#United States #Tampa #Genetic Testing #Avalon Healthcare #Sentara Health

Avalon and Sentara Health Plans Join Forces

In a groundbreaking development within the healthcare sector, Avalon Healthcare Solutions has announced the expansion of its collaboration with Sentara Health Plans to introduce a comprehensive Genetic Testing Management (GTM) program. This partnership aims to revolutionize the landscape of genetic testing by providing innovative services that optimize patient care while minimizing unnecessary medical expenses.

The Significance of Genetic Testing Management

Genetic testing has emerged as a pivotal component in personalized medicine, boasting over 175,000 tests currently available and an average of 10 new tests launched daily. Recognizing the crucial role that genetic testing plays in healthcare decision-making, Avalon and Sentara have designed a suite of services that will ensure members receive the necessary tests at the appropriate times, supported by evidence-based policies crafted in conjunction with an independent clinical advisory board.

The Role of Avalon Healthcare Solutions

As the first Lab Insights company globally, Avalon Healthcare Solutions specializes in improving laboratory benefit management. Since 2021, Avalon has worked alongside Sentara, which serves nearly one million members in Virginia and Florida. This latest initiative is set to mitigate challenges related to overuse, misuse, and underuse of genetic tests, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes.

Bill Kerr, MD, CEO of Avalon, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We're proud of the results we've delivered for Sentara Health Plans and its members, and we look forward to expanding the relationship.” The previous two years have already seen Avalon successfully reduce out-of-pocket lab costs for Sentara members, indicating the program's potential for broader healthcare savings.

Implementation and Future Prospects

Sentara Health Plans is gearing up to introduce Avalon's GTM services for select commercial plans by December 2025, with plans to extend these services by the first quarter of 2026. Dr. Kristyn Greifer, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Sentara, highlighted the importance of lab testing in healthcare decisions, noting that this type of testing informs 70% of healthcare choices. She remarked, “It’s essential to have an expert partner to guide us in evaluating and managing testing in an ever more complicated healthcare landscape.”

Enhancing Healthcare Efficiency

Avalon’s innovative technology solutions will support health plans in managing genetic testing effectively. These solutions encompass a range of functionalities including utilization management, compliance enforcement, quality assessment of tests, and evaluation of new lab technologies. The aim is to improve healthcare delivery and operational efficiency across the board.

About Avalon Healthcare Solutions

Founded on pioneering laboratory benefits management solutions, Avalon Healthcare operates across the U.S., advocating for proactive care to lower costs and improve clinical outcomes. Their efforts have positively impacted over 39 million lives, generating 10-20% savings on outpatient lab benefits by capturing, digitizing, and analyzing lab results in real-time for proactive intervention.

A Look at Sentara Health

Established over 130 years ago, Sentara Health is a major non-profit health system providing comprehensive healthcare services across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the U.S. With a workforce of 30,000 and a commitment to quality and safety in clinical practices, Sentara is recognized nationally for its innovative approaches to healthcare.

Conclusion

The partnership between Avalon Healthcare Solutions and Sentara Health Plans emphasizes a crucial shift towards more efficient and personalized healthcare. By focusing on genetic testing management, they are setting a precedent for effective healthcare delivery, ultimately ensuring that patients receive the right care at the right time while minimizing unnecessary costs.