Ochsner Health System (Ochsner) and population genomics technology company, Color, announced a first of its kind, fully-digital population health pilot program that integrates clinical genomics into standard care as part of Ochsner’s focus on delivering personalized healthcare. Developed by Ochsner’s innovation lab, innovationOchsner (iO), the health system’s program will proactively identify patients who are at higher risk for certain hereditary cancers and heart disease with the goal of early detection and prevention of future illness. The partnership leverages Color’s unique combination of medical grade genetics, clinical services, and patient engagement with Ochsner’s approach to making individualized patient-level insights actionable and integrating them into routine patient care at scale.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly two million people in the United States are at increased risk for adverse health outcomes because they have genetic mutations with one of the three conditions[i]:
-Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC) due to mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes
-Lynch Syndrome associated with increased risk in colorectal, endometrial, ovarian and other cancers
-Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) which increases the risk for heart disease or stroke
Ochsner’s program will screen for these three conditions, based on the CDC’s determination that early detection and intervention could significantly reduce the risk of disease and the availability of evidence-based guidelines with well-established, effective actions providers and patients can take to reduce risk.
Different from direct-to-consumer genetic testing, Color uses clinical grade genetic testing technology while also providing support to individuals and providers with genetic counseling services. All genetic tests are ordered by a provider ensuring that patient data is subject to federal patient privacy regulations.
How It Works
In this pilot program, selected patients receive a testing kit and provide a DNA sample from the comfort of their own home. Participants then have access to Color’s services and unique tools for in-depth health discussions and easier family sharing.
Ochsner clinical teams are prepared to further discuss care plans and help patients navigate next steps within the healthcare system.
The enrollment process is completely digital and works seamlessly between Ochsner and Color, with emphasis on education and support for patients and Ochsner providers. Genetic testing results are stored in the patient’s Epic electronic medical record (EMR), giving patients and their providers information to improve healthcare collaboration and treatment plans. Furthermore, Ochsner has developed clinical decision support tools and a robust provider education program for both primary care and specialty providers to integrate into clinical practice.
All data collected is secure, complies with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements. Additionally, Color only shares identifiable genetic information if the individual consents to it.