There’s been a surge of new lab companies—Function Health, Superpower, and others—promising deeper insights, more data, and a clearer picture of your health.
Recently, I had the opportunity to go through the process myself with Superpower.
The Experience: Easy, Polished… and a Bit Unclear
Like many of these platforms, getting started was simple. Scheduling was seamless, reminders were helpful (especially around fasting and supplement timing), and the overall experience felt very user-friendly.
My labs were ultimately drawn through Quest Diagnostics, which is common with many of these services.
But one thing stood out:
I didn’t fully know what was being tested until I received my results.
As a clinician, that’s unusual. I’m used to being very intentional about which labs I order—and why.
The Results: Insightful… but Sometimes Misleading
The results came with a personalized report and recommendations.
On the surface, it looked comprehensive. But reading it through a clinical lens, a few things felt off:
- I was told my estradiol was “high”—without context of cycle timing
- My liver was described as “working overtime”—without meaningful clinical concern
- My cholesterol was labeled “borderline,” despite being objectively excellent
For someone without a medical background, this could feel confusing—or even anxiety-provoking.
And this is the key issue: data without context can create more noise than clarity.
The “Plan”: Helpful… or a Subtle Sales Funnel?
The platform also offered a health plan with supplement recommendations.
Some of these aligned with what I might suggest in practice. But the experience also felt a bit like a “shop-portunity”—where it’s very easy to click and purchase your way to “better health.”
That’s not inherently wrong.
But it’s important to recognize what’s happening.
A Quick Note on “Biological Age”
One highlight?
My biological age was listed as 40—compared to my actual age of 48.
Sounds great… but as a clinician, I have to ask:
How is that calculated? What’s the methodology?
Without transparency, these metrics can feel more like marketing than medicine.
Another Option Patients Are Exploring
I’ve also heard more about Jason Health—often recommended by patients who are paying cash for labs.
It’s a simpler model: you choose your labs upfront, see transparent pricing, and complete testing through Quest.
Less interpretation. More control.
Why These Labs Are So Appealing
There’s a reason these services are growing quickly:
- People want agency over their health
- They want more comprehensive testing than standard care often provides
- They want transparent pricing (especially compared to insurance-based labs)
And honestly, I understand the appeal.
Even as clinicians, we don’t always know what insurance will cover. We make our best estimates—but patients are often left with surprise bills.
Where Functional Medicine Fits In
These platforms can be helpful tools.
But they don’t replace clinical judgment.
At Tendwell, the value isn’t just in ordering labs—it’s in:
- Choosing the right labs based on your symptoms, goals, and history
- Interpreting results in context (not in isolation)
- Helping you understand what actually matters
- Creating a thoughtful, realistic plan forward
Because more data isn’t always better.
Better guidance is.
The Bottom Line
If you’re curious about these newer lab platforms, you’re not alone—and they can absolutely be part of your health journey.
Just know this:
The most important piece isn’t the lab itself.
It’s having someone who knows how to interpret it—and guide you forward.