Root cause medicine proven to lower healthcare costs
Root provides organizations with functional medicine designed to identify and treat root causes. Our doctors and dietitians are supported by rootOS, a proprietary platform that connects labs, care plans, and progress in one integrated system.
Our Manifesto
The Problem
Today's healthcare does right by the system — not by your people
Coverage isn't care. Claims don't equal outcomes. And every untreated chronic condition drives up costs and drags down performance.
The result: rising absenteeism, shrinking productivity, burnout, and disengagement.
The Shift
At Root, we step in where traditional care falls short
Our model reduces claims and delivers measurable results — all while giving employees a clear path to healing.
From diabetes to depression, we go beyond surface-level symptoms to address root causes — helping people get and stay well.
The Solution
Clinically validated functional medicine, delivered at scale
We start with the Root Cause Panel — our signature lab panel for whole-body health insights.
Members work 1:1 with doctors and dietitians who interpret results and guide lasting change.
All connected through rootOS — one platform for labs, care plans, and progress.
The Outcome
When you fix the root, you grow the future
A low-lift, outcomes-driven experience that integrates seamlessly with your existing benefits.
No red tape. No workarounds. Just healthier people and stronger teams. Because care beyond coverage helps your business, and your people, truly thrive.
Care beyond coverage.
What Makes Root Different?
Root created the category, Root Cause Health Benefits. Root is the only Root Cause Benefits company where you can schedule real visits with doctors and dietitians. Your labs come with answers, not confusion.
| Category | Data | Functional Telehealth |
Scalable Employer-Wide |
OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Lab Testing PlatformsLab testing only, no care delivery or ROI |
Yes | No | No | No |
Chronic Condition ProgramsHigh cost, condition specific |
Yes | No | No | Partial |
Primary CareManagement of disease instead of reversal |
Yes | No | Partial | No |
|
The only MD-led, enterprise-ready, ROI-proven solution |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Our Leadership
Root is guided by experienced clinical leaders and trusted advisors who shape our care model, clinical standards, and long-term vision.
Erica Armstrong
Founder & CEO / MD, FMCP-M
Kelsey Stricklen
Chief Creative Officer / MS, RDN
Emily Cordes
Chief Medical Officer / DO, FMCP-M
Allen Ahner
VP of Engineering
Amy Masterson
Director of Nutrition / MS, RDN, LD
Nicole Deboer
Director of Operations
Erica Armstrong
Founder & CEO / MD, FMCP-M
Kelsey Stricklen
Chief Creative Officer / MS, RDN
Scott Lancaster
Board of Directors / MD, MBA / The 4100 Group
Darcey Nett
Board of Directors / HealthX Ventures
Spencer Smith
Advisor / SVP of Sales at Pareto Health, Host of the Self-Funded with Spencer Podcast
Randy Rider
Advisor / EVP of Employee Benefits at HUB International
Michael Pappas
Advisor / Health Innovation Attorney, Partner at Nixon Law
Bring Root's care model to your company.