The Democratization of the Health Industry

I recently had the opportunity to visit Humanaut Health’s new flagship clinic, a state-of-the-art concierge longevity center located in The Grove Austin at 2614 Perseverance Drive. The 4,000-square-foot clinic features cutting-edge technology for health optimization, including body imaging, fitness testing, an IV lounge, and a regenerative medicine procedure room. According to their website, this premium facility focuses on personalized health optimization and longevity medicine for all.

Humanaut’s medical providers specialize in helping individuals navigate health changes before they become challenges. As a health optimization and longevity clinic, they offer services designed to enhance well-being and prevent future issues.

I was first introduced to these concierge clinics pre-pandemic while working as a flexologist at Stretch Lab in Westlake. I even had the opportunity to work in a concierge clinic for a short time in Spokane, Washington. This particular clinic offered a membership based model along with an emphasis on addressing all aspects of our lifestyle. The rise of digital platforms have now made clinics like Humanaut more mainstream by offering personalized assistance to a wider audience, but, at times, they’re still viewed as a luxury service.

Personalized Care in Action

During my visit, I experienced the “Get Up and Go” IV Drip for energy. This 30-minute infusion, which includes essential vitamins and nutrients, began with a brief assessment by Ben, a knowledgeable and personable clinician. The staff was warm and welcoming, and the clinic itself is modern, clean, and well-lit.

The IV therapy room provided a comfortable setting for the treatment. That’s where I met Jim Donnelly, co-founder and CEO of Humanaut Health. Donnelly, a former Army Ranger and collegiate football athlete, is also the co-founder and former CEO of Restore Hyper Wellness, a health and wellness company founded in Austin in 2015.

Democratizing Health

Donnelly shared insights into his philosophy of “democratizing” the health industry. While some services, such as IV drips, hyperbaric chambers, and blood work, can be expensive, he emphasized the importance of balancing cost with value. For him, it boils down to priorities: time or money while meeting people where they are.

Humanaut Health aims to provide advanced health treatments at accessible prices. For instance, Donnelly mentioned how stem cell treatments are offered for $4,000 to $5,000 — a fraction of the $25,000 to $30,000 charged elsewhere. The clinic’s approach includes comprehensive health optimization, addressing nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, cognitive health, and specific issues such as menopause, joint pain, metabolic health, and sexual health.

Advanced Technology for Holistic Wellness

The facility boasts advanced diagnostic tools, including Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scans, movement analysis systems, and equipment for stress reduction and recovery. During my visit, I tried the Shiftwave, a zero-gravity recliner that uses pulsed pressure waves, vibrations, and sound therapy to relax the body. The experience was rejuvenating, leaving me calm and centered.

I also explored the longevity gym, where I tested my coordination and balance on state-of-the-art equipment like the Vertical Assessment of Landing Dynamics (VALD) vibration board and the Human Track system, which uses video AI for movement analysis. These tools, guided by an exercise physiologist, highlight the clinic’s integration of technology and personalized care and these sessions are performed under the supervision of their in-house exercise physiologist. The use of AI is fascinating, as research does suggest that its use can better customize and personalize fitness routines as well as providing evidence based answers to health-related inquiries and improving business applications for industry professionals such as myself.

Meeting Patients Where They Are

Donnelly emphasized Humanaut’s philosophy of “doing what we should, not what we can,” meeting clients at their current health levels and tailoring care to their needs. In its first six months, the clinic has achieved a remarkable retention rate, a testament to the effectiveness of its personalized care model. For context, in only six months of being open they have yet to lose a client, which is impressive given that the average gym retention rate is 60-70 percent.

Concierge health services like those at Humanaut are gaining popularity as they offer a more tailored approach compared to traditional health insurance plans. They offer premium monthly memberships, $355 per month, with additional services like Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy available for as low as $30 per session.

A Vision for the Future: being resilient with our recovery.

Donelly shared that healthcare startups are hard but are very rewarding when they come to life. This is made easier when you have an amazing staff and the support of investors, family and friends. On the same token, sometimes it does take a high sense of urgency to be aware of what’s available to us outside of the traditional American healthcare system.

As a fitness professional, I see great potential in the integration of AI and advanced technology in health and wellness. Donnelly’s analogy of removing “headwinds”—barriers like time, energy, and pain—to create “tailwinds” for optimal health resonated deeply. His book, Restore: The Life-Changing Power of Right-Away Wellness, delves further into these concepts.

Imagine a world where these types of services could be included during open enrollment each November.

For anyone seeking to improve their health and longevity, Humanaut Health offers a glimpse into the future of personalized, preventative care. By making advanced treatments accessible and affordable, it’s paving the way for a healthier, more empowered society.