Question 1

Is insurance involved?

Accepted Answer

Function is 100% insurance-free. No deductibles. No co-pays. We are committed to transparent prices and you knowing exactly what you pay for. Function does not accept insurance, however it is FSA/HSA eligible. Function provides you with an itemized receipt for submitting to an FSA/HSA plan.

Question 2

Function is currently in beta. What does beta mean?

Accepted Answer

Beta means that Function is not yet fully developed and there will be rapid changes with occasional bugs. Patience is required. After the first round of lab tests are complete, beta members will receive a first-of-its-kind health dashboard. Dashboard features include charting lab test results over time (past results will be automatically loaded) and an organized composite of all recommendations and doctor reviews into a single view.

Question 3

Is Function comprehensive for women’s health?

Accepted Answer

Function is a complete approach to your whole interconnected biological system, rather than a single part of the body. Membership includes comprehensive testing for areas which biological females may be particularly keen to look closely at like thyroid, heart, fertility, and hormones. Full list of tests here.

Question 4

What does Function test?

Accepted Answer

List of tests here. As promising new diagnostics are developed, they will be made available to Function members if our medical team believes they are both valid and important for revealing the deepest understanding of your health.

Question 5

Is Function comprehensive for men’s health?

Accepted Answer

Function is a complete approach to your whole interconnected biological system, rather than a single part of the body. Membership includes comprehensive testing for areas which biological males may be particularly keen to look closely at like prostate, testosterone, and heart. Full list of tests here.

Question 6

Which tests are included with a Function membership?

Accepted Answer

List of tests here. As promising new diagnostics are developed, they will be made available to Function members if our medical team believes they are both valid and important for revealing the deepest understanding of one’s health.

Question 7

Who needs Function?

Accepted Answer

Function is for anyone over 18 years old. Function helps you understand your health today and how it changes over time. The earlier you establish a baseline with a single set of test results, the easier it will be to know your body’s trends and ways to help take control of your future.

Question 8

Why hasn’t this existed before?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive testing has historically presented major hurdles to patients, including the need to decipher hard-to-read PDFs, google searching what results mean, adding numbers to spreadsheets to catch trends, and getting tests without knowing the cost until the bill arrives. Function organizes all of this and delivers so much more—including transparent pricing and insights from world-renowned doctors based on your results.

Question 9

When should I start Function?

Accepted Answer

Right now. Although Function will immediately help you understand what’s actually happening inside your body, spotting negative and positive trends requires time. The sooner you start, the more you know how to take control of your health.

Question 10

How soon can I get tested after joining?

Accepted Answer

Typically within just a few days. Once you join, we will reach out to schedule your first tests.

Question 11

How old do I have to be to use Function Health?

Accepted Answer

18 years and older.

Question 12

Where is Function available?

Accepted Answer

Function is available across the continental US. Function requires members to have an active US address and phone number. Lab visits are available at any Quest Diagnostics 2,000+ locations across 48 states. At this time, lab visits are not possible in Rhode Island, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

Question 13

Why are lab tests usually so expensive?

Accepted Answer

Most of the time, insurance will negotiate with a lab and pay a reduced amount off a higher price. The problem is, if insurance is not paying or negotiating the price downward, people are usually stuck with the high price tags on testing. For instance, the combined tests included with Function memberships could cost more than $15,000 elsewhere. This is unlikely to change without companies like Function paving a new path.

Question 14

Are the tests the same used by specialists?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Function includes gold-standard lab tests trusted by specialists across fields like cardiology and endocrinology. See the full list here. You may not recognize some of the names of these tests, as many are at the leading edge of medicine and have not yet been widely adopted by traditional primary care doctors.

Question 15

How does Function compare to my annual physical?

Accepted Answer

Function includes every lab test typically part of most physicals and goes even further with access to 100+ tests across major areas like heart, thyroid, hormones, cancer markers, nutrients, immunity, autoimmunity, and more. These tests are championed by specialists, from cardiologists to endocrinologists, offering 5x more testing than an average physical. Function also provides a detailed written summary from a clinician reviewing all your latest results. If any result is urgent, a clinician will call you immediately. Each result includes personalized insights from the world's top doctors.

Question 16

Why don't I already get tested for these when I visit my doctor?

Accepted Answer

The traditional insurance route typically requires a specific symptom or condition to warrant comprehensive testing. (We find it backward to require the existence of a condition to test for that same condition.) To get all the tests included in your Function membership, you would need to work with a doctor willing to request these 100+ tests. Doctors rarely have the time needed to review this many tests, let alone to understand and explain your results to you. They also want to avoid creating financial burdens on their patients who may be billed for any advanced lab tests. You would also likely miss out on insights from the world’s top doctors based on your specific results.

