Carolina HealthSpan Institute was founded over 20 years ago with one mission: To bridge the gap between traditional medicine and the science of optimal wellness, and over that time, the skilled team has built deep relationships with generations of patients who trust the team’s expertise, discretion, and results. As a result, Carolina HealthSpan offers science-based wellness in Charlotte NC.
“We saw too many patients struggling with fatigue, hormone imbalance, and preventable age-related decline,” Dr. Russo said. “Our vision was to create a practice where medicine meets vitality — helping patients live longer and live better with personalized, physician-led care.”
With two offices promoting wellness in Charlotte NC and the Lake Norman area, the team includes board-certified MDs, physician assistants, and wellness professionals. All told, the practice is large enough to offer comprehensive resources, yet small enough to maintain deeply personal relationships with each patient.
“Experience and expertise matter,” Dr. Kathleen Russo says. “At Carolina HealthSpan, our commitment to personalized, physician-led care has been part of this community for more than two decades.”
Here, Dr. Russo tells us more about the practice, what a potential client could expect, and what makes Carolina HealthSpan special.
Your website emphasizes that you aim to treat ‘causes rather than symptoms.’ Why is that so integral to the practice?
Instead of masking symptoms, we look deeper. Specifically, using advanced biomarker testing, we uncover the causes of fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, or low libido. Addressing those underlying factors — hormonal, metabolic, or inflammatory — allows for true healing and lasting results.
Why do you also emphasize hormone-focused care, and what makes that approach unique?
Hormones are the body’s master regulators, influencing energy, metabolism, sleep, mood, and sexual health. Our approach goes beyond symptom management. We identify root imbalances and use evidence-based hormone optimization to restore vitality, balance, and long-term health. Hormone optimization isn’t about chasing youth. Rather, it’s about restoring function and vitality so you can thrive at every stage of life.
What can a new patient expect, and who is this practice right for?
First, every new patient begins with a comprehensive evaluation, including detailed lab testing and a physician consultation. Together, we create a personalized roadmap integrating hormone care, nutrition, supplements, peptides, IV therapies, and lifestyle strategies. Certainly, the Vitality Method — our signature approach — is ideal for men and women ready to take an active role in their health, performance, and longevity.
What might someone be surprised to learn about your services?
Our services extend far beyond hormones. For example, we offer IV nutrient therapies (including NAD+ and vitamin infusions), medical weight management, sexual health optimization, peptide therapy, gut health restoration, and advanced longevity testing. In fact, many patients are surprised by how data-driven and holistic our care truly is.
Do you see this type of care as complementary to traditional Western medicine?
Absolutely. We collaborate with traditional healthcare models — our work enhances, not replaces, conventional medicine. Above all, acute care saves lives; our role is to optimize life between those moments.
What should patients know about cost or insurance?
We operate independently of insurance, allowing us to deliver fully personalized care without restriction. Many patients use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or submit for partial reimbursement. Moreover, investing in proactive health often prevents the cost — physical and financial — of future illness.
Ultimately, Carolina HealthSpan Institute isn’t a medspa offering the latest trend; it’s a physician-led institution that pursues the highest level of longevity and hormone medicine. “We’re proud to serve this community and to continue helping men and women redefine their health and reclaim their vitality,” Dr. Russo said. “Experience, integrity, and science are the foundation of our practice.”
CarolinaHealthSpan.com
@carolinahealthspan
