Patrick’s Owners Open Skin Care Center

Patrick’s Hair Design owners Jodie and Rudy Gil have opened the Aesthetic Center of Columbia, a medical skin care center, next door to the salon. The center is under the directorship of Ravi Dahiya, M.D., who is board certified by the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery and the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. Staff members include a certified physician assistant, registered nurses and aestheticians.

Services include Botox, Xeomin, IPL, Clear Lift, Radiesse and Juvederm fillers. Laser hair and tattoo removal are available, as well as Hydrafacial and peels for all skin types. Classic facials and makeup lessons are available.

The Aesthetic Center of Columbia is located at 9194 Red Branch Road. It is open Tuesday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. For appointments, call 410-730-1100.

Howard County Direct Primary Care Open

Howard County Direct Primary Care was recently established by Dr. Orsolya Polgar after leaving the internal medicine practice at Johns Hopkins Community Physicians. Direct primary care (DPC) is a health care model that enables primary care physicians to devote more time and attention to the needs of their patients and provide more personalized care.

The DPC approach entails a doctor-patient relationship unencumbered by insurance company restraints. The practice is located on Centre Park Drive in Columbia, just off Route 100. In exchange for a yearly membership fee, Polgar offers comprehensive primary care services including annual physicals, flu shots, EKGs, on-site lab draws, secure patient portal and more.

The DPC model is being used by more and more patients, physicians and employers, and has received endorsements from organizations such as the American Academy of Family Physicians. The model is based on the notion that one needs health insurance for “catastrophic” events, like hospitalizations and emergency room visits, but not for routine care. Combining a low-cost, high-deductible insurance plan with a direct primary care membership supports that.

It is one of the ways individuals and small businesses can save on health care cost while having a primary care doctor who offers individualized care. Howard County Direct Primary Care offers discounts to local small businesses. For more information, call 443-864-5503 or visit www.drpolgar.com.