS
• Cigna
  • Plan: Cigna PPO
  • Plan: Open Access Plus
• Curative
  • Plan: Curative EPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO
  • Plan: Curative PPO Plus
• First Health
  • Plan: First Health (Coventry Health Care), Type: PPO
• Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Plan: BCBS, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Community Blue, Type: PPO
  • Plan: PPOBlue, Type: PPO
  • Plan: Performance Blue
  • Plan: myBlue Access, Type: EPO
• MVP Health Care
  • Plan: MVP Health Plan, Type: EPO
• UnitedHealthCare
  • Plan: Choice Plus, Type: POS
  • Plan: MD IPA/Optimum Choice HMO/Preferred POS HMO, Type: HMO-POS
  • Plan: Medica Choice
  • Plan: Nexus Open Access
  • Plan: Options, Type: PPO

Important Note on Insurance Verification:

Insurance networks and accepted plans can change frequently and without prior notice. The list above, if provided, is for general guidance only and may not be completely up-to-date or cover all specific plans within a network. It is imperative that patients personally verify that Dr. Savitha Manickam is currently an in-network provider for their specific insurance plan, and fully understand all coverage details (including co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance requirements, and any need for referrals or pre-authorizations for services with Dr. Savitha Manickam) by contacting their insurance provider directly BEFORE scheduling an appointment. You should also confirm acceptance of your specific plan with our office at (301) 990-3190 when you call to schedule. While our staff can assist with general insurance questions, your insurance company is the definitive source for your coverage information. Understanding your benefits ahead of time helps prevent unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

Please be aware that some services, such as certain preventative screenings not covered under your specific plan, administrative forms, or non-medically necessary procedures, may not be covered by insurance and could be your financial responsibility.

Dr. Savitha Manickam may be affiliated with one or more local hospitals to ensure seamless care for patients requiring hospitalization. Affiliations can include:

• The Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, MD)

She earned her medical degree from ECLECTIC MEDICINE UNIVERSITY in 2000.

She is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Are services from Dr. Savitha Manickam typically covered by health insurance in Maryland?

Dr. Savitha Manickam, as a Family Physician in Maryland, likely accepts a variety of health insurance plans, including major private insurers, Medicare, and potentially state Medicaid programs. However, it is absolutely crucial that you verify with your specific insurance provider AND with our clinic's office at (301) 990-3190 prior to your appointment to confirm that Dr. Savitha Manickam is 'in-network' for your plan and to understand your specific coverage details, including co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, and any referral requirements for specialist visits if applicable. Some services (e.g., most cosmetic procedures, some administrative forms, non-medically necessary visits) may not be covered by insurance and could result in out-of-pocket expenses. Please ask our office about policies for uninsured or self-pay patients if applicable.

Do I typically need a referral to see Dr. Savitha Manickam as my Family Physician, or to see a specialist?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Savitha Manickam to establish care as your Family Physician/Primary Care Physician (PCP), provided she is accepting new patients. However, to see most medical specialists (e.g., cardiologist, dermatologist), Dr. Savitha Manickam will typically provide a referral after an assessment. Many insurance plans, particularly HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations), do require a referral from your designated PCP (Dr. Savitha Manickam, if so chosen) for specialist visits to be covered. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans may offer more flexibility for self-referral to specialists, but this might result in higher out-of-pocket costs if the specialist is out-of-network or if a referral would have secured better coverage. Always check the referral requirements of your specific insurance plan.

Can you explain common health insurance terms like co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance?

Certainly! A co-pay (or copayment) is a fixed amount (e.g., $25 or $50) you pay for a covered healthcare service, like a doctor's visit or a prescription, at the time of service. Your insurance plan pays the rest of the allowed amount. A deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket for covered healthcare services *before* your insurance plan starts to pay its share (e.g., you might have a $1,000 annual deductible). Preventive services are often covered before meeting the deductible. Co-insurance is your share of the costs of a covered healthcare service, calculated as a percentage (e.g., 20%) of the allowed amount for the service, which you pay *after* you've met your deductible. For example, if the allowed amount is $100 and your co-insurance is 20%, you pay $20 and your insurer pays $80 (after deductible). These amounts and how they apply vary greatly by insurance plan. Dr. Savitha Manickam recommends you consult your insurance plan documents or contact your insurer's member services for details specific to your policy.

