New Pediatric Network Introduces Next Generation of Healthcare to Northeast Ohio

Zest Pediatric Network offices in Beachwood, Solon, and Westlake provide concierge-style care for children, including home visits, unhurried appointments, and more convenience for parents

Zest Pediatric Network is opening the first concierge-style direct pediatric care network in Northeast Ohio. Years in development, Zest will give Northeast Ohio parents an alternative to the status quo in pediatric care, eliminating the traditional insurance-based office model and replacing it with a simple and transparent financial approach and the delivery of convenient, quality healthcare from doctors who get to know both patients and parents.

“We established Zest Pediatric Network to give families another option for pediatric care. An option that prioritizes 24/7 access directly to your doctor,” said Dr. Andrew Hertz, president of Zest Pediatric Network. “Rather than navigating the rules of an insurance company or health system, we partner with parents and put the well-being of their children first.”

Zest Pediatric Network has three locations. Greater Cleveland Pediatrics in Beachwood has been open for two years and as the initial foray into concierge-style care, demonstrated parents’ and patients’ desire for a new model of care. Zest Pediatrics of Westlake and Zest Pediatrics of Solon began serving patients in January. Zest Pediatrics of South Hills near Pittsburgh will open in June.

Patients and Parents First

The Zest financial model was designed with parents in mind. Rather than being forced to manage co-pays, facility fees, and co-insurance, members pay a flat monthly fee. Membership includes services families need today more than ever:

• Unlimited visits to the pediatrician.
• Visits to your home for newborn care.
• Unhurried appointments addressing all your needs.
• Ability to text, email, or call your pediatrician directly, not using a patient portal.

The model is a game-changing option for many parents who are frustrated with the current insurance-based office. Central to Zest’s approach is the deep, meaningful, and mutually respectful relationships parents develop with their pediatrician, said Hertz.

Memberships are surprisingly affordable. Families that participate in a concierge-style practice often pair their subscription with a high-deductible health plan, which can save money. Additional savings occurs as patients have less urgent care visits and no additional office visit fees. Monthly rates are based on the number of children and their ages.

Changing Experiences by Changing the Model

Despite the tremendous efforts of pediatricians to provide the best care for patients, Hertz said the conventional insurance model is restrictive and broken. The membership model greatly reduces office overhead, allows the doctor to care for fewer patients, and liberates everyone from the burdens of a traditional high-volume insurance-based office. The result: relationships and care flourish.

“I am now truly able to focus on what my patient and their family need, to partner with them and give the necessary time,” said Dr. Lynch-Ljubi, a Zest pediatrician in the Westlake office.

Dr. Michael Perisa of Zest Pediatrics of Solon agreed that the focus on the family is a significant improvement over more traditional practices. “We don’t have traditional office hours,” he said. “We are available when parents and children need us. It is about them, not us.”

During its first year, Greater Cleveland Pediatrics earned praise from its patients. The practice was named the No. 1 Pediatric Practice by Northern Ohio Parent Magazine and their patient satisfaction survey indicated that 100% of their patients would recommend them.

“I have never experienced such wonderful access to a doctor. Because we have three young girls who are frequently sick, and are now staying out of doctor offices and urgent cares, we are saving money with our membership,” said Casey Cozart, a Westlake parent.

The expansion into the Pittsburgh region reflects the popularity of the network’s approach to pediatric care, Hertz said.

“Once finalized, the Zest Pediatric Network will be unlike anything available today,” Hertz said. “We will have the next generation of pediatric care that includes services such as lactation consultants, dieticians, psychologists, parent coaches, and more. We will have a new pediatric curriculum that supports the needs of children — not insurance companies.”

To learn more about Zest Pediatric Network and its locations, visit ZestPeds.com or contact Dr. Andrew Hertz at Drew.Hertz@ZestPeds.com or call 216.238.3737.