If you have been following my Blogs, you will know that I have been following Pharmacogenetics for a couple years.
What is Pharmacogenetics? Below are the Blog posts I have previously posted on Pharmacogenetics:
- Right Drug, Right Dose?
- Right Drug, Right Dose? The Perspective Expands
- Right Drug, Right Dose? The Perspective Expands, Part 1
- Right Drug, Right Dose? The Perspective Expands, Part 2
- Right Drug, Right Dose? The Perspective Expands, Part 3
- Right Drug, Right Dose? The Perspective Expands, Part 4
- Right Drug, Right Does is Available Now
Green Shield Canda (GSC) is interested in the potential of pharmacogenetics in the treatment of depression and anxiety, GSC initiated a clinical trial to study whether it would improve patient outcomes. Recently, we revealed the results of this study which showed that participants in the pharmacogenetics-guided group reported significantly greater improvements versus the control group, where treatment was based solely on clinical judgement.
Effective March 1, 2021, pharmacogenetics coverage will be automatically added to all group GSC benefit plans that cover the “Diagnostic Services/Laboratory Tests (non optometric)” category, which is covered by the vast majority of our plans. Claims will be subject to GSC’s prior authorization process to ensure costs are managed and criteria is met. While pharmacogenetic testing is associated with an upfront cost and doesn’t necessarily avoid future drug claims (plan members will continue to claim medications for depression and/or anxiety), its value lies in allowing plan members an opportunity to optimize treatment more quickly in an effort to achieve disease control and reduce the risk of disability and associated costs.
If you would like to discuss how Pharmacogenetics can work for your Corporation, please contact Pamela @ Glendinning Insurance Services 250-215-2355.
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