First Healthcare Network in Bowie, MD

Pros

• The staff are consistently friendly, courteous, and professional.
• The office runs efficiently and patients are seen promptly with minimal wait times.
• NP Tylisa Duckett is thorough, informative, and highly recommended.
• Dr. Chella provides excellent bedside manner, listens attentively, and explains things clearly.
• Leanne Antioquia (CRNP) is knowledgeable, empathetic, and very attentive to patient concerns.
• The environment is clean, modern, and welcoming.
• The practice offers convenient in-office labs and timely referrals.
• Telehealth visits are convenient, well-handled, and efficient.

Cons

• The patient felt the annual physical did not include a thorough exam, with key checks like nerves, reflexes, balance, and abdomen omitted.
• The patient was directed to the lab, but no one was there initially, which felt odd.
• The nurse appeared distracted, leaving the patient feeling unheard.
• The front desk staff previously lacked warmth and eye contact, making the patient feel less welcomed.

Review

First Healthcare Network in Bowie is best suited for seniors who want a dependable, high-touch primary care home that can anchor medical management across aging years. The practice earns the confidence of families seeking continuity with seasoned clinicians, prompt access, and a front-office culture that treats patients as individuals. The care model favors efficient scheduling, respectful bedside manners, and a team approach that makes it straightforward to secure follow?ups, referrals, and in?office testing. For loved ones needing regular checkups, medication reconciliation, and clear, actionable guidance on next steps, this network provides a stable, predictable medical home.

Those evaluating options for an aging loved one should note that alternatives may feel more suitable for certain priorities. If the aim is a geriatric evaluation with a strictly standardized annual physical, this practice may not always deliver a full battery of checks in every visit; some reviews describe a leaner exam that omits elements like reflex testing, balance assessment, or broader neurological checks. For families requiring tightly integrated care within a retirement community - where on-site specialists, rehab, memory care coordination, and consistently uniform physicals across visits are essential - other providers offering a more all-in-one senior-living medical ecosystem could be preferable.

The strongest pros reside in human connection and operational reliability. Staff are frequently described as friendly, professional, and attentive, with clinicians who listen, explain options in clear terms, and chart practical treatment plans. The ability to complete blood work, testing, and referrals in-house reduces trips and delays, while telehealth options add a convenient pathway for routine visits or follow-ups when mobility is a concern. Across multiple clinicians, patients repeatedly highlight warm bedside manner, thoughtful questions, and a sense that care decisions are made collaboratively - factors that translate into lower anxiety for families navigating complex health issues.

Beyond general accessibility, several individual clinicians stand out for consistency and warmth. Dr. Chella earns repeated praise for patient, informative, and reassuring interactions, while Leanne Antioquia is commended for thorough, in-depth consultations and attentive listening. Tylisa Duckett NP often receives commendations for responsiveness and careful care planning. The front desk and vitals staff are commonly noted as welcoming, with experiences ranging from no waits to smooth, efficient check-ins. This combination - strong clinicians, approachable staff, and a culture of empathy - helps keep chronic conditions and age-related concerns well managed over time.

Nonetheless, a practical review of the landscape calls attention to occasional gaps that readers should anticipate and address proactively. One patient described an annual physical that did not include several standard checks, underscoring the importance of explicit expectations for what will be covered during each visit. Another account noted a momentary lapse when lab coverage or staff coordination during a visit was not perfectly synchronized. These incidents appear isolated rather than systemic, but they justify entering visits with a clear list of what needs to be assessed and a plan to request any additional tests or assessments if needed. In short, vigilance ensures the strengths are not offset by intermittent oversights.

For families choosing this network, the bottom line is a strong value proposition: a dependable, compassionate medical home with easy access to testing, fast referrals, and a proven track record of patient-centered care. It is a compelling fit for seniors who prize trust, continuity, and straightforward communication, and who can accommodate the occasional variability in the scope of a routine annual exam. Those seeking an all-in-one senior living medical ecosystem - where on-site specialists align with memory care, rehab, and housing decisions - may wish to compare options. When deciding, clarify the scope of annual physicals, confirm on-site testing and telehealth capabilities, and coordinate with caregiving partners to ensure medical oversight aligns with daily living arrangements.

Located in Bowie, Maryland, this area offers a convenient array of amenities for senior living. With multiple pharmacies including Kaiser Pharmacy and CVS nearby, accessing necessary medications is hassle-free. In terms of dining options, there are familiar favorites such as McDonald's and Chick-Fil-A, as well as more upscale choices like Jasper's and Golden Corral. Medical care is easily accessible with physicians' offices like Dr Jenkin's Office and TLC Pediatrics within a short distance. The presence of Starbucks cafes allows for a cozy spot to enjoy coffee and socialize. Nature enthusiasts can explore nearby parks such as Watkins Regional Park and Allen Pond Park for leisurely strolls or picnics. For those who rely on public transportation, the New Carrollton Amtrak Station and various metro stations are conveniently located. Additionally, emergency medical care is readily available at Bowie Health Center-Emergency Medical Care. Lastly, places of worship like Christian Community Presbyterian Church cater to spiritual needs within the community. This area in Bowie presents a well-rounded environment that caters to the needs and preferences of seniors looking for a comfortable place to call home.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Kaiser Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Wegmans (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.3 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (1.2 miles)
• Jasper's (1.3 miles)
• McDonald's (1.3 miles)
• Golden Corral (1.7 miles)
• Six Flags America (2.4 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.2 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (3.3 miles)

Physicians

• Dr Jenkin's Office (1.2 miles)
• Dr Vanessa Allen (3.9 miles)
• TLC Pediatrics (5.2 miles)
• Ford Medical Associates (5.7 miles)
• Rochelle Hardy Md (5.7 miles)
• Maryland Primary Care Physicians (5.8 miles)
• MyEyeDr (5.9 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.7 miles)
• Starbucks (3.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.3 miles)
• Vigilante Coffee (7.3 miles)

Parks

• Watkins Regional Park (1.9 miles)
• Allen Pond Park (4.6 miles)
• Mellwood Park (6.6 miles)
• L'Enfant Square (8.6 miles)
• Duvall Playground (8.7 miles)
• Lincoln Park (9.4 miles)
• Marlton Community Park (9.5 miles)

Transportation

• New Carrollton Amtrak Station (4 miles)
• Benning Road Metro Station (6.6 miles)
• College Park - University of Maryland Metro Station (7.6 miles)
• Prince George's Plaza Metro Station (8.4 miles)
• Greenbelt Metro Station (8.6 miles)
• Greenbelt Station (8.6 miles)
• Stadium-Armory Metro Station (8.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Bowie Health Center-Emergency Medical Care (4.7 miles)
• Riverside Medical District Heights (5.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Christian Community Presbyterian Church (6.1 miles)
• College Park United Methodist Church (9 miles)