The Rise of Executive Physicals

A Glimpse into the Future of Healthcare...

In a world where healthcare is often a contentious topic, a new trend is emerging that could redefine the way we think about medical care. Executive physicals—ultra-high-end, luxury concierge healthcare services—are gaining traction, and they offer a window into what the future could hold for the healthcare system at large.

A Journey into Luxury Healthcare

Will Manidis, CEO of ScienceIO, recently took a deep dive into this world. "Last year, I paid thousands of dollars for a physical at one of the best hospitals in America," he says. "I wanted to see how different healthcare was for the ultra-rich, and what this meant for the rest of the healthcare system."

Manidis, who works in healthcare, had always been aware of the existence of executive physicals but had never experienced one himself. "Due to an accident with my flexible spending account, I ended up with enough cash to try it out," he explains.

What is an Executive Physical?

At its core, an executive physical is a multi-day, exhaustive medical exam designed to both optimize your health and mitigate long-term risks. "Almost every major academic medical center in America offers one at a cost of a few thousand dollars per year," Manidis notes.

The process begins months before the actual appointment, with intake surveys designed to match your health concerns to a battery of possible appointments. "From this intake, they curate an onsite agenda. In my case, three twelve-hour days of specialist appointments and tests," he says.

The Experience

Upon arrival, patients are escorted to the "Executive Health Center," a luxury WeWork-like space with Wi-Fi, a free catered kitchen, and call rooms. "This will be your home base during the visit," Manidis describes. "Every piece is curated—there's a dedicated desk to assist with any scheduling worries, and handlers to make sure you don't get lost."

The experience is a whirlwind of tests, from blood work to cardiac tests. "Each appointment was similar to the kind of care you'd receive anywhere in any other hospital, but each was delivered without rush, beginning exactly on time, with the kindest doctor you've ever met," he adds.

The Implications

Manidis believes that executive physicals are a sign of what's to come for healthcare. "Middle/upper-class patients are opting out of the system entirely, replacing it with cash pay for as-needed services to 'enhance and optimize' their health," he observes. This trend seems to have begun a few years ago with the rise of ad hoc telemedicine services like Hims and Ro.

However, this shift is not without its drawbacks. "This leaves our normal healthcare system in the dust—struggling with access, cost of care, and increasingly burnt-out providers," Manidis warns.

A Bellwether for Quality Care

While the effectiveness of executive physicals is still debated, Manidis sees them as a bellwether for the quality of care every patient desires. "Ultimately, what an executive physical provides is a five-thousand-dollar ticket to having the world's top medical experts tell you that it's all going to be okay," he says.

As for the future, Manidis envisions a modern executive physical that blurs the lines of medical/lifestyle care. "Imagine what a luxury medical retreat co-branded with a Huberman would look like," he muses.

In a world where healthcare is often seen as a zero-sum game, the rise of executive physicals could be a game-changer, offering a new model that prioritizes patient experience without compromising on quality. Whether this trend will widen the healthcare gap or serve as a catalyst for systemic change remains to be seen. But for now, it offers a tantalizing glimpse into a future where healthcare is not just a service, but an experience.