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Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm Friday 8:30am - 12pm

Viraj V. Tirmal, MD LLC

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Burtonsville, MD
Viraj V. Tirmal, MD LLC

Dr. Viraj Tirmal offers expert, personalized care in Burtonsville, MD, serving nearby communities.

In my primary care practice, I am deeply committed to fostering a stronger doctor-patient relationship that prioritizes personalized care and understanding each individual's unique health journey. I strive to cultivate a warm and approachable environment where patients feel more empowered to actively participate in their healthcare decisions as they work to pursue better health outcomes and quality of life. As a board-certified internal medicine physician, I specialize in providing comprehensive and individualized healthcare services. My practice focuses on a wide range of health concerns, including longevity, weight loss, diabetes, cardiovascular health, nutrition, hypertension and sleep disorders. Located in Burtonsville, Maryland, my practice serves communities throughout Silver Spring, Laurel, Columbia, and Rockville. Utilizing a patient-centered approach, I aim to understand each patient's unique medical history, lifestyle and health goals, and I partner with them to tailor action plans accordingly. By combining the latest medical advancements with personalized care, I can help empower patients to take more control of their well-being and try to make more informed decisions about their health. Similar to concierge medicine practices, I also offer conveniences like same- or next-day appointments with minimal waiting. I invite you to experience a more individualized approach healthcare—one that can prioritize your needs and help foster a more collaborative partnership between physician and patient. Together, through personalized care and more proactive guidance, we can embark on a journey as you pursue improved health and well-being.

11/19/2025

What if getting healthier felt more like play than a chore?

Health gamification uses points, badges, leaderboards, challenges and storytelling to turn steps, meals, and workouts into an engaging journey. Platforms like Fitbit, Apple Health and MyFitnessPal — and apps like Zombies, Run! — show how game mechanics boost consistency; the healthcare gamification market is projected to more than double by 2032, and research finds a majority of top-downloaded health apps include gamified elements. Psychologically, rewards, social connection and storytelling increase motivation and adherence (seen in cases like a 52-year-old patient with prediabetes who improved activity through a walking challenge), but risks include burnout, obsessive tracking, privacy concerns and the need for inclusive design — so gamification should supplement, not replace, medical care. Emerging tech (AI, VR, analytics) promises even more personalized, immersive approaches.

Would you try a gamified program to reach your next health goal?

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Modern medicine is embracing digital innovation to help patients stay motivated and engaged—both within and beyond the exam room. One of the most exciting trends in health and wellness today is “gamification”: the integration of game-like mechanics into fitness routines, healthy habit-building...

11/16/2025

Cut sugar without losing the flavor you love.

Reducing sugar is doable and sustainable by combining smart culinary swaps and gradual changes. Sugar adds moisture, color, and flavor, but many recipes tolerate a 25–33% cut with little change in texture or taste. Start small—trim 10–15% and let your palate adjust. Replace some sugar with moist ingredients (unsweetened applesauce, pumpkin, mashed banana, or Greek yogurt), boost flavor with vanilla and warming spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom), add crunch and healthy fats (toasted nuts, seeds) for satisfaction, and use aroma, acidity (lemon/yogurt), and a pinch of salt to enhance perceived sweetness. If using sweeteners, note trade-offs: stevia/monk fruit can have aftertastes; erythritol/xylitol add bulk but may cause digestive issues; artificial sweeteners are considered safe though gut impacts are still studied; honey/maple are still concentrated sugars.

Which small change will you try first to cut sugar without sacrificing flavor?

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Why Reducing Sugar Matters—Especially in Chronic Disease and DiabetesMost Americans consume far more added sugar than recommended—a trend driving epidemics of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome. For those living with, or at risk for, chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, m...

11/12/2025

Value-Based Care: paying for your health — not for more tests.

As a physician in Burtonsville, MD, I explain that Value-Based Care (VBC) shifts payment from fee-for-service (volume) to outcomes (value). It rests on four principles — patient-centeredness, prevention, care coordination, and provider accountability — and aims to improve population health, lower costs, and enhance the patient experience. For patients this means whole-person care, stronger focus on prevention, smoother coordination between providers, and a more satisfying relationship with clinicians. Adoption barriers include upfront investments in technology and staff plus a cultural shift in workflows, but real-world models like Kaiser Permanente and Patient-Centered Medical Homes show fewer hospitalizations, more preventive care, and higher provider satisfaction; my MDVIP-affiliated practice follows these same principles.

Would you prefer a primary care approach that prioritizes prevention and coordinated, long-term wellness over volume-based visits?

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In today's dynamic healthcare landscape, more and more patients and providers are choosing an approach that goes beyond simply treating illness episode by episode. Value-based care (VBC) is a transformative model that prioritizes quality, patient outcomes, and long-term wellness over the number of t...

11/09/2025

Know your numbers: A1C and newer tools are changing diabetes care.

