Searching for the best blood panel? You’ve probably seen Empirical Health, Function Health, Superpower, or InsideTracker.
While all these services offer broad biomarker testing, Empirical Health is designed to help you take action on your biomarkers. while being priced affordably ($190). Empirical has nationwide access (including NY/NJ), includes a doctor review (both video and chat), and comprehensive exercise and nutrition programs via iPhone and Android apps.
Below, we break down how Empirical compares to the other popular services, and why it may be the best choice for people who want more than just lab numbers.
Comparison table: Empirical Health vs Function Health vs Superpower vs InsideTracker
| Feature | Empirical Health | Function Health | Superpower | InsideTracker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Most states | 48 states (NY/NJ with extra fees) | Most states | Most states |
| Number of biomarkers | 100+ | 100+ | 60-100 [1] | 40-50 (varies by plan) |
| Includes ApoB | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 🟡 (depends on panel) |
| Includes Lp(a) | ✅ | ✅ | 🟡 (in advanced panel) | 🟡 (depends on panel) |
| Panel type | Single blood draw | Two blood draws | Single blood draw | Single blood draw |
| Doctor consultation | ✅ included: MD review + follow-up | ❌ (not available) | ❌ (AI chat) | ❌ |
| App for tracking | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ Web only | iOS & Android apps |
| Price | $190 (panel + MD review) | $499/year | $199-$388 [1] | $489 |
| Follow-up care | ✅ (treatment, prescriptions, referrals) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Insurance | 🟡 (for follow-up doctor visits) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
[1] Note: some biomarkers are only in an advanced panel, a $189 add-on to the $199 base membership.
Compared to Function Health and Superpower, Empirical Health provides 100+ biomarkers at a lower price of $190. ApoB and Lp(a) are included in the base plan. Every plan includes an MD visit and complete app access, including integration with Apple Watch, Fitbit, Samsung, and Pixel watches.
Why choose Empirical Health for advanced blood testing?
Doctor visits, nutrition tracking, and customized workout plans in the Empirical app
Empirical Health was designed to help you not just measure health markers, but actually take action and live a healthier life. Our program therefore includes follow up steps to help you understand and act on your results:
- Board-Certified MD Review & Follow-up: Every panel includes a thorough review with a board-certified physician and a telehealth follow-up. You’ll receive a personalized care plan, and if needed, prescriptions or referrals.
- Nationwide Access, Including NY/NJ: Empirical Health is available in most states, including New York and New Jersey.
- Actionable, Evidence-Based Biomarker Panel: Empirical’s blood testing panel is chosen for clinical actionability, covering essentials like ApoB, Lp(a), advanced lipids, hs-CRP, eGFR, A1c—so you get results you can act on.
- Transparent, Affordable Pricing: For $190, you receive the full panel, MD review, and follow-up. There are no surprise costs.
- Integrated App & Ongoing Tracking: Our iOS and Android apps let you track your lab results, integrate with Apple Watch and Fitbit, and monitor your health trends over time.
What patients are saying
Patients often say that Empirical Health is the most thorough appointment they’ve ever had with a doctor.
“Most of my experiences with American healthcare have been lacking. I came across Empirical Health while looking for medical care options that might be more comprehensive. I absolutely loved my lab review visit. I have never had a doctor walk me through my results with a clear interpretation of what they mean.”
— Stacy L.
“I have never gotten results that are this detailed or custom to my lifestyle and personal goals.”
— Amrit C.
“My parents and all of my grandparents had heart attacks or strokes in their 60s. As I approach that age I worry about how to prevent these types of issues. Empirical Health has helped me explore my risk factors more closely and I am even more motivated now to keep up with a healthy diet and exercise.”
— Cara Y.
2,000 testing sites across the US
Empirical Health partners with over 2,000 labs nationwide (including in New York, New Jersey, and Hawaii). You can schedule a blood draw with a walk-in, same-day, or next-day appointment. Most people have a lab within 20 minutes of their home.
Designed to help you take action on your health
Empirical Health is built for people who want to do something with their results. This can range from medical care (each panel includes a consultation with an MD) to lifestyle (Empirical’s mobile apps include nutrition, exercise, and sleep programs). Here’s a breakdown of Empirical Health vs the alternatives:
Biomarker-driven nutrition: personalized plans based on your test results
“Eat more vegetables” — so much health advice is generic. Empirical’s biomarker-driven nutrition program is designed to give you a health superpower—using your lab results to create a personalized nutrition plan. You can track your progress vs your goals just by snapping a food photo.
Nutrition tracking in the Empirical Health app
Biomarkers included in Empirical’s panel
Empirical’s panel includes 100+ biomarkers, which measure:
- Heart Function: ApoB, Lp(a), cholesterol, and more. Also measures 10-year heart attack risk, lifetime heart attack risk.
- Kidney function: eGFR (rate of liquid your kidneys can filter), BUN, Albumin, Creatinine, and more.
- Inflammation: hs-CRP
- Liver Function: ALT, AST, ALP.
- Urine: complete urinalysis.
- Blood: complete cell counts.
Summary: why choose Empirical for comprehensive health
If you care about comprehensive functional health (vs just numbers), Empirical Health offers a unique combination of lower price ($190), 100+ biomarkers, included medical care, and a comprehensive mobile experience.
