5 Reasons People Are Going Beyond the Annual Physical With 160+ Lab Tests

Most of us get an annual physical and assume it covers the bases. But a standard physical typically checks a limited set of markers and often doesn’t include ones that can flag risk early, like ApoB and Lp(a). 

That’s why more people are turning to Function, which includes access to 160+ lab tests a year and clinician-reviewed notes that explain what the results mean. Here’s why they’re joining.

1. Your physical checks ~26 markers. Function helps you check 160+.

A standard annual physical usually runs a core panel of around 26 biomarkers: cholesterol, blood sugar, and a basic metabolic check. It’s a solid foundation, but there is much more to your health.

At your first visit alone, Function membership includes 100+ lab tests, and you retest 60+ during your Mid-Year follow-up. That’s 160+ tests a year, about five times more than a typical physical. These tests span heart, hormones, metabolism, thyroid, nutrients, toxins, and more, so you see how your body’s systems work together, not just a small handful of numbers.

2. Your physical probably skipped ApoB, Lp(a), and thyroid antibodies

Some of the most useful early signals aren’t part of a routine panel. They’re usually only ordered after symptoms appear. Function includes them from the start:

• ApoB and Lipoprotein(a): advanced heart markers that can reveal cardiovascular risks a standard cholesterol test may miss
• hs-CRP: a marker of inflammation linked to heart health
• Insulin and Hemoglobin A1c: early signs of how your body handles blood sugar
• Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid antibodies: a fuller thyroid picture than TSH alone
• ANA: an autoimmune signal
• Ferritin and Vitamin D: nutrient levels that can explain low energy, and show whether your supplements are working
• Lead and mercury: heavy metals most people never get tested for

So many members say the same thing: “I kept being told my labs were normal.” Function helps you look deeper.

3. You get clinician-reviewed notes so you know what your results mean

This is what reviewers praise the most: A licensed clinician reviews your results, so you’re not dealing with a dense list of numbers and reference ranges. Your Clinician Notes flag what stands out in plain language.

You also get practical next steps on food, supplements, and lifestyle, tied to your own numbers. Members can also download their results and share them with their doctor, so Function works alongside your existing care, not in place of it.

4. A second check 3–6 months later, so you can see what changed

Most people get labs once a year. Function members test twice. Here’s exactly what that looks like:

• Annual Test (start of membership): 100+ lab tests at your first visit 
• Mid-Year Test (3–6 months later): 60+ lab tests to see what’s changed. Together, the two visits make up your 160+ lab tests for the year.
• Add-On Tests: you can test many additional markers on demand, at member-only costs 

The Mid-Year follow-up is to see whether your changes are working. Started a supplement or changed your diet? You can see how key numbers moved, instead of guessing until next year. If you want to recheck something outside the follow-up test, you can add it on demand at member pricing. 

Function also estimates your Biological Age, meaning how your body is aging based on your lab results rather than your birthday. Because it’s calculated at both visits, you can see whether it’s moving in the right direction as you make changes. 

5. $365 a year, no insurance needed

Function’s membership is $365 a year, about $1 a day. That covers 160+ lab tests across two visits, clinician-reviewed results, insights from top doctors, a clear Action Plan, and your personal tracking dashboard. No insurance is needed, and membership is HSA/FSA eligible (rules vary by plan). 

Ready to go beyond your physical?

The annual physical gives you a foundation. Function adds depth: 160+ lab tests a year, a follow-up check to track what’s changing, and clinician-reviewed notes that explain what it all means and what to do next.

If you’ve ever wondered what standard labs aren’t catching, Function is a clear place to start.