Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan www.bcbsm.com and the University of Michigan Health System www.uofmhealth.org are collaborating with physicians and laboratories across the state as part of a new initiative to improve genetic testing practices.
The initiative called the “Genetic Testing Resource and Quality Consortium” www.gtrac.org will help medical professionals determine whether genetic testing should be used in common clinical scenarios and which tests will benefit patients the most. Participants will also develop best practices for performing the tests, how to improve testing quality, and help advise patients on genetic testing recommendations.
“This initiative will develop evidence-based guidelines to help physicians and their patients make important decision about whether or not to get tested. Also, when testing is indicated both providers and patients will determine which tests will best meet their health needs and goals,” said David Share, M.D. Senior Vice President Value Partnerships www.valuepartnerships.com.
This is the first of 21 initiatives in the Michigan Blues Collaborative Quality Initiative www.valuepartnerships.com/hospital-collaborations program working with a wide variety of provider types, including pathologists and genetic counselors, along with primary care specialist physicians.