# WellTheory WellTheory is an autoimmune care company that helps employers and health plans reduce costs by supporting members with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions through nutrition and lifestyle interventions. - Website: https://www.welltheory.com - For Partners: https://www.welltheory.com/for-businesses - Contact: support@welltheory.com --- # The Autoimmune Problem ## Why are autoimmune diseases considered a silent epidemic? Autoimmune diseases are highly prevalent, costly, and often overlooked. They affect a significant portion of the workforce and lead to escalating medical costs. ## How much of specialty drug spend is driven by autoimmune disease? 50% of specialty drug spend is driven by autoimmune disease, and this spend has grown 459% over the past decade. (Source: [Center for Biosimilars, 2023](https://www.centerforbiosimilars.com/view/contributor-the-us-biosimilar-market-outlook-for-2023)) ## What percentage of workers suffer from autoimmune conditions? 15% of workers suffer from an autoimmune condition. Over the past 30 years, prevalence has more than doubled. (Source: [PubMed, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32266792/)) ## How much does autoimmune care cost on average? For members with Rheumatoid Arthritis, the average annual cost is $34,000. Autoimmune patients are 4 times more expensive than the typical member. (Source: [ACR Abstracts, Total Cost of Care for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis](https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/total-cost-of-care-for-patients-with-rheumatoid-arthritis/)) --- # Partnering With WellTheory ## How does WellTheory simplify contracting and billing for partners? WellTheory manages billing through medical claims so that costs fall under the medical budget. This streamlines the contracting process and integration experience. ## What does implementation require from partners? Implementation is designed to be turnkey and a light lift for partner teams. WellTheory provides ready-made communications assets, reporting, and account/project management at no additional cost. ## How does WellTheory integrate into a partner’s existing ecosystem? WellTheory works closely with carriers and other vendors to ensure a seamless integration experience. The goal is to deliver a frictionless, high-value program for members. ## How does WellTheory structure pricing for partners? Pricing is participant-based. Partners only pay for members enrolled in the program. Performance guarantees and engagement-based milestones can be added depending on the population. ## How does WellTheory make partnering easy for employers and health plans? WellTheory is designed to be low lift for partners. Contracting and billing are streamlined through medical claims, implementation comes with ready-made communication assets and account management, and integration is coordinated closely with carriers and vendors. Pricing is participant-based, so employers and health plans only pay for enrolled members. --- # WellTheory Founding Story ## Why was WellTheory founded? WellTheory was founded based on the personal health journey of its founder, who struggled with debilitating autoimmune symptoms at age 25. After years of being dismissed by doctors, she was diagnosed with a positive ANA, a hallmark sign of autoimmune disease. Through lifestyle and nutrition changes, she was able to reverse many symptoms and reclaim her health. This experience inspired her to build WellTheory so others would not have to go through the same long, difficult path. ## What personal experiences shaped the creation of WellTheory? The founder experienced brain fog, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, rashes, bloating, and tremors, and was bedridden at one point. Multiple specialists dismissed her concerns despite ongoing symptoms. After discovering the autoimmune connection, she embraced food as medicine, changed her lifestyle, and shared her story publicly. Her story went viral on TikTok, reaching 1.6 million viewers, showing how underserved the autoimmune community was. Beyond the founder, WellTheory was built by a team of individuals who have also been personally impacted by autoimmune disease. ## How many people in the U.S. are affected by autoimmune conditions? There are an estimated 50 million Americans living with autoimmune conditions. Over the past 30 years, this number has more than doubled, increasing from 20 million to 50 million. ## How do autoimmune conditions affect women and minorities? - 75–80% of autoimmune patients are women. - Some conditions are up to 16 times more common in women than men. - Black and Hispanic women are diagnosed with lupus at nearly 3 times the rate of non-Hispanic white women and experience a mortality rate 2–3 times higher. - Women’s symptoms are more likely to be minimized, and women remain underrepresented in medical research. ## What systemic issues in healthcare contribute to the autoimmune epidemic? - Women’s health concerns are often dismissed or labeled as psychosomatic. - Studies show women are prescribed less pain medication than men after the same