New Testing Network Benefits Plans, Providers, and Members
TAMPA, Fla., March 12, 2024 – Health plans overwhelmed by the explosive growth in genetic testing now have a way to manage the tests that ensure quality, decrease costs, and reduce administrative burden.
AvalonSelect Genetic Network from Avalon Healthcare Solutions, the worlds first lab insights company, is a carefully curated group of genetic testing labs paired with expert consultative services. A supplement to health plans current routine testing networks, it was created specifically to address genetic testing. Health plans outsource the management of genetic testing, pricing, compliance enforcement, test quality assessment, new test evaluation, and contracting to Avalon.
Genetic testing is an important precision medicine tool, but like any technology it needs to be managed correctly in order to provide the maximum benefit, said Avalon President Pamela Stahl. AvalonSelect Genetic Network provides plans with a simplified approach to genetic test management while improving the quality of genetic tests provided to members.
Plans and providers are simply overwhelmed by the rapid rise in the number and variety of genetic tests. There are more than 175,000 tests on the market with more than 10 new ones added daily. The volume is just too great for plans to be able to evaluate the clinical utility and validity of each test. Similarly, providers cannot familiarize themselves with every possible test or know how to integrate their results into care decisions. Ensuring access to quality testing while controlling costs has become increasingly complex and resource intensive. Also, more states are passing biomarker legislation mandating insurers cover types of genetic testing, which will only add to the volume and spend.
AvalonSelect Genetic Network offers plans an average savings of 10% or more on overall genetic test spend leveraging a preferred nationwide program. It is based on Avalon’s extensive lab contracting experience and evidence-based new test evaluations to drive access to quality tests while simplifying the complexity and costs of genetic testing. It includes:
The AvalonSelect Genetic Network is comprised of quality genetic labs that perform non-proprietary, high-volume testing covering 95% of the total genetic test menu. Labs want to join AvalonSelect because it offers reduced PA, fast-tracked reimbursement, increased volume and assured reimbursement price, timing, and transparency.
Genetic testing is too complex and fast-growing to be managed by the system now in place for routine testing, said Jason Bush, Executive Vice President of Product at Avalon. It requires a solution designed to meet the specific challenges of genetic testing while ensuring a cost-effective, member-friendly lab network strategy that promotes appropriate utilization and directs members to high-quality labs.
Genetic testing will become an even more important part of healthcare. AvalonSelect Genetic Network offers plans a better way to harness it for their benefit and that of their members and providers.
