Genomics has been such a large part of medical research in recent decades that many tests have exceeded the standard of clinical evidence to reach standard of care (SOC) and are reimbursed when medically necessary.
Further increasing the effectiveness of precision medicine will depend on the penetration of these tests into routine patient care over the next few years.
At a workshop hosted by Illumina Becker’s Hospital reviews At the 13th Annual Meeting, experts discussed how genomics and precision medicine are rapidly evolving from state-of-the-art to standard of care, especially in oncology, genetic disease management and drug therapy .
Illumina is an applied genomics technology company that makes genomics accessible to all. Since 1998, the California-based company’s mission has been to improve human health by unlocking the power of the genome. Illumina delivers innovations that enable researchers and clinicians to unlock the future of personalized medicine in more than 140 countries.
The session started with a brief introduction by Illumina.
- Emma Becker, Lead, Health Systems Strategy, Illumina
- Theresa Garcia, Lead, Lead, Health Systems Strategy, Illumina
The session
- Damon Hostin, Lead, Health Systems Market Access, Illumina
- Ora K. Gordon, MD, Clinical Director, Population Genomics Program, Renton, Washington.-based Providence Health
During the discussion, Mr. Hostin posed questions to Dr. Gordon, who provided insight into the opportunities and advancements towards precision medicine and its impact on the health of today’s communities.
Here are five key points:
1. Genomics has moved from innovation to standard of care. “What was once a vision is today part of the routine care of many hospitals,” Becker said. Two companies currently have broad coverage for whole-genome sequencing of patients with suspected rare diseases that have not been diagnosed outpatiently. We have transitioned to payers we deem medically necessary.Predictable coverage and reimbursement.”
2. The value of genomics is well aligned with the overarching strategic imperative of the health system. “Health care systems are thinking about how to make health care more affordable while improving health conditions and how to make health care more accessible and equitable,” said Garcia. “These are all challenging topics. There are no simple solutions. But genome-driven capabilities can help health systems reach these goals.”
3. Hostin started a conversation with Dr. Gordon about advances in genomics in the system. Providence Health is the first to adopt a genomics-first approach to treating cancer through comprehensive genomics profiling. Providence Health has moved from using these tests “as a last resort after three failed treatments,” according to Dr. Gordon, to a genomics-first approach. “In partnership with Illumina, we are now sequencing all solid tumors because we believe there is a pathway to first-line applications and best-line care,” she said. Told.
4. Additionally, Providence Health is committed to applying genomics to the highest-risk patients for the greatest positive impact. For example, Providence Health’s largest audience for routine check-ups is women who are scheduled for mammograms. “We are using her AI-assisted chatbot to assess risk,” says Dr. Gordon. “If national guidelines for genetic risk assessment are met, video education, consent forms, and same-day testing are offered to reduce many barriers to access to genetic testing.
“As a result, women who perceive themselves to be at high risk, but who really aren’t, can be reassured and avoid over-screening or unnecessary interventions,” she said. Treatment, screening, and interventions can be tailored to focus on those with the highest s.genomic information is meaningless without integrating it into holistic care.”
5. Genomics helps providers choose the most effective drugs for their patients“We know people respond differently to drugs,” Dr. Gordon said. can administer the drug with the lowest “What it does is to keep adverse events out of the emergency department, reduce high medical costs, reduce delayed response to treatment, improve quality of life, and allow patients to focus more on medication. Please think about what to do.”
For Providence Health, genomics is helping to drive the implementation of whole-person focus and precision medicine. “For us, this means we’re trying to keep people in the easiest way possible, in the most cost-effective way possible,” Dr. Gordon said.