Concierge medicine is an alternative to a traditional primary care physician that allows patients to receive more personalized care with direct access to their doctor around the clock.

At Soma MD near Lakeway, Dr. Monalee Patel-Chheda offers her patients a direct line to call or text her 24 hours a day.

The overview: Beyond offering direct, unlimited access to physicians, concierge medicine gives patients greater flexibility in how they receive care and the range of treatment options available to them, Chheda said.

“We don’t have as many patients as an insurance-based doctor does,” Chheda said. “I can spend two hours with a patient and discuss all of their concerns, ... and we’re not restricted by time.”

The details: Most concierge medicine services are subscription-based and do not accept insurance.

The bigger picture: This trend is not only at Soma MD, as Harvard Medical School reported that between 2018 and 2023 the number of concierge medicine services increased by 83% nationwide.

Giovanni’s Table, an Italian restaurant in Bee Cave, is celebrating its 15th anniversary and invites community members to join the festivities.

On the menu: The restaurant is a family-run Italian concept that specializes in pasta, pizza and seafood. The restaurant also offers large, family-style meals that include an entree serving up to five people, rolls, and salad.

The details: The 15-year anniversary celebration will begin at the restaurant at 5 p.m. on June 8 with wine, cocktails and coffee, a member of management said.

• 11701 Bee Cave Road, Ste. 105, Bee Cave

As the health insurance market continues to grow, navigating the options and choosing the right plan can be a difficult task for some.

Located in the Westlake-area, The Lambert Agency run by Jeff Lambert helps guide families and small businesses in purchasing health and life insurance options. Community Impact spoke with Lambert to learn more about the health insurance process and nuances.

What should people look for when comparing health insurance plans? First of all, people should look at what network that plan is using. “Are my doctors and hospitals in that network,” would be the first question I would ask. I would also ask, “is going to a specialist without getting a referral important to you?” I think a lot of people are starting to just self-pay so they can go to the doctors they want to.

What advice would you give to someone currently seeking health insurance? Understand all the options and call a broker. A good broker will have more options than what you will find just looking online.

Austin could rein in the use of electronic motorcycles and mini-bikes, or e-motos, in response to lacking local regulations and rising roadway safety concerns.

The big picture: City officials noted that e-motos, a collective term for the throttle-powered electric vehicles, can operate at high speeds and resemble traditional motorcycles rather than slower and more limited e-bikes. Austin doesn't yet have any specific regulations on the books for e-motos, which can drive as fast as 60 miles per hour or more—well above an existing cap of 28 MPH established for e-bikes in Texas transportation law.

Action taken: A recently approved City Council resolution will result in proposed city code changes to define e-motos and their legality, establish when and where they're permitted and set related penalties. It also called for police training updates, a public awareness campaign and the possible dedication of an e-moto recreational area.

Check out some of the most-read stories from the Austin area June 1-4. 

1. The Peach Cobbler Factory now open in Round Rock

2. Liberty Hill annexes property on Hwy. 29 to become commercial development

3. Mountain Mike's opens first Williamson County location

4. Georgetown officials remove local alcohol permit fee

5. Austin raises senior, disabled homeowner property tax exemption by $12K

6. Bastrop's Texas Roadhouse sets late July opening