We had the good fortune of connecting with Kari Cao and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kari, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
For over a dozen years, I worked as a family medicine practitioner, a Physician Assistant (PA) serving the uninsured and underinsured populations. I was responsible for the health of over 1,200 patients, managing everything from diagnosis and treatment to the prevention of various conditions, including supporting them during their prenatal journey and caring for their entire families. However, like many in the field, I experienced burnout. Seeking a more meaningful connection with my patients, I transitioned to doing home visits, which I found incredibly rewarding. These visits allowed me to see the broader context of my patients’ lives and health, something that office visits often missed. Then, during COVID, I was furloughed. Rather than seeing it as a setback, I embraced it as an opportunity to pursue my passion for culinary medicine. I went back to school and became a professionally trained chef with a nutritional focus. It was during this journey that I realized my life’s purpose: to create a holistic healthcare solution that didn’t exist but was desperately needed. That’s what drove me to start RenewRx.
What should our readers know about your business?
In today’s America, expecting and new mothers are more likely to die from perinatal complications than police officers in the line of duty. This stark reality is paired with an overwhelmed medical system. Providers are battling a workforce that’s projected to halve by 2050, while financial pressures make it hard for practices to stay open and offer the support their patients need. To make matters worse, prenatal care reimbursement is bundled and delayed, with some practices waiting up to 10 months for payment. For a practice with 1,000 deliveries, that can mean waiting on $2 million in deferred payments.
That’s where RenewRx comes in. We provide lifestyle and nutritional support that complements the medical care providers offer, creating a comprehensive care ecosystem between visits. Our B2B2C platform empowers care teams to deliver high-quality support while reducing their workload. Using Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) tools like Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), blood pressure cuffs, behavioral data and more, our proprietary algorithm turns this information into actionable insights. These insights help care teams make informed decisions without increasing their administrative burden.
What sets us apart is our approach to patient engagement. Our programs offer practical, goal-oriented videos, much like the content influencers share on TikTok or Instagram. These short, engaging videos guide expecting mothers through simple, actionable steps, backed by evidence-based practices. It’s an approachable and relatable experience, making it easy for modern moms to make meaningful changes without the sterile feel of traditional medical platforms.
For medical practices, the financial benefits are clear. For a practice with 1,000 deliveries, RenewRx can generate an additional $50K a month, or $600K annually, creating a more sustainable and profitable care model.
Our first partner, Obstetrix of Colorado (part of the national group, Pediatrix), is a trailblazing, patient-first practice dedicated to offering the most advanced care options available. This dedication led them to partner with RenewRx. Our collaboration started by focusing on diabetes support in pregnancy, and we’re excited about the potential to expand this program nationally.
Getting to where we are today hasn’t been easy. Navigating this space takes persistence, adaptability, and a commitment to constant communication with both providers and patients. Along the way, I’ve learned that resilience and flexibility are the keys to success. RenewRx was born to fill a critical gap in prenatal care, giving expecting mothers and providers the tools they need to thrive.
We’re currently accepting applications from new offices for our next pilot study, as well as from impact investors who want to make a real-world change. To learn more, reach out at kari@renewrx.health
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, we’d dive into a blend of mom-life adventures and those cherished moments of “just us” time. We’d kick things off in Boulder, where I’d get to show off my alma mater, CU, and my favorite hiking spots. We’d explore the Boulder Farmers Market, picking up fresh produce before stopping at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse for some relaxation. Armed with our market finds, we’d head back for a cooking club night. I’d invite a few friends, and we’d turn the kitchen into our own culinary studio—rolling sushi, whipping up delicious dishes, and, of course, sneaking in a few nutrition tips.
For a touch of nature, we’d explore the Denver Botanic Gardens, one of my favorite places to unwind and admire the seasonal blooms. And because no trip to Colorado is complete without a mountain getaway, we’d take a day trip to Frisco to soak up the fall colors and crisp mountain air. Evenings would be all about cozy downtime, chatting with a glass of wine in hand. It’s the perfect mix of the best Colorado has to offer—outdoor adventure, great food, and plenty of laughs.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this shout-out to my sister. During my time as a PA student, I saw the challenges she faced as a pregnant patient diagnosed with gestational diabetes during both of her pregnancies. Witnessing the impact on her, both physically and emotionally, made a lasting impression on me. Being there to support her through that journey opened my eyes to the kind of care and compassion that women need during such vulnerable times. My sister has been an incredible inspiration—not just because of her strength in facing those challenges, but also in how she allowed me to understand what patients truly go through. Her experience and resilience have continued to guide me in my work, reminding me of the importance of providing comprehensive care. She’s been a constant source of support and inspiration, and I am so grateful to have her as part of my journey.
Website: https://www.renewrx.health
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/renewrx
Other: Promotional Video:
https://vimeo.com/883157655
Testomonials: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/jzzid5caxb1u6oct5fhtn/Testimonial-Sizzle.m4v?rlkey=9nd2382mghqtg12nieiwmjo4c&st=zuswe90f&dl=0
LINK TO photo & other brand assets: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/jgq0nflp9uq2int2cj6kx/AAuqAGRwJ9VaQ7MBKO7hf80?rlkey=v0x9xlcrl5oe49hfxxetwhfjq&st=x3ce28vj&dl=0
Image Credits
Tej Perwani