What Is Concierge Medicine—And Is It Right for You?

A female doctor welcoming a patient.

Wondering what concierge medicine actually means? Discover how Dr. Kelli Peiffer’s personalized, membership-based care model puts you at the center—offering more time, better access, and a deeper doctor-patient relationship.

In today’s fast-paced healthcare system, many patients are left feeling like just another number. Long wait times, rushed appointments, and difficulty reaching your doctor have become all too common. If you’ve ever found yourself wishing for a more personal, accessible approach to healthcare, concierge medicine may be the solution you’ve been looking for

What Is Concierge Medicine?

Concierge medicine—sometimes called direct primary care or membership-based medicine—is a care model that prioritizes time, access, and personalized service. Instead of billing insurance for every visit, patients pay a monthly or annual membership fee that covers a wide range of primary care services. This allows physicians to work with a much smaller patient panel and offer a level of access and attention that’s nearly impossible in traditional practices.

At West Side Concierge Medicine in Akron, Dr. Kelli Peiffer offers this model as a way to bring true connection and continuity back into the patient-doctor relationship.

How Concierge Medicine Differs from Traditional Primary Care

Most traditional primary care practices care for thousands of patients, which often leads to:

  • Short, rushed visits (10–15 minutes)

  • Weeks-long waits for appointments

  • Limited time to ask questions or feel heard

  • Impersonal, fragmented care

By contrast, concierge medicine offers:

  • Same-day or next-day appointments

  • Longer, unrushed visits

  • Direct access to your doctor by phone, text, or email

  • Care that focuses on the whole person, not just symptoms

Because the model removes the limitations of insurance-driven volume, physicians like Dr. Peiffer can spend the time it takes to truly understand your health history, goals, and concerns.

Is Concierge Medicine Right for You?

If you’ve ever felt dismissed, rushed, or frustrated by the traditional healthcare system, you’re not alone. Concierge medicine is ideal for patients who want:

  • A stronger relationship with their doctor

  • More time and deeper conversations during visits

  • Personalized care for chronic conditions, prevention, or midlife changes

  • Help navigating complex or changing health concerns

  • A proactive, rather than reactive, approach to wellness

Many of Dr. Peiffer’s patients are busy professionals, caregivers, or individuals navigating midlife transitions—such as perimenopause, menopause, or age-related health changes. Others simply want the peace of mind that comes from knowing their doctor is just a message away.


What’s Included in a Concierge Membership?

At West Side Concierge Medicine, your membership includes:

  • Extended, unrushed appointments

  • Direct access to Dr. Peiffer via phone, text, or email

  • Same- or next-day availability for urgent concerns

  • Preventive care and wellness planning

  • Support coordinating labs, imaging, and referrals

  • A trusted partner who knows you—and your story

Concierge care allows me to practice medicine the way it should be—personal, thorough, and truly centered around each patient’s life and goals.
— Dr. Kelli Peiffer

If you’re ready for a more personal approach to your health, concierge medicine in Akron may be the change you’ve been searching for. At West Side Concierge Medicine, Dr. Peiffer offers a thoughtful, relationship-based alternative to the traditional healthcare model—giving you more access, more time, and more trust in your care.

Interested in Learning More?

Visit the Membership & Services page to explore what’s included.


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