Episode #210: Autism Evaluations with Zest Pediatrics with Dr. Michael Perisa

Getting an autism evaluation for a child can be a daunting process, fraught with long waitlists, high out-of-pocket costs, and navigating complicated systems. Every moment matters when it comes to early intervention, and Dr. Michael Perisa of Zest Pediatrics is working to simplify the journey for families.

Zest Pediatrics, the first pediatric direct primary care network in the country, offers a membership-based model that removes many of the headaches families face with traditional primary care. By operating outside of insurance restrictions, Zest Pediatrics delivers care in a way that prioritizes what children truly need, without delays or limitations.

Dr. Perisa and his team across Zest Pediatrics are uniquely equipped to provide timely autism evaluations. With specialized training and the flexibility to focus on individual patients, they can intervene quickly to ensure children are seen and supported. An autism evaluation at Zest Pediatrics includes a comprehensive history intake, a behavioral assessment, and a standardized questionnaire, all analyzed to determine a diagnosis or not.

Because Zest Pediatrics doesn’t bill insurance, they offer evaluations at a flat rate of $1,250 and are actively collaborating with communities and therapy centers to help reduce financial burdens for families. If you have concerns about your child and need a faster path to evaluation, visit zestpeds.com/autism to learn more.

Speaking with Dr. Michael Perisa highlighted the importance of making care more accessible for children and families navigating autism concerns. Early intervention is critical, and Zest Pediatrics is paving the way for better, more efficient solutions.

#autism #speechtherapy

Today’s Guest:

Dr. Michael Perisa is a board-certified pediatrician and an active member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He has spent most of his life in Northeast Ohio, completing his undergraduate degree at Case Western Reserve University and then medical school at Northeast Ohio Medical University. He then called Columbus his home, where he completed pediatric residency at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, then entered into a brief pediatric cancer and blood disease fellowship at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Shortly after starting fellowship, a few family members developed new health issues, which brought him back to northeast Ohio, practicing as a general pediatrician. He couldn’t be happier with his decision, as it has allowed his wife and his 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 when trying to fit patients into the standard 20-minute time slot for their yearly well check.

He feels his proudest at work when his families feel actively engaged in their child’s care and they are able to work together to develop a care plan that fits with each specific patient’s needs. Additionally, he has a strong passion for addressing pediatric and adolescent mental health issues, which have so severely worsened in the past few years. 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.

What’s Inside:

• The challenges of getting an Autism Evaluation
• What is a Pediatric Direct Primary Care Network?
• How does Zest Pediatrics serve the Autism Community?
• The cost and components of an Autism Evaluation.

Mentioned In This Episode

• Zest Pediatric Network
• Autism – Zest Pediatric Network
• ABA Speech: Home
• Join the aba speech connection membership

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