Today we’d like to introduce you to Collin Nealey.
Hi Collin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a doctoral prepared Family Nurse Practitioner in private practice in the the Walnut Hills area. My medical career began in cardiology, with valuable experience at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. But after years in that specialty, I decided to transition into a community clinic setting. I took a position with a large national healthcare organization, working in a rural clinic. While I loved connecting with rural patients and witnessing their resilience firsthand, I quickly realized that the constraints of a big-business medical system were limiting what I could do for my patients.
Time was always scarce, making meaningful patient interactions difficult. Costs were alarmingly high, regardless of insurance status, and it was heartbreaking to see patients delay seeking care for minor ailments because they worried about unpredictable expenses. I saw people come in with simple conditions like ear infections, only to have their concerns about underlying chronic diseases—like hypertension or diabetes—rising to the surface. But the system simply wasn’t designed for quick, effective action. Additional visits, often at unknown costs, created barriers, causing many patients to lose momentum and interest in their health management.
That experience motivated me to seek a different approach. I wanted to work in an environment where I could spend more quality time with my patients—without the pressure of a ticking clock. I envisioned a setting where proactive, personalized care was the norm, and where patients could communicate directly with their provider easily and confidently. I wanted healthcare to be less about bureaucracy and more about building trust and meaningful relationships.
This passion led me to adopt the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model when I established my private practice at Parkside Primary Care in Walnut Hills. Most of my patients have insurance, but I also serve those without coverage. Everyone pays $65 a month, and that covers everything that happens in my office, without surprise bills. I’ve intentionally limited my patient panel to around 500 to foster closer, more personal relationships. Unlike traditional practices that serve thousands of patients, I can see and care for my patients much more quickly—often within 24 hours if they’re feeling unwell.
What I love most about this approach is the time I can dedicate to each individual. Many appointments last an hour or more, allowing us to delve deeper into health issues and uncover problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. This extra time enables us to craft personalized care plans that genuinely improve quality of life. Building relationships and understanding my patients on a deeper level isn’t just fulfilling—it’s fundamentally better for their health.
Ultimately, my goal is to transform how healthcare is delivered—making it more affordable, accessible, and human-centered. It’s about empowering patients and providing a level of care that puts their well-being first.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting any new business is a formidable challenge, and launching a medical practice is no exception—particularly due to licensure requirements and the complexity of building internal systems from scratch. The early days involved some growing pains as I laid the foundation for a sustainable practice. But I’m glad to say that the most difficult hurdles are now behind me.
What has become clear through this process is that there’s a real, pressing need for the kind of care I’m providing. Many people struggle with limited access to primary care, and a significant number find managing chronic illnesses or pursuing proactive wellness simply too expensive or logistically overwhelming.
The biggest frustration? Despite the clear demand, connecting with those who need me most remains a challenge. There’s a huge appetite for a care model that offers the personalized, convenient attention of a concierge practice—without the hefty price tag. Many patients are attracted to the idea of easier access to their provider, but getting the word out and building awareness within the community is proving to be a critical hurdle.
Nonetheless, I’m committed to overcoming these obstacles. I believe that this model can fill a vital gap in healthcare, making high-quality, accessible, and affordable primary care a reality for more people. Expanding this approach and reaching those who need it most is my mission moving forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Our approach integrates physical health, mental health, and even sexual health into one caring, personalized experience. We take the time to truly listen, so care can be tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
What sets us apart?Taking the time to ensure that the patient is heard and maintaining open lines of communications fosters a trusting relationship between the patient and provider.
My proudest achievement in creating Parkside Primary Care is the relationships I’ve built with my patients. The trust that develops when patients see their quality of life improve through our collaborative efforts is a constant source of joy for me.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is nurturing genuine personal connections, whether in my professional or personal life. The sense of interconnectedness I share with friends and family means a great deal to me. I believe that this kind of connection is not only vital for mental health but also promotes physical health. Creating meaningful relationships with my patients is just as nourishing for me as it is beneficial for them. It’s this mutual connection that truly drives my work and life.
Pricing:
- $65 per month membership
- $120 per month for a couple
- Discounts for additional family members, including children.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://parksideprimarycare.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555364880475
