Why Executive Physicals Are a $10,000 Waste of Money

In today’s wellness-obsessed world, executive physicals have become a status symbol among high achievers. They promise a one-stop, hyper-thorough evaluation of your health—often bundled into a glossy, hotel-like experience. But behind the luxury veneer lies a fundamental flaw: executive physicals are often an expensive, inefficient, and incomplete solution for managing your long-term health.

Here’s why you should think twice before spending ~$10,000 on a one-time executive physical—and where your money would be better spent.

What’s Typically Included in an Executive Physical?

Most executive physicals offer:

• Comprehensive bloodwork and lab panels
• Cardiac screening (EKG, echocardiogram, stress test)
• Imaging (CT scans, ultrasounds)
• Vision, hearing, and pulmonary function tests
• Fitness and nutrition consultations
• Often a summary "report card" of your health
  
  

The average price tag? Around $10,000—sometimes more, depending on the institution. And for that investment, you get...a single day's worth of attention.

The Problem: A One-and-Done Model

An executive physical is, by definition, a one-time assessment.
It gathers a lot of data about your body at one moment in time—but then it leaves you hanging.

• No follow-up care.
• No ongoing monitoring.
• No care plan implementation.
• No specialist referrals.
  
  

You're handed a thick packet (or fancy app portal) full of results and recommendations—and it's entirely on you to figure out what to do next. Need a specialist? A medication? A care plan? You're now in charge of quarterbacking your medical care yourself.

Without ongoing guidance, even the most insightful data is just...data. Knowledge doesn't change your health—consistent action does.

Many Tests Are Unnecessary—and Overpriced

Another dirty secret: Most executive physicals bundle the same extensive tests for everyone, regardless of personal risk factors, to create the perception of thoroughness and value.

But many of these diagnostics:

• Aren’t medically necessary for every person
• Can expose you to unnecessary radiation or interventions
• Could have been covered by insurance if done through an in-network facility

By standardizing the testing for everyone, these centers optimize convenience—not personalization.

In contrast, a good primary care physician would tailor your testing based on:

• Your age
• Your genetic and family history
• Your past medical history
• Current symptoms or risk factors

Not everyone needs a coronary CT scan at 35. Not everyone needs a full-body ultrasound every year. Smart medicine is personalized medicine.

A Better Alternative: Membership-Based Care

If you're willing to invest $10,000 in your health, there’s a better way: Apply that investment toward an ongoing relationship with a trusted concierge or membership-based physician.

Here’s what you get:

• Personalized testing: Only what you need, when you need it (and often billed through insurance)
• Continuous follow-up: Regular check-ins to monitor your progress and adapt your care plan
  Care coordination: A team quarterbacking referrals, follow-ups, and specialist management for you
• Cost efficiency: Money saved on unnecessary diagnostics can be redirected toward services that actually improve your outcomes—like nutrition support, health coaching, mental health services, and preventive screenings

In other words, you get continued action, support, and measurable improvement, not just a snapshot.

‍

Technology Has Changed the Game

Even the diagnostic advantage of executive physicals is eroding. New technologies like full-body MRI scans—such as those offered by Prenuvo—allow for broad early detection of abnormalities without radiation exposure, often at a lower cost than an executive physical.

At The Lanby, our partnership with Prenuvo gives members access to preferred pricing, plus dedicated clinical support to interpret results, coordinate follow-up, and create a personalized plan based on findings.

The scan is just the beginning—it's what happens next that matters.

Health Is a Journey, Not a Daytrip

Ultimately, a health plan is only as good as your ability to follow through on it.

• Lab results without context don't empower change.
• Specialist referrals without coordination don't guarantee better outcomes.
• A report card without accountability doesn't drive lasting health improvements.

That's where a membership model like The Lanby comes in: Ongoing support. Personalized care. Seamless coordination.

We blend the convenience people love about executive physicals with the real substance they’re missing—continuous, proactive partnership.

If you’re serious about investing in your health, make it count. Skip the one-day executive check-up. Choose a team that’s with you for the long haul.

If you’re interested in learning if our Membership could be right for you, book a call with our membership experience team here. 

‍