There’s a new pediatric network in town!
Zest Pediatric Network introduces the next generation of healthcare to Northeast Ohio. With offices in in Beachwood, Solon, & Westlake, Zest Pediatrics provide concierge-style care for children including home visits, unhurried appointments, & more convenience for parents.
This is the area’s first concierge-style direct pediatric care network of its kind here in Northeast Ohio. Years in development, Zest will give parents an alternative to the status quo in pediatric care, eliminating the traditional insurance-based office model & replacing it with a simple & transparent financial approach. They aim to deliver convenient, quality healthcare from doctors who get to know both patients & 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.
The Zest financial model was designed with parents in mind. Rather than being forced to manage copays, 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. 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. “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.
To learn more about Zest Pediatric Network and its locations, visit ZestPeds.com or contact Dr. Andrew Hertz at [email protected] or call 216.238.3737.
Meet The Doctors at Zest Pediatric Network
Meghan Lynch Ljubi, DO, FAAP
Meghan Lynch Ljubi, DO is a board certified pediatrician and member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She attended The Ohio State University for her undergraduate education graduating Cum Laude with a B.S. in Biology. Dr. Lynch Ljubi earned her medical degree from Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her pediatric residency was completed at Akron Children’s Hospital. Following residency she worked as a general pediatrician with UH Rainbow Lorain Pediatrics for 8 years prior to transitioning into direct pediatric care with Zest Pediatrics of Westlake.
Dr. Lynch Ljubi decided to transition from a traditional pediatrics practice into direct pediatric care to provide more personalized and accessible care for patients. She has enjoyed having more time to spend with and get to know the families in her practice as well as the ability to provide more complete medical care for them. She is the mother of 2 wonderful young girls and enjoys navigating parenthood with her husband, Andrew. Together they enjoy traveling to see family, playing outside and after dinner dance parties. When able she also enjoys gardening, practicing yoga and cycling.
Michael Perisa, MD, FAAP
Dr. Perisa is a board-certified pediatrician and an active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He completed his undergraduate degree at Case Western Reserve University, medical school at Northeast Ohio Medical University, and pediatric residency at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Some family health issues brought him back to northeast Ohio a little sooner than planned, but he couldn’t be happier as it has allowed his wife and growing family more time with loved ones.
As much as he loves providing care to young patients and the families that support them, the standard model for practice which prioritizes quantity over quality of care is the leading reason for his entrance into direct primary care. He never wants his families to feel rushed or that they can’t discuss additional concerns, but this can all too easily happen in traditional insurance-based care. He feels his proudest at work when his families feel actively engaged in their child’s care and they can work together to develop a care plan that fits with each specific patient’s needs.
When not at work, he enjoys spending time with his young children, wife, and two Siberian huskies in addition to any sort of outdoor activity including biking, hiking, swimming or just exploring all that the beautiful greater Cleveland has to offer.
To learn more about Zest Pediatric Network, visit ZestPeds.com.
