Is Function Worth It If Someone Already Gets Annual Labs?
For many people, the annual physical feels like the responsible thing to do. Labs are drawn, a few numbers are reviewed, and if nothing is flagged, the year moves forward.
But more people are starting to wonder: What might standard labs not be catching?
That’s the gap Function was built to address.
What is Function?
Function is a membership-based personal health platform founded in 2021 with one clear mission: empower members to live 100 healthy years.
Members complete 160+ lab tests annually, split across two testing points per year, for a deeper look at their heart, hormones, metabolism, thyroid, toxins, and more. Clinicians review the results and deliver clear, personalized insights so members know what to do next.
Testing happens at 2,000+ lab locations nationwide, and no insurance is required.
What does Function include?
Function’s 160+ lab tests span every major system across the body — 5x more tests than the average annual physical.
That includes advanced heart markers like Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and Lipoprotein(a), which can reveal early cardiovascular risk.
It also looks at:
- Metabolic markers like insulin and Hemoglobin A1c
- Detailed thyroid testing, including Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid antibodies
- Autoimmune signals, such as ANA
- Nutrient levels, including ferritin and Vitamin D
- Heavy metals, like lead and mercury
- Biological age, tracked twice per year.
Rather than focusing on a handful of baseline numbers, Function helps members look at how systems interact and change over time.
How is this different from an annual physical?
An annual physical typically includes:
- A limited core lab panel of around 26 biomarkers once a year
- Cholesterol and basic metabolic screening
Additional testing is typically ordered only when symptoms show up.
Function takes a broader approach:
1. Depth
Standard labs cover a relatively small panel. Function includes 160+ lab tests annually, offering a wider view across heart, hormones, metabolism, thyroid, toxins, and more.
2. Frequency
Annual checkups usually happen once a year. Function helps you test twice yearly to track changes over time.
3. Action Plans
Traditional labs often provide reference ranges, whereas Function pairs results with clinician-reviewed guidance and clear next steps.
Function isn’t a replacement for health benefits or doctors. It’s a deeper insight that members can use alongside their existing care.
Why would someone pay for Function if they already see a doctor?
Insurance often covers an annual physical. But expanded testing and imaging can become expensive when ordered separately, and sometimes require referrals and approvals.
Function’s membership is $365/year ($1 per day), and bundles lab testing, clinician insights, and digital tracking into one transparent structure.
Members can also access proactive MRI and CT scans for early detection. The MRIs, which screen for hundreds of potential conditions, including early signs of cancer, start at $899. This type of advanced imaging would typically cost thousands of dollars without insurance when arranged independently.
HSA and FSA funds may also be used, depending on the plan.
How does Function work?
The process is straightforward:
Step 1: Test
Schedule a visit at a nearby lab location. Most lab appointments take about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Review
Clinicians review results and highlight what stands out, along with practical recommendations around food, supplements, or lifestyle shifts.
Step 3: Retest
Members retest every 3-6 months. The second testing point includes 60+ labs midway through the year, allowing them to:
- See how their body is changing
- Retest any markers that were previously out of range
- Track measurable shifts rather than guessing.
Who is Function designed for?
Function tends to resonate with people who:
- Feel tired despite “normal” labs
- Are entering milestone decades
- Are navigating hormonal transitions
- Care about longevity
- Want clarity around supplements
- Have experienced a family health scare.
It’s positioned as complementary to primary care, not a replacement. Members can download results and share them with their physician.
Final Comparison: Function vs. Annual Physical
| Function | Annual Physical |
| Provides access to 160+ lab tests annually | Provides essential baseline care |
| Tests twice per year | Identifies active issues |
| Includes clinician-reviewed action plans | Limited lab panel |
| Tracks patterns over time | Typically once per year |
| Member pricing on proactive MRI and CT scans | Scans typically only ordered with symptoms |
The annual physical provides a foundation. Function adds depth and ongoing insight for those who want a clearer understanding of what’s happening inside their body—and what to do about it.
For those ready to move beyond standard labs, starting with Function may be the clearest next step.
