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Function Health's Evidence-Based Platform Bridges the Information-to-Action Gap

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 5:33 GMT by STAT

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Function Health Proves Evidence‑Based Tech Wins Over Consumers – What the Latest STAT Report Reveals

In a compelling narrative that blends data, design and human stories, STAT’s November 20, 2025 feature on Function Health outlines how a relatively young health‑tech startup is redefining consumer engagement by putting rigorous evidence at the core of its digital offerings. The piece, anchored by interviews with company leadership, patient testimonials, and industry analysis, shows that when technology is built around proven interventions, the response from everyday users is overwhelmingly positive.

The Genesis of Function Health

Founded in 2022 by former clinicians and data scientists, Function Health set out to tackle one of the most stubborn challenges in contemporary care: the “information‑to‑action gap.” While patients are inundated with health information, few are able to translate that knowledge into consistent, evidence‑based behaviors. The company’s answer was a mobile platform that aggregates a patient’s own health data—electronic medical records, wearable‑derived metrics, and self‑reported symptoms—and matches it to a curated library of interventions whose effectiveness has been validated through randomized trials, meta‑analyses, and real‑world evidence studies.

“People trust the data that comes from their own bodies,” explains Function Health CEO Dr. Maya Patel. “Our job is to overlay that data with the best scientific evidence available, so they can see not just what to do, but why it matters.”

The startup’s early traction has been driven by a partnership with CVS Health, announced in September 2024. The alliance allows Function Health users to link their pharmacy and primary‑care records directly into the app, unlocking a more holistic view of their health journey. According to the article, the partnership also gives CVS access to anonymized aggregate data that can inform pharmacy benefit design—an example of the broader ecosystem impact the platform is poised to have.

Evidence‑Based Health Tech: A New Currency for Consumers

STAT’s article highlights a key insight: consumers are increasingly demanding transparency and evidence when choosing health interventions. A 2024 Consumer Health Survey, cited in the piece, found that 68 % of respondents would prefer to use a health app that cites peer‑reviewed studies rather than marketing copy. Function Health meets that demand by providing “Evidence Summaries” for every recommendation—concise abstracts that explain the level of evidence, the magnitude of benefit, and any known risks.

The platform’s algorithm, described in a 2025 JAMA Network Open paper (link provided in the STAT article), weighs multiple dimensions: the quality of the underlying research, the relevance to the user’s health profile, and the feasibility of the intervention given their socioeconomic context. The result is a personalized “Health Action Plan” that users can download and share with their clinicians.

Real‑World Impact: From Engagement to Outcomes

A cornerstone of the report is a six‑month randomized study conducted in partnership with the University of Michigan’s Behavioral Health Lab. The study enrolled 1,200 participants from diverse backgrounds, comparing the Function Health platform to a control group that received standard care. Key outcomes reported in the article include:

• Higher adherence to preventive screenings: 83 % of Function Health users completed recommended cancer screenings versus 58 % in the control group (p < 0.001).
• Improved blood‑pressure control: Average systolic pressure dropped by 12 mm Hg in the intervention group compared with 4 mm Hg in controls.
• Enhanced medication adherence: The app’s reminder system was associated with a 19 % increase in adherence rates for chronic disease medications.

Patients interviewed in the article describe the experience as “real‑time coaching” rather than passive advice. One participant, 52‑year‑old Luis Ortega, recounted how the platform’s step‑by‑step guidance helped him adopt a Mediterranean‑style diet and maintain a 10‑minute daily walk routine, ultimately lowering his HbA1c from 8.2 % to 6.9 % over the study period.

Consumer Behavior in a Data‑Driven Age

The STAT piece contextualizes Function Health’s success within a broader shift toward patient‑centered care. By linking directly to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)’s “Value‑Based Care” initiative, the article underscores how evidence‑driven digital tools can help meet the triple‑aim of improved health outcomes, lower costs, and higher patient satisfaction.

Another link in the article points to a report from the National Academy of Medicine that discusses the ethical considerations of aggregating patient data. Function Health addresses these concerns head‑on, citing their adherence to HIPAA, use of end‑to‑end encryption, and transparent data‑sharing policies that allow users to opt out of secondary analytics.

The Road Ahead: Scaling, Regulation, and Innovation

Looking forward, the STAT article outlines Function Health’s roadmap. First, the company plans to expand its library of interventions to cover mental health, sleep hygiene, and chronic pain—areas where evidence is still emerging but demand is high. Second, they are in talks with the FDA to seek “Digital Health‑First” clearance for their core algorithm, which could expedite broader adoption among insurers and health systems.

The piece also highlights a potential challenge: regulatory scrutiny. A link to a 2025 FDA memo reveals that while digital therapeutics are gaining traction, the agency is still refining its criteria for what constitutes an “evidence‑based” digital product. Function Health’s rigorous publication record and ongoing clinical trials should put it in a favorable position, but the company remains cautious.

Takeaway

In the world of health tech, where hype often outpaces hard data, Function Health’s evidence‑based model offers a refreshing, data‑driven alternative. The STAT article demonstrates that when consumers see clear, peer‑reviewed evidence backing each recommendation, engagement spikes, adherence improves, and measurable health outcomes follow. The startup’s partnership with CVS, its transparent data practices, and its commitment to continuous clinical validation position it as a leading example of how technology can bridge the gap between knowledge and action.

For anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve—whether a patient, clinician, insurer, or policymaker—Function Health’s journey underscores a fundamental truth: the most successful health tech is not the flashiest app, but the one that lets science guide every click.