Question 17

Does Function replace my doctor or concierge care membership?

Accepted Answer

No, Function does not replace your doctor or concierge care. Instead, it makes you a more powerful patient. Membership includes 100+ lab tests annually and provides detailed insights from the world's top doctors specific to each result. Additionally, you will receive an opinion from a physician that reviews every set of lab tests results, and that can be shared with your doctor. Bringing a history of lab test results to your next doctor visit may reduce the need for follow-up tests and enable a more productive appointment. Function is designed to make the doctor's time more effective and empower you to be your own advocate.

Question 18

I’ve done genetic testing. How is Function different?

Accepted Answer

Completely different. Most lab tests Function gives you access to will look at parts of your health that are ever-changing and improvable, unlike your genetics which are fixed. The few genetic tests Function gives you access to are critical for understanding your risk for conditions like heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Function’s list of tests here.

Question 19

Do I have to use my real name on my Function account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You will need to show your ID during lab visits and it must be an exact match in order to be tested.

Question 20

Is Function an insurance plan?

Accepted Answer

No. Function is not an insurance plan nor do we accept insurance. It is fully out-of-pocket, which in this case means all prices are transparent with no hidden fees.

Question 21

Does Function accept Health Savings Account (HSA/FSA) payments?

Accepted Answer

Function is FSA/HSA eligible. Members can expect to receive an itemized receipt via email within one business day of scheduling lab testing. The receipt will include a cost breakdown, date of payment and service, and the ordering clinician. If you have not received an itemized receipt after one business day of scheduling your lab visits, please email hello@functionhealth.com and we will make sure one is sent to you. Function does not provide a Tax ID number, medical diagnosis, or diagnostic codes. Reimbursement is not guaranteed. Please contact your FSA/HSA provider in advance to confirm terms of reimbursement.

Question 22

How were the tests included with Function membership selected?

Accepted Answer

Leading doctors across specialties, including Function's co-founder and Chief Medical Officer Mark Hyman M.D., have spent decades determining the correct comprehensive set of lab tests that should ideally be routinely done. Function reflects this deep cross-specialty analysis across cardiology, oncology, endocrinology, immunology, nephrology, and more.

Question 23

How do I join Function Health?

Accepted Answer

Secure your spot for early access here. We will email or text you when your spot becomes available. Click here if you already have an early access code.

Question 24

Will my insurance reimburse me for Function-related expenses?

Accepted Answer

Terms vary from provider to provider, so we recommend contacting your insurance company in advance to determine if your purchase qualifies. Please note: Function can provide detailed receipts that include a breakdown of costs, date of payment, date of service, and ordering clinician. Function cannot provide a Tax ID number, a medical diagnosis, or diagnostic codes.

Question 25

Do I have to have a prescription to order a test?

Accepted Answer

No, you don't have to worry about that. Your lab tests are ordered and reviewed by licensed clinicians.

Question 26

I recently tested. Should I wait to join Function?

Accepted Answer

Using older lab tests to understand your current health is typically not recommended, as your health is ever-changing. Function offers comprehensive lab testing that makes it easy to understand your current health status. Function also compares your most recent results with past results to reveal trends.

Question 27

What more does Function Health offer than my regular doctor?

Accepted Answer

Function includes 5x more lab tests than most primary care check-ups. This includes heart, thyroid, hormones, metabolic, kidneys, liver, nutrients, heavy metals, and more. Function also tracks your results over time and brings you actionable insights from the world’s top doctors based on your specific results. All lab tests are ordered and reviewed by licensed clinicians.

Question 28

Where do I go for my lab visit?

Accepted Answer

You will be tested at one of over 2,000 Quest Diagnostics locations across the US, within 10 miles of nearly every home in the United States. Quest performs billions of tests each year and is widely trusted by the medical community. Lab visits are not currently available in Rhode Island, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico.

Question 29

How do I schedule my lab visit with Function Health?

Accepted Answer

It’s easy. After signing up for Function Health, you will receive an email and text message to schedule a convenient time and location for your lab visit. You will be tested at one of over 2,000 locations nationwide, within 10 miles of nearly every home in the United States.

Question 30

How long does a lab visit take?

Accepted Answer

An average lab visit takes 15 to 30 minutes, as long as you are on time. Your first set of tests each year may require two lab visits to complete all tests.

Question 31

Why does the annual test require two lab visits?

Accepted Answer

Your Annual Function test looks at over 100 biomarkers, from heart and hormones to liver and heavy metals. Usually, only 35mL of blood is drawn at one time, which is why your set of tests may be split into two lab visits. For context, a blood donation is 14x more at ~500mL. Pro tip: Being extra hydrated improves blood flow and may make your blood test quicker. We encourage you to book your two lab visits within the same week for consistency in your results.

