Demonstrating the Value of Clinical Laboratory Medicine: Impact of Pharmacogenetic Panel Testing on a Health Plan

 

As healthcare costs continue to climb in the United States, drug costs are responsible for a disproportionate percentage of the overall healthcare spend. Pharmacogenetic testing has been scientifically validated as an option to help lower drug costs, yet little data exists on the testing's potential to improve patient care while also lowering health plans' costs. This presentation will provide the premise of pharmacogenetic testing then share how one self-insured company implemented pharmacogenetic screening of its high-risk populations as part of a collaborative laboratory/pharmacy stewardship program. Lessons learned and an examination of the financial and quality impacts of pharmacogentic panel testing will also be discussed.

Originally presented on October 20, 2020, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Lecture Presenter

Andrew Fletcher, MD, MBA, CPE, CHCQM, FCAP

Andrew Fletcher, MD, MBA, CPE, CHCQM, FCAP

Medical Director
ARUP Laboratories
Clinical Adjunct Professor
University of Utah School of Medicine

Dr. Andrew Fletcher is a medical director at ARUP Laboratories and a clinical adjunct professor at the University of Utah School of Medicine. He has significant experience in leading quality initiatives that enhance organizations’ safety and value. As ARUP’s medical director of Consultative Services, he leads a team of expert consultants focused on laboratory stewardship, laboratory efficiency, and outreach growth. He has helped develop laboratory stewardship programs throughout the U.S., which have captured millions of dollars in cost savings. Dr. Fletcher received an MBA from the University of Massachusetts and graduated from the Mercer University School of Medicine with a medical degree. He completed a surgical internship at Gesinger Medical Center before completing an anatomic and clinical pathology residency at the University of Florida. Dr. Fletcher is certified by the American Board of Pathology in anatomic and clinical pathology and cytopathology. He is a fellow at the College of American Pathology and a certified physician executive by the Certifying Commission of Medical Management. His research interests include laboratory stewardship, healthcare and laboratory management, and blood utilization.

Objectives

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the premise of pharmacogenetic testing and cite specific basic examples of drug-gene interactions
  • Explain strategies for laboratory and pharmacy to implement a pharmacogenetic panel testing to address quality and cost metrics within a health plan
  • Identify the potential challenges of implementing a pharmacogenetic screening program
  • Discuss the potential impact of pharmacogenetic testing to both patients and the health plan

Sponsored by:

University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, and ARUP Laboratories