A1C shows average blood sugar over 2–3 months (≥6.5% = diabetes; 5.7–6.4% = prediabetes) and lowering A1C cuts the risk of major complications (eye, kidney, nerve). Fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL and a 2‑hour OGTT ≥200 mg/dL are diagnostic snapshots. Specialized tests (C‑peptide; fructosamine/glycated albumin give a 2–3 week average) help when A1C may be misleading (anemia, hemoglobin variants, kidney disease, ethnicity). Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and Time‑In‑Range offer real‑time trends to complement A1C.

Which of these tests or technologies have you or your clinician found most helpful in managing diabetes?

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Diabetes affects millions worldwide—and its silent impact is only accelerating as our lifestyles change and populations age. The good news? Today’s diagnostic technology gives us more insight than ever before. At the heart of diabetes management lies an evolving suite of blood tests and monitori...

11/05/2025

Hospital-at-Home: hospital-level acute care delivered safely and conveniently in a patient’s own home.

Hospital-at-Home (HaH) replaces select inpatient stays with coordinated in-home care — in-person nursing and therapy visits, remote physician oversight via telehealth, wearable monitoring (oxygen, heart rate, BP), portable diagnostics, and 24/7 on-call support. Patients are carefully selected and follow strict escalation protocols if complications arise. Benefits include fewer hospital-acquired infections, less delirium and falls, better comfort and recovery, more personalized care, and often lower readmission rates. Health systems gain capacity and cost savings — studies show 19–30% lower cost per episode — and programs at centers like Mount Sinai, Johns Hopkins, and Atrium Health have reported success. Barriers to wider adoption include inconsistent reimbursement, regulatory and licensing gaps, logistical complexity, staff buy-in, and ensuring equitable access for all patients.

Would you feel comfortable receiving hospital-level care at home if you were eligible?

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Healthcare innovation is rapidly transforming how, where, and when patients receive care. One of the most exciting evolutions is the Hospital-at-Home (HaH) model, which delivers hospital-level, high-acuity medical services right in the comfort of your own living room. Imagine skipping crowded hospit...

11/02/2025

Type 2 diabetes isn’t a fate — it’s often preventable and can be managed to preserve lifelong health.

Losing just 5–10% of body weight can cut diabetes risk by over 50%. Key prevention steps: a Mediterranean-style, high-fiber diet (favor complex carbs, limit processed sugars), at least 150 minutes/week of moderate exercise combining aerobic + resistance training, quitting smoking, and annual check-ups. Screen with fasting glucose and HbA1c—especially if you’re over 35, overweight, or have a family history—to catch disease early and avoid complications (heart, kidney, nerve, eye). If lifestyle change isn’t enough, metformin remains first-line; newer options like GLP‑1 agonists (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy) and SGLT2 inhibitors add weight loss and cardiovascular benefits. Preventing complications requires tight glucose control plus regular eye, kidney, and foot exams, and patient empowerment through DSME, self-monitoring/CGMs, and attention to mental health. A personalized, proactive care plan—such as in concierge medicine—can help people prevent T2D, achieve remission, or live well with the diagnosis.

What one change could you start this week to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes?

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Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, is not just a diagnosis—it’s a pivotal moment where smart choices and preventive care can make all the difference. As a concierge physician deeply invested in your long-term well-being, my goal is to empower you with knowledge, strategies, and support to h...

10/29/2025

Prefer care that treats the whole you — body, mind, and life circumstances?

Holistic and integrative health combines conventional medicine with evidence‑based complementary therapies (mind‑body practices, supervised supplements, manual and energy therapies, and whole medical systems) to create personalized, team‑based plans focused on prevention and long‑term wellness. Studies show benefits for chronic pain (often reducing opioid need), anxiety and sleep, cancer treatment side effects, and outcomes in diabetes and heart disease. Safety requires trained providers, medical oversight for supplements, and open communication; barriers include limited insurance coverage, the need for more cross‑training, and public misinformation.

Would you want your primary care team to include both conventional and complementary practitioners to support your long‑term health?

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Our understanding of health is changing. No longer are we content with simply treating isolated symptoms — we seek to understand and care for every facet of our well-being. At my MDVIP-affiliated practice in Burtonsville, MD, our philosophy is clear: by blending the rigor of conventional medicine ...

10/26/2025

Don't let cooler days derail your fitness — fall is the perfect season to reset and stay active.

Adapt your routine with clear, seasonal goals (think weekly trail miles, a fall charity run, or switching to yoga/Pilates). Prioritize safety: dress in moisture-wicking layers, use reflective gear for evening workouts, warm up thoroughly, and stay hydrated. Embrace outdoor options like hiking, trail running, walking, and cycling or fun, functional activities (pumpkin-carrying, corn-maze walks). For bad-weather days, use bodyweight/resistance-band workouts, gym classes, or creative indoor moves (housework HIIT, mall walking). Support recovery and immunity by “eating the colors of fall” — squash, sweet potatoes, apples, kale — and include citrus, garlic, ginger, and probiotic foods; drink water, herbal tea, and soups. Keep motivation with scheduled workouts, a partner or community, SMART goals, and simple tracking or a journal.

