As longevity medicine gains traction, several prominent academic medical centers in the United States are launching specialized clinics focused on extending both lifespan and health span—the period of life spent free from chronic illness or disability. These initiatives represent a shift toward mainstream adoption of a field traditionally dominated by expensive, private boutique clinics offering sometimes controversial or unproven interventions.

Kathleen Wood, a 66-year-old business owner from St. Petersburg, Florida, embodies the growing demographic turning to these programs. Motivated by a family history of early deaths, she sought care within a major medical system and enrolled in Northwestern Medicine’s newly established Human Longevity Clinic. The clinic, which costs $5,500 annually, combines well-established health assessments such as VO2 max testing and physical function evaluations with emerging but less validated measures like biological age testing and retinal analysis, aimed at forecasting risks of cardiac and cognitive conditions.

Northwestern’s clinic draws on research from the university’s Postoak Longevity Institute, which studies biomarkers of aging. The clinic eschews certain popular tests among private providers, such as whole-body MRI scans or whole genome sequencing, due to insufficient evidence that these diagnostics directly contribute to lifespan extension. “We know for those with financial means who want this testing we’re losing that share of the market, but we have a pretty strong line in the sand about it,” said Dr. Baljash S. Cheema, medical director of the clinic.

Similarly, Mount Sinai Healthspan, opening this month in New York City, offers a one-year program that incorporates evidence-informed screenings—including genetic testing and whole body MRI—alongside continuous biometric monitoring through wearable devices like the Oura Ring. However, the program emphasizes patient education about the potential risks of incidental findings from advanced imaging, which can lead to anxiety or unnecessary follow-up care, according to Dr. Kelly Cassano, Mount Sinai’s executive vice president and chief of ambulatory care.

Weill Cornell Medicine has also recently introduced its Longevity Medicine program, which provides both comprehensive initial assessments and ongoing quarterly visits. Priced at $7,500 and $12,000 respectively, these programs prioritize cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, and mobility. Optional add-ons include whole-body MRI, coronary CT angiograms, and genetic testing. Dr. Eugene Lucas, founding director, noted the focus remains on interventions backed by data linking fitness to longevity rather than unproven therapies commonly promoted in private longevity clinics.

Despite the growing interest, most longevity screenings and treatments fall outside the scope of insurance coverage. JoAnn Volk, a research professor focused on health insurance reform, explained that insurers typically base coverage decisions on accepted standards of care and evidence. The high out-of-pocket costs raise accessibility concerns. “The primary motivation for starting the program was not revenue,” Dr. Lucas said, though experts acknowledge that academic centers may also pursue longevity clinics as a strategic response to market demand.

Cedars-Sinai Healthspan Clinic in Los Angeles, established in late 2025, offers an integrated model that combines insured evaluations—such as bone health, blood sugar, and physical function—with opportunities for patients to participate in research studies for additional assessments not covered by insurance. The clinic’s medical director, Dr. Sara E. Espinoza, emphasized the holistic approach, addressing lifestyle factors like sleep, diet, depression, and social engagement—areas often overlooked in typical primary care visits.

Experts highlight that while some longevity interventions are supported by robust evidence, many remain experimental and better suited for clinical trials. “A lot of this belongs in the clinical trial space,” said Leigh Turner, a health ethics professor at the University of California, Irvine. As longevity medicine moves into mainstream healthcare settings, the challenge remains to balance patient demand with scientific rigor and equitable access to care.