Gessells Merge Grand Rapids Health Practices
The couple combined their existing clinics into a new self-pay facility at 1751 S.E. Second Ave.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Alternative Medicine
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Jackson and Lexi Gessell have merged their individual health practices to launch Wellth Chiropractic and Functional Medicine in Grand Rapids. The new practice offers sports performance services alongside chiropractic and functional medicine care.
Why it matters
The owners adopted a self-pay model to eliminate insurance billing tasks, allowing them to devote more time to individual patient care. This shift aims to move away from brief appointment windows.
The new facility at 1751 S.E. Second Ave. operates on an exclusively self-pay model, with the sole exception of Medicare. This move comes after Lexi Gessell operated her previous clinic, Foundations of Health, for two years.
The players
Jackson Gessell
He is a practitioner who previously purchased McBride Chiropractic prior to the 2026 merger.
Lexi Gessell
She is a health professional who established Foundations of Health in 2024 before merging her practice.
The details
The practice focuses on chiropractic care and functional medicine in a setting designed to prioritize extended patient interaction. By bypassing insurance claims, the clinic removes significant administrative overhead.
Timeline
The owners were married in 2023.
Lexi Gessell opened Foundations of Health in 2024.
The practice will host an open house on October 29, 2026.
Health Landscape
This transition aligns with the broader direct primary care model shift occurring in the private medical sector. Many independent clinics are moving toward self-pay structures to reduce administrative reliance on insurance reimbursement cycles.
Patients should note that the clinic now requires direct payment for services, as it no longer processes standard insurance claims outside of Medicare. This model is designed to provide residents with longer, more personalized appointment times.
The takeaway
Moving to a self-pay model allows small practices to prioritize patient engagement over administrative documentation. Patients seeking this care should confirm their insurance coverage status and Medicare eligibility before scheduling.
What happens next
The practice is scheduled to host an open house for the public on October 29, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on wellness and clinical trends, visit Alternative Medicine.
More information
To view office hours and service details, visit the Wellth Chiropractic and Functional Medicine website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Grand Rapids Herald-Review.
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