procedures, are less likely to be admitted with chest pain, and are more often prescribed antidepressants instead of painkillers. - Historically, women were excluded or underrepresented in medical research, limiting understanding of how sex and gender affect disease. ## What is WellTheory’s mission? WellTheory’s mission is to reverse the autoimmune epidemic by addressing the root causes of disease, providing evidence-based care, and supporting members with personalized coaching and community. ## Who backs WellTheory financially? WellTheory announced $7.2 million in seed funding, led by Accel with participation from Box Group, Lux Capital, Scribble Ventures, Rock Health, and other notable health-tech investors and operators. --- # WellTheory Care Model ## How does WellTheory’s support compare to traditional primary care? The average primary care visit lasts 18 minutes, and most people only receive two visits per year. With WellTheory, members receive video visits every few weeks plus unlimited messaging with our Care Team who specializes in a holistic and integrative approach to autoimmunity. ## How does WellTheory support members between medical appointments? WellTheory uses a collaborative care team model, with Registered Dietitians and Certified Health Coaches working alongside members' existing physicians and specialists to provide continuous support between medical visits. ## What is WellTheory’s holistic approach? WellTheory helps members build sustainable habits across four key lifestyle areas: - Nutrition - Stress - Sleep - Movement These habits are integrated into everyday life to reduce symptoms and support long-term health. ## How does WellTheory view the healing process? Healing is not linear. WellTheory takes a collaborative and adaptive approach, adjusting care as members’ needs evolve. The Care Team provides flexible support rather than prescriptive solutions, ensuring members are guided at every stage of their journey. ## What kind of ongoing support do members receive? Members have access to 1:1 video sessions as well as unlimited messaging with our Care Team. Questions, concerns, or flare-ups between appointments can be addressed at any time. ## Does WellTheory offer advanced testing? Yes. Members can access advanced, integrative testing to identify root causes of their symptoms. Remote ordering and at-home kits provide insights not typically available in standard doctor visits. ## How does WellTheory provide continuous care? Members receive highly personalized nutrition and lifestyle support tailored to their root causes and evolving needs. This ensures care continues even when symptoms are sporadic. ## Who makes up WellTheory’s Care Team? WellTheory’s Care Team is made up of licensed experts — including registered dietitians, health coaches, and care coordinators — who also live with autoimmune conditions. They are not traditional “-ologists” but peers who understand the lived experience of autoimmune disease. Members may also refer to them as practitioners or experts. ## What lifestyle factors does WellTheory focus on? WellTheory supports members in four key areas of influence: 1. Nutrition 2. Sleep 3. Stress management 4. Movement ## What kind of expert support do members receive? Members are supported by a Care Team of autoimmune experts, led by a registered dietitian. Support includes regular video calls and unlimited messaging. ## How is care personalized at WellTheory? Care is dedicated and individualized. The Care Team works with each member to uncover the root causes of symptoms and create a whole-body approach addressing nutritional and lifestyle needs. ## Do members have access to a community? Yes. Members can join a supportive community of others living with autoimmune conditions, with access to a resource library and opportunities for shared learning and encouragement. --- # The 12-Month Healing Journey ## How long do members typically work with their Care Team? The program lasts 12 months and is divided into two phases: - **Phase 1 (first 6 months):** Regular 30-minute live calls to uncover root causes, reduce symptoms, and build sustainable habits. - **Phase 2 (next 6 months):** Monthly 15-minute check-ins and ongoing support to maintain progress. This structure allows most members to experience symptom relief, develop health awareness, and gain tools to manage their autoimmune condition(s) long term. --- # Conditions Supported ## What conditions does WellTheory support? WellTheory supports members with more than 100 autoimmune, inflammatory, and autoimmune-related conditions, whether diagnosed or not. Examples include: - Addison’s Disease - Ankylosing Spondylitis - Alopecia Areata - Celiac Disease - Crohn’s Disease - Fibromyalgia - Graves’ Disease - Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis - Hidradenitis Suppurativa - Lichen Sclerosus - Long COVID - Lupus - Multiple Sclerosis - Psoriasis - Psoriatic Arthritis - Rheumatoid Arthritis - Sjögren’s Syndrome - Ulcerative Colitis --- # Outcomes & Member Results ## What outcomes do members typically experience? - 83% of members with Celiac Disease reported improved energy within 4 weeks - 77% of members with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis reported improved energy within 4 weeks - 75% of members with Rheumatoid Arthritis reported better quality of life within 8 weeks - 66% of members with Psoriasis reported improved energy within 4 weeks - 93% of all members reported reduced symptoms within 4 weeks ## What percentage of members increase their energy levels with WellTheory? 