What one fall fitness goal will you commit to this season?

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As autumn unfolds across Maryland with its crisp mornings, golden foliage, and shorter days, it’s easy to see why so many adults find their exercise motivation slipping. Yet the fall months present a spectacular opportunity to infuse fresh excitement and strength into your wellness journey. Whethe...

10/22/2025

Your health data is valuable—and at risk.

Digital advances (EHRs, telemedicine, AI) improve care but widen the attack surface. Healthcare is targeted by ransomware, phishing/social engineering, hacking/network intrusions, and insider/vendor compromises — with hundreds of millions of health records compromised annually. Regulations like HIPAA (US) and GDPR (EU) set security and breach-notification rules (GDPR also grants broader rights such as the "right to be forgotten" and stricter penalties). Key defenses include technical safeguards (encryption, role‑based access, backups, monitoring), administrative policies and audits, and ongoing workforce training. Patients can help by knowing their rights, asking how data is stored and shared, using strong unique passwords and MFA, watching for phishing, and checking their records for errors.

What steps will you take to protect your personal health information?

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The Digital Healthcare Landscape: Powerful Benefits, New RisksDigital transformation is reshaping healthcare at a breathtaking pace—from electronic health records (EHRs) and telemedicine to AI-powered genomics and wearable health devices. These advances enable proactive, personalized care, but the...

10/19/2025

Shorter days can affect more than sleep — plan a quick winter mental-health check-in now.

Many people experience the "winter blues," but Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — a clinical depression that affects about 5% of U.S. adults each year — causes more severe fatigue, low mood, and social withdrawal. Watch for warning signs like persistent sadness, oversleeping, increased carb cravings, loss of interest, poor concentration, or hopelessness, and call your doctor or 988 immediately for thoughts of self-harm. Start with routine self-care: consistent sleep, a nutrient-rich diet (omega-3s and vitamin D), 30 minutes of daily movement (outdoors when possible), mindfulness or journaling, social connection, and objective screening (like the PHQ-9). If symptoms persist, evidence-based treatments include morning light therapy (10,000‑lux for 30–45 minutes), CBT tailored for SAD, antidepressants, and vitamin D supplementation guided by bloodwork; personalized care and regular check-ins with your clinician help catch problems early.

What small step will you take this week to protect your mood as the days get shorter?

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As the leaves turn and sunlight fades, it’s not just the landscape that transforms—our minds and moods feel the shift as well. Navigating fall and winter wellness means looking beyond physical health; it means proactively supporting our mental wellbeing as shorter days and longer nights set in.A...

10/15/2025

Your gut is not just for digestion — it’s a cornerstone of overall health.

The gut hosts trillions of microorganisms and helps regulate up to 80% of the immune system. A diverse, balanced microbiome supports digestion, produces vitamins (B12, K), makes anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids, and connects with the brain via the gut-brain axis — affecting mood and stress. Diet is the most powerful way to shape gut biodiversity: eat varied, fiber-rich plant foods (prebiotics) and consider fermented foods (probiotics); avoid highly processed, high-sugar diets. Quality sleep, regular exercise, and stress management also matter. Microbiome testing can be interesting but is best interpreted with professional guidance; seek medical care for persistent or severe symptoms.

What one small change will you try this week to support your gut health?

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By Viraj V. Tirmal, MD | MDVIP-Affiliated Concierge Primary Care | 3905 National Drive, Suite 220, Burtonsville, MD 20866 | 240-389-1986Why Gut Health Matters More Than EverOver the past decade, research has revolutionized our understanding of the gut—not just as a digestive tract, but as a dynami...

10/12/2025

Flu protection is a team effort: vaccination plus commonsense habits save lives.

Influenza causes millions of severe illnesses and hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. Annual vaccination (recommended for everyone aged six months and older) is the cornerstone — it typically cuts the risk of symptomatic flu by about 40–60% and greatly reduces severe complications, hospitalizations, and deaths. But vaccines are only one layer: practice the "Swiss cheese" approach with handwashing, covering coughs, masking in crowded indoor spaces, staying home when sick, and supporting better vaccine access and culturally tailored outreach — especially since U.S. adult vaccination rates are still below 50%.

What one step will you choose this season to better protect yourself and your community?

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By Viraj V. Tirmal, MD | MDVIP-Affiliated Concierge Primary Care | 3905 National Drive, Suite 220, Burtonsville, MD 20866 | 240-389-1986Seasonal influenza is more than a nuisance—it's a formidable public health challenge responsible for 3 to 5 million severe cases and up to 650,000 respiratory dea...

Address

3905 National Drive, Suite 220
Burtonsville, MD
20866

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 12pm

Website

http://www.tirmal-md.com/, https://pay.withcherry.com/viraj-v-tirmal-md-llc

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