As more physicians gain a better understanding
of the role that genes play in individual drug response, there’s been a steady
increase in the number of clinical pharmacogenetic (PGx) tests performed.
Because people metabolize drugs differently,
finding the most appropriate medication and dosage based on genetic profile is
critical for better patient outcomes. PGx testing uses an individual’s
personalized genetic makeup to help make these determinations and identify
response to specific drugs.
What’s more, PGx testing is lowering
medication costs and overall healthcare expenditures by avoiding drug-drug
interactions, medication allergies, and trial-and-error medications that
contribute to increased healthcare costs.
PGx testing: • Determines individual responses
to specific drugs
• Identifies drug-drug interactions,
medication allergies, and trial-and- error medications
• Reduces the risk for adverse drug
reactions and ineffective prescribing
• Makes medication treatment safer and
at lower cost.
Industry leaders report that PGx testing for potential
adverse drug events (ADEs) or ineffective drug responses may reduce healthcare
costs over the long term by diminishing the duration and severity of illness
and the costs associated with ineffective treatment and avoidable ADEs.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
maintains a list of FDA-approved drugs and genes (currently 164 drug–gene
pairs) with PGx information in their labeling, including psychotropic,
cardiovascular and gastrointestinal drugs. The FDA also notes that PGx can play
an important role in avoiding adverse events, identifying responders and
non-responders to medications, and optimizing drug dosage.
Through its collaboration with MedTek21, a
comprehensive medication risk management platform that delivers the benefits of
continuous genomics-based medication monitoring to every patient, Tenet’s PGx
testing can identify potential adverse drug events (ADEs) or ineffective drug
responses. This helps self-insured companies and plan sponsors reduce
healthcare costs over the long term by diminishing the duration and severity of
illness and the costs associated with ineffective treatment and avoidable ADEs.
Scott Howell, MD, MPH&TM, CPE
Chief Medical Officer, Tenet Diagnostics
Dr. Scott Howell is the Chief Medical Officer
for Tenet Diagnostic, a comprehensive full-service laboratory with
concentration on clinical quality, population health and next generation
genetic tests. He also is board certified in Family Practice, Preventative
Medicine and Public Health and Addiction Medicine and has been in medicine for
over 25 years. He is certified by the American College of Physician Executives
as a Certified Physician Executive (CPE) and has served the military for 25
years. His current reserve assignment is with the Office of Secretary of
Defense (OSD) at the Department of Defense Inspector General (DoDIG)
concentrating on the Wounded Warrior Program, BioAssurity, and Ebola Outbreak
Assessment.
About Tenet Diagnostics
Tenet Diagnostics offers fast, accurate, high-quality laboratory and genomic testing to hospitals, clinics and physicians’ offices to help them provide the best patient care. As collaborators with employers, payers and clinicians, we offer an extensive range of testing services, including specialized diagnosis, screening and evaluation for a host of conditions and diseases related to orthopedics, pain management, primary care and oncology. Tenet Diagnostics has been accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) to ensure the highest standard of care for patients. Visit http://www.tenetdiagnostics.com