The T2Bacteria Panel (T2Biosystems; Lexington, Mass.) can rapidly and accurately diagnoses bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by five common bacteria, according to a study published May 14 in the … [Read more...]
TESTING STRATEGY
Upfront Next-Generation Sequencing for Lung Cancer Patients Saves Time, Money
August 5, 2019
Use of upfront next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing at diagnosis of patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) is associated with substantial cost savings, according to a study … [Read more...]
WHISTLEBLOWERS
Billing & Coding: Myriad Genetics Pays $9.1 Million to Settle Claims of Falsely Billing Medicare for Hereditary Cancer Tests
July 30, 2019
In March 2018, Myriad Genetics got a piece of mail no lab provider ever wants to see in its inbox: an OIG subpoena asking for billing records in connection with "an investigation into possible false … [Read more...]
TESTING TRENDS
Genetic Testing Guidelines for Hereditary Cancer Miss Many At Risk
July 28, 2019
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network genetic testing criteria for hereditary cancer miss almost one in five at-risk for breast and ovarian cancer, and more than one in three at-risk for Lynch … [Read more...]
INDUSTRY TRENDS
Adoption Quickening for Genomic Cancer Testing in Community Settings
July 22, 2019
Clinicians are increasingly using genomic cancer testing in community health care settings, although there are lingering questions about the utility of results. These are the findings of several … [Read more...]
GENETIC TESTING
Expanded Access to Genetic Testing for Cardiomyopathy Is Cost Effective
July 22, 2019
Expansion of genetic testing in asymptomatic relatives of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) to guide clinical surveillance is cost-effective, according to a study published in Genetics in … [Read more...]
GENETIC TESTING
Guidelines at a Glance
July 22, 2019
Screening for HIV Published June 11 in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for HIV infection in adolescents and … [Read more...]
GENETIC TESTING
OIG Issues Genetic Testing Fraud Alert
July 15, 2019
On June 3, the OIG issued a fraud alert warning of a genetic testing fraud scheme. According to the OIG, scammers are using telemarketing calls, booths at health fairs and public events and … [Read more...]
INNOVATION
Multi-Cancer Screening Tests Are Getting Closer to Reality
July 15, 2019
The hope of developing a single blood test capable of detecting multiple types of early-stage cancer is getting closer to becoming a reality. Two hopeful players, GRAIL (Menlo Park, Calif.) and Thrive … [Read more...]
INDUSTRY TRENDS
Consumers Interested in Raw Genetic Data, Third Party Interpretation Tools
June 26, 2019
Consumers of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing download raw data at high rates and frequently use third-party interpretation (TPI) tools, according to a study published June 13 in the American … [Read more...]
