What Concierge Medicine Really Means—and Why It’s Worth the Investment
Frustrated by rushed visits and fragmented care? Discover how concierge medicine offers time, access, and a true partnership with your physician—especially during midlife transitions.
Last updated October 2025
At West Side Concierge Medicine in Fairlawn, my goal is simple: to bring time, connection, and genuine partnership back to healthcare. Many people have heard of “concierge medicine,” but few understand how it truly changes the patient experience and why it can be one of the most valuable investments you make for your health and peace of mind.
What Concierge Medicine Actually Is
Concierge medicine (sometimes called direct primary care) is a membership-based model where patients pay an annual fee for enhanced access and deeply personalized care. Instead of juggling thousands of patients, I intentionally limit my panel so that I can be available when you need me and spend the time your health deserves.
That membership includes:
Unlimited visits with no copays
Same- or next-day scheduling
24/7 direct access by phone, text, or secure messaging
Virtual visits when appropriate
Comprehensive preventive care and chronic-condition management
Personalized support for midlife and menopause care
Think of it as a wellness membership that covers your most essential foundation, your health. Just as you might invest in a gym, therapy, or nutrition program to feel your best, concierge medicine invests back in you through access, prevention, and continuity.
Why Traditional Care Feels So Frustrating
For years, many patients have told me the same thing: “I feel like my doctor doesn’t have time to listen.” It’s not a lack of compassion on the part of physicians; it’s a system designed around speed, volume, and insurance billing.
Most traditional primary-care doctors care for 2,000 to 3,000 patients, which means visits often last ten minutes or less. That leaves little room for detailed conversation, emotional support, or the detective work required to untangle complex symptoms. It can also lead to delayed diagnosis, fragmented communication, and burnout for both patients and physicians.
In contrast, concierge medicine intentionally slows down the process. By limiting the number of patients I see, I can take the time to understand your whole story: your goals, stressors, lifestyle, and concerns that may not fit neatly into a drop-down box on an electronic chart.
What You’re Actually Investing In
When people first hear about concierge medicine, they often focus on the annual fee. The real question, however, is what that investment yields in return.
You are investing in:
Time. More extended visits allow for thoughtful conversations, thorough exams, and follow-up that doesn’t end when the appointment does.
Access. Direct communication means you can reach your doctor when it matters most—not weeks later.
Prevention. Proactive care helps identify issues before they escalate, saving money and worry in the long run.
Partnership. Instead of “the patient” and “the provider,” we work together as a team focused on your well-being.
One patient recently shared that after years of feeling dismissed for fatigue and brain fog, she finally felt heard and understood during her first visit. Together, we identified hormone changes as a significant factor and built a plan that helped her regain energy and focus. That kind of transformation happens when there is time to listen and space to connect.
Concierge Medicine and Midlife Women’s Health
As a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, I see firsthand how traditional systems often underserve midlife women. Many experience symptoms like sleep disturbance, mood changes, or weight fluctuations, and are told “everything looks normal.” Concierge care creates room to explore those concerns fully.
During longer appointments, we can discuss hormonal shifts, lifestyle factors, and mental-health considerations in depth. Some women benefit from hormone therapy, while others prefer non-hormonal or lifestyle-based strategies. The key is personalization; every woman’s journey is different, and she deserves care that reflects that.
If you are navigating perimenopause or menopause and feel unsure where to start, this model offers the continuity and follow-through that makes all the difference.
A Different Kind of Relationship
In my practice, I often describe concierge care as “relationship-based medicine.” The focus is not only on the moment you feel sick, but on staying well throughout the year. We discuss sleep, stress, nutrition, and exercise, not as check-box topics, but as integral parts of your daily life.
This ongoing communication builds trust. When a patient texts to ask about a new medication or a symptom that feels off, I already know their history and can respond in context. That continuity saves time, prevents unnecessary urgent-care visits, and leads to better overall outcomes.
How Concierge Medicine Fits Into Everyday Life
Concierge care is not just for those with complex medical conditions. It’s for anyone who wants a better healthcare experience.
Busy parents appreciate same-day access without waiting rooms. Professionals managing stress or chronic fatigue value virtual consultations that fit their schedules. Retirees navigating multiple specialists rely on coordinated care and direct communication to ensure seamless support.
Because appointments are unhurried, we can address physical health and mental well-being in one place. That integration allows patients to make steady, sustainable progress toward their goals.
The Real Value of Personalized Care
When people ask if concierge medicine is “worth it,” I encourage them to think beyond cost and focus on value. What is it worth to have a doctor who knows you, answers directly, and helps you stay healthy instead of simply reacting to illness?
For many, the answer becomes clear within the first few visits. The stress reduction, the improvement in health markers, and the ability to reach out freely create a sense of peace that is hard to quantify. Health is one of the few investments that continually pays dividends, not only in terms of longevity but also in quality of life.
Choosing Connection Over Convenience
Healthcare is personal. You deserve care that feels that way. Concierge medicine is not about exclusivity; it is about connection. It allows your doctor to do what drew us to medicine in the first place: listen, think, and genuinely care.
If you are ready for a healthcare experience centered on partnership, prevention, and peace of mind, I would love to meet you.
Schedule a complimentary meet-and-greet to learn more about concierge medicine in Fairlawn.
Call 330-593-CARE (2273) or visit www.wscmakron.com.