Question 32

How often should I be tested?

Accepted Answer

At least twice a year. Your Function membership includes: 100+ lab tests to start each year of membership. No hidden cost. No insurance involved. 60+ lab tests ~6 months later to check in. Access to re-test anytime at a low cost. Access to purchase non-routine tests (e.g. Lyme, STDs, allergies) anytime. Access to try the latest developments in testing (e.g. Multi-Cancer Early Detection).

Question 33

Why do I need to test every six months?

Accepted Answer

Testing your body's function every six months can help you understand how it is functioning over time. By monitoring changes across specific intervals, it becomes easier to understand where your health may be headed. Knowing your body in this way gives you the power to positively influence your health's future. Most of the time, a lab test only looks at a single point in time. Comparing your results over time creates a whole new set of invaluable data, allowing you to set a personal baseline. Ongoing testing and iterative changes in your daily life are the new standards for taking ownership of your ever-changing health. With a Function membership, you can benefit from 100+ tests once a year and another 60+ tests six months later, as well as access to re-test anytime.

Question 34

How much blood do I have to give per visit?

Accepted Answer

A lab visit may cover 100+ tests, but only 35mL of blood is typically drawn at one time to keep things easy. For context, a blood donation is 14x more at ~500mL. Pro tip: Being very hydrated improves blood flow and makes the test much easier and quicker.

Question 35

What if I have a history of fainting during blood collection?

Accepted Answer

Tests are performed by professional phlebotomists who are likely used to working with people who have fainted in the past. Let your phlebotomist know if you have had a history of fainting. Note that blood draws are safe and carry little to no risk.

Question 36

Do you offer at-home test kits (e.g. finger prick)?

Accepted Answer

No. The large number of tests included with your Function membership would not work via self-collect, at-home kits. We explored using these mail-in kits for single tests but concluded that they would be too unreliable, due to ongoing issues with improper finger pricks and instructions-adherence that could interfere with specimen integrity, specimen size, temperature control, ambient particle exposure, time delay, and human tissue damage.

Question 37

Can I get tested if I am pregnant or nursing?

Accepted Answer

At this time, we do not offer access to testing for those who are pregnant because many results may be affected by pregnancy. We are here for you post-pregnancy. For those post-pregnancy, you can be tested with Function after two menstrual cycles.

Question 38

Do I need to fast?

Accepted Answer

It is required that you fast for 8 hours before most tests. It is also strongly recommended to be well-hydrated to ensure easier blood draws and the most accurate urinalysis. If you do not fast, some of your biomarkers will be skewed. We also recommend a morning test for the most accurate results related to hormones such as testosterone and cortisol.

Question 39

Do I need to stop taking my medications before the test?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended that you do not discontinue any medication without discussing it with a doctor first.

Question 40

Should I avoid seafood prior to my test?

Accepted Answer

It is suggested that you avoid consuming seafood 48 hours prior to any test that looks for heavy metals like mercury, which is included with Function membership.

Question 41

Will Biotin affect my results?

Accepted Answer

Biotin (Vitamin B7) may affect results for the following tests: Testosterone, Cortisol, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, T3, T4, Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Estradiol, and Luteinizing Hormone. Some choose to stop taking biotin 72 hours prior to testing.

Question 42

Are Function’s tests accurate?

Accepted Answer

All tests are processed in CLIA and CAP certified labs widely trusted by the medical community. Your blood and urine samples are collected by licensed medical technicians on-site and processed with state-of-the-art equipment. This is the safest and most accurate way to be tested given the advanced processing needs for the wide range of tests in which Function gives you access.

Question 43

Can I just get one of the tests listed?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer access to one-time, on-demand testing. Function membership includes comprehensive testing, and members have the ability to re-test any individual tests when necessary. While healthcare often isolates issues to single aspects and treats the symptoms rather than addressing the root cause of issues, Function was created to provide a complete perspective of what is actually happening inside your body. We don't want you to miss a thing.

Question 44

Can I add a test after I set up a round of tests?

Accepted Answer

Once a set of lab tests has been scheduled, we are unable to make any changes to it. However, as a member, it is easy to re-test any biomarker at any time. If there is enough time between your visit and the new test(s) being ordered, they may be run at the same time as your scheduled test.

Question 45

Can Function diagnose me?

Accepted Answer

No, Function does not diagnose at this time. Although the lab tests included with your Function membership are the same as those trusted by the broader medical community, and a clinician is reviewing your lab test results, diagnoses are not yet available through Function.

Question 46

Do my biomarkers frequently naturally fluctuate?

Accepted Answer

Your body is ever-changing. Your eating, sleeping, stress, and outdoor exposure all impact your body. Regular testing allows you to understand how your health is changing and therefore what you can do to improve it.