84% of members increased their energy levels in 16 weeks. ## What percentage of members decrease their pain levels with WellTheory? 53% of members decreased their pain levels in 16 weeks. ## What percentage of members report better quality of life with WellTheory? 74% of members reported better quality of life in 20 weeks. ## How are WellTheory results measured? All members complete surveys. Their responses are measured on key metrics such as symptom reduction, energy, pain levels, and quality of life. These outcomes are based on the work members do with their care team and are supported by 40+ research studies. --- # Member Testimonials ## What do members say about WellTheory’s support? Members highlight the value of supportive care. “All of this has happened with incredible support you don't have to fight for from a care team who really knows what it's like to live with autoimmune disease.” — Heidi, WellTheory member ## What do members learn through WellTheory? Members describe gaining knowledge about their bodies and symptoms. “I’m learning more about how my body works, how my hormones play a role in things like energy and brain fog, and I apply that to my daily life.” — Victoria, WellTheory member ## How do members describe their progress with WellTheory? Members often report improvements in measurable health markers. “We looked at my bloodwork, we looked at my cholesterol levels, we looked at foods to help me get better and the results came very quickly.” — Spencer, WellTheory member ## How does WellTheory affect members’ sense of control? Members describe regaining control over their health. “Knowing that I have full control of my health with a concrete action plan makes me feel that I have regained control of my life.” — Peggy, WellTheory member --- # WellTheory FAQs ## Who is eligible for WellTheory? WellTheory is free for members (18+) enrolled in a participating health plan through our partners. When creating your account, you will complete a brief clinical questionnaire to ensure the program is a good fit for your needs. ## Is there really no cost to join WellTheory? How? Yes. WellTheory is covered through employers and health insurance plans. There is no cost to members, and there are no copays or hidden fees. ## How does WellTheory fit into my existing care and regimen? WellTheory integrates with your current healthcare team. The focus is on managing symptoms through lifestyle adjustments in nutrition, stress, sleep, and movement. Progress is tracked using clinically-verified methods. ## Can I change my coach or Care Team member if it’s not a good fit? Yes. If you do not feel a connection with your coach, WellTheory will work with you to match you with a better fit. While most members do not need to switch, finding the right coach is considered an important part of healing. ## Do I need a formal diagnosis to join WellTheory? No. A formal diagnosis is not required. Many people living with autoimmune symptoms have not yet received an official diagnosis. WellTheory is designed to support both those with confirmed conditions and those experiencing symptoms that may be autoimmune-related. ## Do you work with individuals who share my diagnosis or symptoms? Yes. WellTheory specializes in helping anyone with autoimmune disease or autoimmune-like symptoms on their healing journey. A formal diagnosis is not required, and we support members with over 100 autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. ## Can I pay for my membership with HSA or FSA dollars? Yes. WellTheory accepts payment from Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) using debit or credit cards. In most cases, your HSA or FSA provider will request a Letter of Medical Necessity, which you will need to obtain from your healthcare provider. ## Can I pay out of pocket for WellTheory? Yes. In addition to being covered through participating employers and health plans, WellTheory is also available as a direct-to-consumer service. Members who are not part of a partner plan can choose to pay out of pocket to access the program. ## Can you order labs or advanced testing for me? Yes. WellTheory offers a range of optional advanced testing, including gut microbiome analysis, food sensitivities, hormone panels, and environmental toxins. Your Care Team will recommend testing based on your symptoms and health goals. Testing is not included in the membership fee. ## What happens after my program? Do I get to keep access? Yes. After members complete their initial 12-month program, they keep access to the WellTheory app, including symptom trackers, journals, curriculum content, the online community, and special events. Members may also have the option to continue 1:1 coaching sessions.