New Medical Practice Holding Open House In Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, OH — Dr. Jennifer Prezioso wanted to practice medicine in the same place she lived. She also wanted to provide personal and unparalleled care to her patients. As she and her sister get ready to celebrate an open house for Balance Foot & Ankle, Prezioso's dreams, seem close to reality.

The private practice, Prezioso's first, is located in her hometown, at 14200 Madison Ave. The practice boasts three doctors and one medical assistant, Prezioso's sister, another Lakewood resident Hayley Campbell told Patch. Campbell is Balance's office manager. But this isn't a typical doctor's office.

"Really, [Prezioso's] vision in opening her practice is to re-imagine what going to the doctor feels like," Campbell said. (Subscribe to the Patch Lakewood newsletter for local news and updates.)

The practice is adding a wellness spa to its offerings and is built around being as inviting as possible. Campbell comes from a hospitality background and she was brought in to instill a sense of customer care to the staff.

The office was previously used by an opthamologist. The interior of the building has been revamped to become more welcoming. Staff are trained to go above and beyond in their care of patients. That can mean something as simple as grabbing a cup of coffee for someone in the waiting room.

"So far, people have been really pleased," Campbell said. "One patient said they could stay here all day. One patient stuck around and read a book with her kids. It’s nice to see patients have such a positive feeling when they come in."

Community members will be able to check out the revamped interior on Sept. 30 when the practice hosts an open house. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents can tour the building and meet the doctors staffing the practice. There will also be a ribbon cutting ceremony and light refreshments. Those interested in attending the open house can email info@balancecle.com. RSVPs are due by Sept. 25.

Prezioso was previously with the Cleveland Clinic but she felt she wasn't getting enough time to spend with patients. In some cases, more time might have meant a better understanding of what was ailing someone. When the opportunity came to strike out on her own, and create a more patient-centric practice, Prezioso grabbed it.

“Our mission is to create a unique patient experience that blends hospitality and compassion
with medicine and surgery within a contemporary yet warm environment,” said Prezioso in a statement. “We are re-imagining what it means to go to the doctor’s office, and we are so excited to share that vision with the community.”

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