Question 47

Will Function tell me if I'm fertile?

Accepted Answer

Function memberships include a complete set of biomarkers related to fertility, and many more that can directly impact fertility. However, you will need to work with your doctor to determine your fertility based on your results. Note, if you are on hormonal birth control, some fertility markers are not tested, given birth control is likely to greatly skew results.

Question 48

Is there a cancer test?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your Function membership gives you easy access to the new Galleri test by Grail. In partnership with Grail, the Galleri® multi-cancer early detection test detects cancer signals across 50+ types of cancer as early as stage one. It is often run annually, and currently costs an additional $899. Once you are a member, you will be offered this test as an addition to each lab visit.

Question 49

If I'm on hormonal birth control, what fertility tests are done?

Accepted Answer

Function includes nearly all hormone-related tests, like Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Triiodothyronine (T3) Free, Thyroxine (T4) Free, Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), and more. The tests excluded are Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Estradiol, and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) because hormonal birth control may skew results.

Question 50

Will Function tell me if I'm metabolically unfit?

Accepted Answer

88% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy (UNC, 2018). Function gives access to a broad range of lab tests that help measure metabolic fitness.

Question 51

How about testing my heart?

Accepted Answer

Function is at war with heart disease, the leading cause of American deaths, and goes deep on your cardiac health. A recent study showed that nearly 75% of patients hospitalized for a heart attack had cholesterol levels that would indicate they were not at high risk for a cardiovascular event, based on current national cholesterol guidelines. Your membership includes the traditional lipid panel, but goes so much further with advanced tests like Lipoprotein A, Apolipoprotein B, and Lipoprotein Particle Size. Most cardiologists today agree that traditional lipid panels are an incomplete way to monitor your cardiac health.

Question 52

How about testing my thyroid?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Function includes a complete set of thyroid tests. See the full list here.

Question 53

How about testing for heavy metals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Function includes testing for mercury and lead. Additional heavy metals, like arsenic and aluminum, are available on-demand.

Question 54

How about testing for Alzheimer's risk?

Accepted Answer

Function gives you on-demand access to test the Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype, which indicates one’s risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Question 55

How about food and outdoor/indoor allergy testing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Function gives you access to allergy testing across a wide spectrum of foods, including dairy and gluten, and indoor and outdoor allergies as well. Full list of tests here.

Question 56

How about sexual health testing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Function gives you access to low-cost sexual health testing via the on-demand test menu.

Question 57

Will Function explain to me why I feel the way I do?

Accepted Answer

Function includes tests that can help illuminate the role of vitamins, minerals, and toxins on your well-being and the imbalances that can sometimes contribute to depression, anxiety, brain fog, insomnia, attention deficits, mood swings, and more.

Question 58

How long will it take to receive your lab results after each visit?

Accepted Answer

After each lab visit, you can anticipate receiving your results within 2-3 weeks. Once all results are ready, a clinician will review them comprehensively, and you can expect their notes to be delivered to your Function home within 1 week after you receive your complete results.

Question 59

Why are the first set of 100+ lab test results divided into two parts?

Accepted Answer

Function delivers every test result to you as soon as possible. Your results may appear incomplete or arrive in multiple parts. This is likely due to the fact that tests were conducted during separate visits or analyzed by the lab in a staggered manner. Our primary objective is to expedite your results, which is why we prioritize sending you the first set of results as soon as they are available.

Question 60

Where do Function's personalized insights come from?

Accepted Answer

Your test results include explanations and insights specifically relevant to your unique results. This information is sourced from a diverse group of the world's top doctors, including Function's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mark Hyman MD. All information is derived from published, peer-reviewed scientific studies from the NIH, JAMA, NEJM, and other reputable sources. Every round of test results is also reviewed by clinicians, and their write-ups are included when you receive your results.

Question 61

Does a doctor review my results?

Accepted Answer

Licensed clinicians both authorize your tests and review every result. A clinician's review is provided to you, along with your results.

Question 62

How will the lab test results be delivered?

Accepted Answer

All lab test results are delivered to your Function Home. Each result is charted and tracked throughout your life so you can see how your body changes over time and uncover trends that may otherwise be overlooked. They also include clear insights and explanations, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of what’s happening inside your body. Coupled with personalized lists of foods to consume and avoid based on your results, along with specific adjustments to make in your daily life, this approach empowers you to improve each biomarker ahead of your next test.

Question 63

Do I have access to speak with doctors?

Accepted Answer

Function is currently focused on empowering you with comprehensive lab testing and insights from the world's top doctors based on your specific results.

Question 64

How will I be notified when my lab test results are ready?

Accepted Answer

Once we receive each set of results, we will notify you through email and text. You can access the results directly by logging into Function.