Most concierge doctors focus on better access—getting you a same-day appointment for flu or a check-up. Carte focuses on better health strategy, particularly for complex decisions not given appropriate attention. We don’t replace your primary care physician, preventive specialist, or personal trainer; we are the quarterback who coordinates them and your specialists to make sure there is a coherent plan across all domains of your health and your life. While a patient advocate may help with billing or logistics, Carte is led by experienced, dedicated physicians who have the clinical authority and know your case well enough to challenge diagnoses, overturn treatment plans, and clarify key points with specialists on your behalf – things patient advocates can never do. 

Like concierge or patient advocates, Carte opens doors to navigate the system. We then go beyond what those parties can offer to provide rigorous medical decision-making, specialist diligence, and a proactive health strategy focused on independence and better quality of life (strength, mobility, cognition, metabolic health), not just appointments.

Great doctors appreciate organized histories, clear questions, and fast follow-through. We make their time higher-leverage and ensure recommendations get executed. 

Top institutions have incredible specialists, but they often operate in silos with incomplete context and limited time. Your surgeon may not be talking to the radiologist whose reads determine their surgical approach. Your cardiologist at one hospital may not have read relevant notes by your neurologist at another. 

Carte serves as your unifying layer above these institutions. We ensure your entire team is aligned, that conflicting advice is resolved, and that 'standard of care' protocols aren't applied blindly to your unique biology. We make your existing world-class doctors more effective by ensuring they have the full picture. We have changed plans proposed by top institutions many times, with those institutions ultimately agreeing with our suggestions after reviewing our data.

In standard medicine, treatments are based on what works for the 'average' person in a large clinical trial. But you are not an average. 'n-of-1' medicine treats you as a clinical trial of one. We use your unique data, such as genetics, history, lifestyle, and preferences, to tailor decisions specifically for you. 

Many patients find little improvement from standard medicine guidance. We don't stop at 'What works for most people?' – we press on to ask 'What will work for you?' This approach is essential for patients who have gotten unsatisfying answers from routine care or who have complex, overlapping conditions where rote guidelines don't apply.

We do not bill insurance, and that is by design. Insurance carriers operate on population averages and cost-containment models that often dictate less time and fewer options for patients. By remaining independent, we answer only to you, not a claims adjuster. This allows us to spend hundreds of hours on your case, convene global experts, and pursue answers that fall outside standard insurance algorithms. However, you can and should continue to use your insurance for labs, imaging, surgeries, and hospitalizations that we coordinate.

Yes. Carte’s services are typically considered qualified medical expenses under IRS guidelines for medical care. Many of our members utilize HSA or FSA funds to pay for their membership, effectively reducing the cost by using pre-tax dollars. We can provide the necessary Letter of Medical Necessity and documentation for your records. We recommend checking with your specific plan administrator to confirm eligibility.

The cost of a medical error, a missed diagnosis, or an unnecessary surgery is immeasurable, both financially and in terms of quality of life. Carte’s approach is designed to prevent these costly missteps. Whether it is avoiding a surgery that wouldn't have solved the problem, identifying a root cause that has plagued you for years, or preventing a hospitalization, our clients view membership as an investment in protecting their future independence. We act as the fiduciary for your health, preserving your most valuable asset.

Yes. Carte operates globally. While our memberships that include house calls are only available in the Washington DC and San Francisco metro areas, because we focus on strategy, forensic record review, and expert coordination, much of our deep work that adds tremendous value for clients can be done remotely. When physical care is needed, we identify and vet the absolute best providers in your region, or facilitate access to centers of excellence if travel is warranted. Our physicians can be available to you 24/7 via text, video, and phone, no matter where you are.

Absolutely. A significant portion of our clients are adult children securing care for aging parents. We act as your eyes and ears on the ground, coordinating their local care teams, attending appointments virtually to ensure nothing is missed, and keeping you fully briefed with plain-English updates. We provide the peace of mind that comes from knowing a physician is watching over your parent’s care as closely as you would. Our all-inclusive memberships are an excellent option if your parent is in the Washington, DC or San Francisco metro area. 

Yes. We routinely coordinate with dozens of specialists, labs, and research institutions for a single question. We gather your records, synthesize the information, find the right expertise wherever it is around the globe, and then work with your existing team to make sure everyone is aligned around a clear, well-thought-out plan.

We are best suited for with individuals and families who want a high-touch, comprehensive health strategy across all aspects of care, to the highest possible standard.

No obligation at all. We offer these consultations so you can experience how our physicians think through your health challenges without risk, and help you regardless of whether you continue with us. You’ll leave the call with at least one actionable step you can take in the next 24 hours — guaranteed.