Function Health Revolutionizes Medical Imaging with Affordable Full-Body MRI Scan

In a groundbreaking move that could redefine healthcare accessibility, Function Health has made headlines by acquiring Ezra, a company that specializes in medical imaging. This acquisition comes with the launch of an innovative Full Body MRI scan that leverages FDA-cleared AI technology, reducing the scanning time from a daunting 60 minutes to just 22 minutes. Remarkably, the cost has also been slashed from over $1,500 to an astonishing $499, breaking down the financial barriers previously faced by individuals seeking comprehensive health insights.

This shift toward affordability and efficiency is pivotal. The ability to conduct a Full Body MRI annually not only encourages proactive health management but also provides a complete 360-degree overview of an individual's health status. The merger of Function’s extensive lab testing capabilities with Ezra’s advanced imaging technology allows for a seamless user experience, optimizing healthcare delivery.

Dr. Mark Hyman, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Function Health, shared his enthusiasm, stating, "I wish I could see millions of patients. This integration presents the most powerful approach I've encountered in my career. Now, for the first time, it can scale to millions. It represents a new standard of care. If you're reading this, get your labs, get your scan, every year; it could save and radically improve your life."

The new Full Body MRI is not just about convenience; it's about early detection. Scans are designed to flag potential cancer risks before symptoms even manifest. They also have the capability to detect hidden health problems such as silent strokes, early-stage fatty liver disease, and other critical issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. By catching these concerns early, patients can take proactive measures that could significantly alter their health trajectories.

Co-founder and CEO of Function Health, Jonathan Swerdlin, emphasized the vision behind this integration, “Adding imaging was part of our vision from day one. Our pioneering team first concentrated on making comprehensive lab testing affordable. Now, with Ezra as part of Function, we’re completing the health puzzle. It’s high time everyone takes ownership of their health every year.” With advanced imaging powered by AI, annual scans are no longer a luxury but a fundamental aspect of maintaining health.

Before the advent of AI technology, the high cost and extensive duration of full-body scans limited their availability to a select few. This new technology, however, changes the narrative completely, making annual check-ups both practical and budget-friendly. “A single health snapshot is akin to capturing just one frame of a movie—you miss the overall story,” remarked Dr. Dan Sodickson, Chief Scientific Advisor of Ezra. “With the time and cost reductions in full body MRI scans, we can finally establish a baseline that reflects ongoing health changes over time. This information is invaluable for early disease detection.”

Function’s efforts are designed not only to enhance individual health outcomes but to set a new benchmark for the healthcare industry at large. The integration of detailed lab tests and high-quality medical imaging within a single, affordable platform is a bold challenge to traditional healthcare models.

Ezra's founder, Emi Gal, shared a personal connection to this mission. “Having started Ezra with a mission to ensure early cancer detection for everyone, this effort is deeply significant for me. If my mother’s cancer had been caught earlier, her life could have been saved. Over the last six years, our team has helped countless individuals detect cancer, many of whom are now living cancer-free. Now, together with Function, we’re set to scale this impact to millions.”

Scans are currently available at nearly 100 locations across the US, with plans to expand to over 1,000 in the near future. Function Health's lab testing services are already operational at all 2,200 Quest Diagnostics locations nationwide. This move by Function Health is a clear indication of the transformative potential AI holds in the healthcare sector—moving from luxury to necessity, the Full Body MRI scan is now both an integral part of medical care and within reach for many.

For more information about Function Health and its offerings, visit Function Health.