5 Signs You’re Ready to Leave Traditional Primary Care
Why Concierge Medicine Might Be the Upgrade You Need
If you’re frustrated with long waits, brief visits, or feeling like just another chart, you’re not alone. Learn the top 5 reasons people leave traditional care and how concierge medicine puts you first.
You’ve probably felt it—that sinking feeling when you realize it’s going to take three weeks to get in for a simple appointment. Or when you walk out of the office with more questions than answers, wondering if you were really heard.
If you’ve been feeling like your current primary care situation just isn’t cutting it, you’re not alone. More and more people are making the switch to concierge medicine for one simple reason: they’re ready for something better.
At Concierge Medicine of West Michigan (CMWM), we’ve reimagined what primary care can be—so you get the kind of relationship-driven, proactive care that’s often missing in the traditional system.
Here are 5 signs it might be time for you to make the switch.
1. You’re tired of waiting—on hold, in the office, or for appointments.
Long hold times. Long waits in the waiting room. And the worst—waiting weeks to get in when you’re actually sick now. This isn’t what primary care was meant to be.
At CMWM, we cap our patient panel size so we can offer same- or next-day appointments and direct access to your physician. That means you can call or text your doctor directly, even after hours, if something urgent comes up. You don’t go through a phone tree or wait for a nurse to call you back. You get your doctor—plain and simple.
2. Your appointments feel rushed and surface-level.
If you’re in and out in 10 minutes with a quick medication refill and no real conversation about your health, that’s a red flag. Primary care should be comprehensive, not transactional.
At CMWM, our annual physicals are 90 minutes long—and even routine visits are never rushed. You leave with a plan and a follow-up, not just a vague idea of what to do next. Patients often tell us they feel like they finally got somewhere. As one patient stated, “I don’t feel hopeless anymore.”
You’ll leave feeling heard, supported, and confident, not confused or brushed off.
3. You’re managing your own care—or feel like you have to.
Have you ever had to chase down your own referrals, juggle records between offices, or make medical decisions without real guidance?
At CMWM, we help coordinate your care behind the scenes. We have working relationships with local specialists across West Michigan, including both private practice and hospital-based physicians. Because we can connect directly with many specialists via text or email, we’re often able to get patients in faster—no weeks-long waiting lists or dead-end voicemails.
You’re not on your own anymore. We walk with you through every step.
4. You want a doctor who knows you—really knows you.
You’re not just a blood pressure or a lab value. You’re a whole person with a life, goals, and concerns that deserve time and attention.
Before opening CMWM, our physicians each cared for over 3,000 patients within a larger health system. We saw firsthand how hard it was to truly connect with patients in that environment. That’s why we started this practice—so we could slow down, build real relationships, and walk alongside patients for the long haul.
Here, you’re not just a chart—we know your name, your story, and what matters to you.
5. You’re ready to invest in your health before something goes wrong.
Concierge medicine isn’t just about convenience—it’s about prevention, early detection, and staying well long-term.
At CMWM, Dr. Lara and Dr. Jana Baatenburg are passionate about preventive care and bring additional training and experience in exercise and nutrition to every visit. We don’t just treat illness—we help you stay healthy, energized, and informed, so you can live life fully.
And while concierge care is often perceived as something “only for the rich,” it’s not. This model is for anyone who values their health and is ready to commit to it. If you're the kind of person who makes your health a priority—or wants to start—it could be the right fit.
You Deserve Better Primary Care
If any of these points sound familiar, it may be time to consider a new approach to your health. At Concierge Medicine of West Michigan, we’re here to offer more than a quick fix—we offer a partnership built on trust, time, and expertise.
You don’t have to settle.
Schedule a meet-and-greet and take the first step toward a better kind of care.
You Might Also Like…
ARE YOU READY TO PRIORITIZE YOUR WELLNESS?
We want you to feel confident and enthusiastic about joining Concierge Medicine of West Michigan. That’s why we invite all potential members to schedule a complimentary consultation with our physicians. This meet-and-greet session is your opportunity to ask questions, address any concerns, and ensure that our practice aligns perfectly with your healthcare needs and expectations.
There’s no obligation, just an open conversation about your health and our approach. We’re excited to meet you and show you how our personalized care can make a difference in your life.
Take the first step towards a better healthcare experience today!