Does Dr. Savitha Manickam at your clinic offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Savitha Manickam at our clinic may offer telehealth (virtual video or phone) appointments for certain types of consultations when clinically appropriate, permitted by state regulations, and covered by your insurance plan. These can be convenient for discussing some test results, managing stable chronic conditions, certain prescription renewals (not typically for new controlled substances), or some mental health follow-ups. However, many conditions, new significant problems, or situations requiring a physical examination (like listening to your heart/lungs or examining a rash) will still necessitate an in-person visit for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr. Savitha Manickam if a telehealth appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Insurance coverage, co-pays, and deductibles for telehealth visits can vary significantly by plan and insurer; please verify with your insurance provider and our clinic regarding your specific plan's coverage for telehealth services with Dr. Savitha Manickam before scheduling such an appointment.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. Savitha Manickam?

For most routine prescription refills, please contact your pharmacy first, ideally 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can often send an electronic refill request directly to Dr. Savitha Manickam's office. Please allow at least 24-72 business hours for these requests to be processed by Dr. Savitha Manickam and the pharmacy. For certain medications (e.g., controlled substances like opioids or stimulants, or medications requiring close monitoring like blood thinners), or if it has been a significant time (e.g., as determined by Dr. Savitha Manickam, often 6-12 months) since your last review with Dr. Savitha Manickam, an appointment will likely be required to assess your condition, ensure the medication is still appropriate and at the correct dose, and meet regulatory requirements. Some insurance plans may require prior authorization for certain medications, which our office can help initiate, but this can add time. It is always best to request refills proactively and not wait until you are completely out of medication.

What exactly is a Family Physician (Family Physician) and what is their role in the US healthcare system?

A Family Physician, often your Primary Care Physician (PCP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families across all ages and life stages – from newborns to seniors. In the US healthcare system, they serve as your main point of contact for most health concerns, offering preventative care (like wellness visits, immunizations, health screenings), diagnosing and treating acute illnesses (such as infections or minor injuries), managing chronic conditions (like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma), providing mental health support, and coordinating your care by referring you to specialists when necessary. A key aspect of their role is building long-term relationships with patients to promote overall health and navigate the complexities of the US healthcare system.

I have multiple health problems (multimorbidity). How does Dr. Savitha Manickam handle complex care?

If you have several health issues, Dr. Savitha Manickam is well-equipped to be your central point of care and your 'medical home'. Her role includes understanding how your different conditions and their treatments might impact each other, helping you to navigate the US healthcare system (including specialist referrals and insurance considerations for complex care), and ensuring that all aspects of your health are considered in your overall treatment plan. Dr. Savitha Manickam will work with you and other specialists to manage your health comprehensively and advocate for your best interests.

What if Dr. Savitha Manickam works in a group practice or medical group? Will I always see Dr. Savitha Manickam?

Dr. Savitha Manickam practices as part of a group practice, which often means you have access to a team of healthcare professionals, potentially including other physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), nurses, medical assistants, and sometimes on-site or closely affiliated dietitians or behavioral health specialists. While the goal is always to promote continuity with your primary Family Physician, Dr. Savitha Manickam, for some urgent same-day issues, routine follow-ups for stable conditions, or if Dr. Savitha Manickam is unavailable (e.g., on vacation or at a conference), you might be offered an appointment with another trusted member of the care team. This collaborative, team-based approach can enhance access to care, provide comprehensive support, and ensure your needs are met promptly. The clinic will always strive to have you see Dr. Savitha Manickam for complex or ongoing issues where that established physician-patient relationship is most crucial.

14955 Shady Grove Rd Ste 100
Rockville MD 20850
Phone: (301) 990-3190

Dr. Savitha Manickam, MD is regulated by the Maryland Health Occupations Code, Title 14 (Physicians) in Maryland and is licensed by The Maryland Board of Physicians.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1952574840

Registration can typically be verified through The Maryland Board of Physicians website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Family Physicians like Dr. Savitha Manickam are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your Family Physician about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners or specialists.