With Epic, GeneDx aims to increase the potential of rapid whole-genome sequencing
GeneDx, a developer of genetic testing and analytics, announced this week that it is partnering with Epic to expand access to its rapid whole-genome sequencing services.
WHY IT MATTERS
The focus is specifically on neonatal intensive care units, the company says. By integrating with the Epic electronic health record, GeneDx aims to connect directly to healthcare systems, making it easier for physicians to receive orders and send results.
Patients can now seamlessly integrate rWGS data into their longitudinal medical records, allowing healthcare providers to create more personalized treatment plans.
GeneDx says it is working to increase the availability of exome and genome testing for patient populations. For neonatal patients, it is participating in SeqFirst, a study at the University of Washington designed to assess how easy access to routine rWGS can improve care for critically ill infants at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
And through its support of the GUARDIAN study – Genomic Uniform Screening Against Rare Diseases In All Newborns – GeneDx is working to improve the understanding of genomic screening for healthy newborns not currently included in standard newborn screening.
The company notes that broader adoption of standard WGS at birth could accelerate time to diagnosis and help prevent or slow the progression of rare diseases in pediatric patients.
THE BIG TREND
GeneDx says it has seen significant growth in its rapid testing business, with more and more payers valuing rWGS. The company notes that 11 states now offer Medicaid coverage, and an increasing number of commercial insurers are adopting coverage policies.
ON THE RECORD
“Rapid whole-genome sequencing is a groundbreaking advance for neonatal care, especially for critically ill babies in the NICU,” said Dr. Mike Bamshad, chief of genetic medicine in the pediatrics department at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital, and director of research at SeqFirst.
“The ability to detect genetic conditions early opens the door to improved clinical management and targeted therapies and can lead to better outcomes for our youngest and most vulnerable patients,” Bamshad added in a statement from GeneDx. “By routinely integrating this technology into patient care, we can achieve faster diagnosis, increasing the potential for timely and effective treatments and providing families with critical information to better anticipate their child’s needs.”
“As GeneDx continues to advance the use of its whole exome sequencing in the outpatient setting, (this) announcement reaffirms our commitment to opening access to our rWGS services to healthcare system partners, providers and families in need of diagnosis of a baby in the NICU,” said Katherine Stueland, president and CEO of GeneDx.
Mike Miliard is editor-in-chief of Healthcare IT News
Email the writer: mike.miliard@himssmedia.com
Healthcare IT News is a HIMSS publication.