Michigan Blues, UMich Team on Genetic Testing Platform

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the University of Michigan Health System are collaborating with physicians and laboratories across the state as part of a new initiative to improve genetic testing practices.


Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the University of Michigan Health System are collaborating with physicians and laboratories across the state as part of a new initiative to improve genetic testing practices.

Called the Genetic Testing Resource and Quality Consortium, BCBS executives say this initiative will help medical professionals determine whether genetic testing should be used in common clinical scenarios, and which tests will benefit patients the most. Participants also will develop best practices for performing the tests, improving testing quality, and advising patients on genetic testing recommendations.

“This initiative will develop evidence-based guidelines to help physicians and their patients make important decisions about whether or not to get tested and, when testing is indicated, which tests will best meet their health needs and goals,” said David Share, M.D., senior vice president, Value Partnerships, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Among the key foundational goals of the initiative: the development of clinical decision support tools to aid physicians in determining if a patient is an appropriate candidate for a molecular diagnostic test; the establishment of a user-friendly database that will enable physicians and laboratories to quickly determine the evidence behind a particular molecular diagnostic test; and the creation of the necessary supporting materials, algorithms, guidelines, protocols, and patient education documents.

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