More Than a Checkup: How Concierge Medicine of West Michigan Is Changing Primary Care
How Two Sisters Are Bringing Concierge Medicine to West Michigan
In a healthcare system that often feels impersonal, Drs. Jana and Lara Baatenburg are offering something different—concierge care that prioritizes time, trust, and true connection with every patient.
For most people, a trip to the doctor’s office is a quick in-and-out experience. You wait, fill out forms, get a few minutes with a physician, and leave with a list of things to follow up on—often with more questions than answers. But at Concierge Medicine of West Michigan, that model has been turned on its head.
As featured recently in a WZZM13 health segment, twin sisters and family physicians Dr. Jana Baatenburg and Dr. Lara Baatenburg are offering something radically different: personalized, relationship-driven care that gives patients the time, access, and attention they deserve.
A Shared Path, A Shared Purpose
Drs. Jana and Lara Baatenburg have a story that’s anything but ordinary. Twin sisters, they followed each other through college, medical school, and residency—eventually training side-by-side at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Though they once swore they’d never go into business together, their shared experiences in traditional healthcare pushed them to reconsider.
After years working in conventional systems, they began to feel the disconnect between what they were trained to do and what they were actually able to deliver. They saw patients frustrated by short appointments, long waits, and a system that prioritized volume over connection. They also felt the pressure themselves—rushed visits, limited time, and the growing burden of administrative tasks that left little room for thoughtful, comprehensive care.
So they decided to do something different.
In the summer of 2024, they opened the doors to Concierge Medicine of West Michigan—a membership-based primary care practice built on time, trust, and access.
What Is Concierge Medicine?
Concierge medicine, sometimes referred to as direct primary care, is a model that removes insurance billing from the equation. Instead, patients pay a membership fee, which covers:
Unlimited visits with their physician
Same-day or next-day appointments
24/7 direct access to their doctor via phone, text, or email
Extended appointment times with no rushing
Personalized wellness planning and prevention
In-depth follow-up and care coordination
This structure allows Drs. Jana and Lara to focus entirely on what matters most: the patient-physician relationship.
“I've been able to text my patients on weekends so they can avoid going to the emergency room or urgent care,” Dr. Lara shared during the WZZM13 segment. “We actually have time to look through our patients’ charts and prepare for visits. It’s completely opposite of the traditional system.”
“You Feel Heard”: What Patients Are Saying
Stephanie Wright, a patient of the practice, put it simply: “You don’t feel like there’s a rush. You feel heard.”
In a healthcare landscape where visits often feel transactional, that sense of being known—of being truly listened to—can be transformative. At Concierge Medicine of West Michigan, it’s not about checking boxes. It’s about understanding the whole person.
The Baatenburgs’ model doesn’t just give patients more time—it gives doctors the ability to practice medicine the way they always wanted to. That means fewer patients in the panel, deeper relationships, and better care.
Medicine That Feels Like Family
There’s another layer that makes Concierge Medicine of West Michigan unique: the doctors themselves.
Dr. Jana and Dr. Lara are not just colleagues—they’re sisters. Their connection is obvious, whether they’re finishing each other’s sentences, gently teasing, or discussing their shared passion for family medicine. Their bond translates into a care environment that feels more personal, more genuine, and more human.
“We try to keep our physician hats and owner hats on,” said Dr. Jana, “but yeah, occasionally it turns into a sisters moment.”
Their shared family legacy runs deep. Their grandfather, a family physician in rural Iowa, once dreamed that one of his grandchildren would become a doctor. In a way, he got two for one.
A Practice That Puts West Michigan First
While concierge medicine is gaining traction nationwide, it’s still relatively new in West Michigan. That’s part of what makes this practice so exciting—it's a fresh take on primary care, rooted in local values, community connection, and old-fashioned doctor-patient trust.
The Baatenburgs aren’t just offering longer appointments—they’re offering peace of mind. For busy families, aging parents, professionals, and anyone who wants a deeper partnership in their healthcare, concierge medicine offers something the traditional model struggles to deliver: true continuity.
Whether it’s answering a late-night text, coordinating specialist care, or just taking time to talk through symptoms without a stopwatch ticking, Drs. Jana and Lara are redefining what it means to have a primary care doctor.
Where Personalized Medicine Meets Modern Access
At its heart, Concierge Medicine of West Michigan is about bringing humanity back to healthcare. It’s about blending science with connection, prevention with partnership. It’s a place where your doctor knows your name, your history, and your goals—and where you're not just a chart, you're a whole person.
If you’ve ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling rushed or unseen, there’s another way. With same-day appointments, direct communication, and the kind of personal attention that’s hard to find elsewhere, Dr. Jana and Dr. Lara are showing that a better model of care isn’t just possible—it’s already here.
To learn more about becoming a member of Concierge Medicine of West Michigan, visit www.cmwestmichigan.com or call the office to schedule a meet-and-greet. Whether for yourself, your partner, or your whole family, your care can start with a conversation—and a doctor who listens.
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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!
