Live longer, live better

Founded by Dr. Haitham Azem and Dr. Christopher Thomas, Eastwest Primary Care tilts the model of traditional health care back in favor of the patient.

“Everything we do is focused and personalized to each patient,” says Dr. Azem, who has more than 40 years of experience. “Our goal is to elevate the patient experience through perks like same-day appointments, 24/7 emergency care, telehealth appointments when needed and a host of preventive services.”

Truly a locally based, family-run practice (Dr. Thomas is Dr. Azem’s son-in-law), Eastwest Primary Care was founded earlier this year and named for its two main locations on the east and west sides, Parma and Solon.

The gentlemen have thoughtfully put together a compassionate and experienced support team of medical practitioners that includes PA Maria DeRenzo, and certified nurse practitioners Kimberly Ovalle, Christopher Champion, Mary Bargmann and Linda Capwill. This team had previously worked together at a major Cleveland healthcare system and is now enjoying the ability and freedom to shower patients with attention.

Making Connections

The doctors care for a wide range of patients from ages 16 to 100. Dr. Azem made the decision to perform all the blood lab work in-house at each location to make the patient experience as convenient as possible. 

“We don’t want our patients to have to go to a busy hospital to get a blood draw,” he adds.

He also notes if someone needs a specialist, they act as the bridge and make that connection for them and then follow up with them wherever they may be, at a hospital, rehab center or senior care facility.

Living Longer, Living Better

“A key focus of our practice is prevention,” says Dr. Thomas. “It’s elemental to how long you live and how positive the quality of your lifespan is. We want our patients not only to live longer, but to also live better.”

When the doctors see a patient, they thoroughly review the patient’s family history and make sure the patient is getting all the preventive diagnostics on time, from colonoscopies to bone density tests and prostate exams. 

“We conduct a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s unique health markers and metrics, screening for chronic conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes, as well as cancer,” says Dr. Azem.

He notes that cancer treatment has improved so much over the past few years, and the earlier it’s detected the better the long-term outcomes.

Saving Money, Hassle

Dr. Azem says it’s important to them to save patients from having to make an ER visit.

“We’re always available, with 24/7 answers to urgent medical issues that save people a lot of money and the hassle of waiting for hours in a crowded ER,” he says. “And since we have a history with the patient, that makes for better treatment and outcomes.”

With decades of experience in the local medical care arena, the doctors have strong connections at both major healthcare systems in Cleveland and can accommodate patients’ insurance requirements.

Delivering Care 

Dr. Azem says owning the practice means they do not feel the pressure to see a certain number of patients per day, and that freedom makes a difference in the level or care they deliver.

“We have the time and the luxury to get to know our patients,” he says. “This is why I wanted to become a doctor. My purpose is to heal people the best way possible.”

For Dr. Thomas, who grew up in Parma and sees patients out of that location and at assisted living facilities, this is elemental to the focus on a customized plan for healthy aging.

“I take time to go over all the things a patient can control, like proper nutrition and exercise, and the importance of maintaining a healthy weight,” he adds. “We set manageable goals, and I offer guidance on how to achieve them. Making sure our patients stay active, mobile and socially engaged is part of our approach, too.”

He says another effort is managing patients’ medications, their dosages and possible side effects, and getting them off those medications whenever possible. They also make sure patients receive their necessary immunizations—flu shots and pneumonia shots—to stay well through winter.

One area he concentrates on with patients is the importance of preventing falls.

“Surrounding yourself with a safe environment means evaluating pathways and spotting trip hazards that can lead to a fall,” says Dr. Thomas. “Oftentimes all it takes is one bad fall to trigger a cascade of decline. For us, it’s rewarding to stop that. Everything we do is geared toward our patients thriving—not declining—as they age.” 

Eastwest Primary Care is located at 6789 Ridge Road, Suite 105, in Parma. The Solon location is at 6175 SOM Center Road, Suite 210. Both locations accept Medicare, Medicaid and most insurances. Call 440-299-3100 or visit EastwestPrimaryCare.com for more information.