By: Nic Abelian
Addison, TX – In a significant step toward modernizing long-term care, Telos PGX is partnering with Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) across Texas to provide pharmacogenetic testing services aimed at optimizing medication management and improving patient outcomes. As personalized medicine continues to gain traction in the healthcare sector, Telos PGX, led by Founder and CEO D.J. Hart is at the forefront of integrating genetic insights into everyday clinical practice, particularly for vulnerable populations in long-term care settings.
Pharmacogenetic testing, a cornerstone of precision medicine, offers a tailored approach to prescribing medications by analyzing a patient’s genetic makeup. This technology enables clinicians to predict how an individual will respond to specific medications based on their genetic profile. For SNFs, where residents often have complex health needs and take multiple medications, pharmacogenetic testing can be a game changer, reducing adverse drug reactions and aiming that treatments are as effective and safe as possible.
“At Telos PGX, we believe that pharmacogenetic testing is not just the future of medicine but the present,” says D.J. Hart. “Our focus is on making this advanced testing accessible and practical for Skilled Nursing Facilities, where the stakes are high, and the need for precision is critical. By offering genetic insights, we empower clinicians to make more informed decisions, resulting in better care for residents and more efficient operations for facilities.”
One of the major challenges in long-term care is the risk of polypharmacy, where patients are prescribed multiple medications to address various health conditions. Unfortunately, many clinicians are unaware of potential drug-gene interactions that can often be mistaken for weakness or confusion. These adverse effects can lead to unnecessary hospitalizations and a decline in quality of life for residents. Telos PGX’s pharmacogenetic testing helps mitigate these risks by providing a roadmap to guide medication choices based on a patient’s metabolization rate.
For SNFs, this partnership comes at a crucial time. The healthcare industry, particularly long-term care, is under increasing scrutiny to improve patient outcomes while managing costs. Regulatory programs like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Incentive Payment Program (QIPP) reward facilities that can demonstrate measurable improvements in care quality. One area of focus is the reduction of antipsychotic medications, which have been linked to increased risks in elderly populations. Telos PGX’s genetic testing offers a scientific foundation for these efforts, enabling facilities to deprescribe potentially harmful medications based on a resident’s unique genetic profile.
“Many of the SNFs we work with are facing immense pressure to meet regulatory standards and improve outcomes for their residents,” Hart continues. “Pharmacogenetic testing is a solution that addresses both of these challenges. It allows facilities to provide safer, more effective care while also aiming to meet the benchmarks set by CMS and other regulatory bodies.”
The integration of pharmacogenetic testing into SNF care models also has financial benefits. By reducing adverse drug reactions and unnecessary hospitalizations, SNFs can lower overall healthcare costs and improve their financial performance. This is particularly important as facilities grapple with rising operational costs and the need to demonstrate value-based care to secure funding and incentives. Telos PGX’s services help facilities achieve these goals by providing actionable genetic data that leads to more precise and cost-effective medication management.
While many laboratories offer a range of molecular tests, Telos PGX stands out by focusing exclusively on pharmacogenetics. This specialized approach allows the company to stay at the cutting edge of the field, continuously updating its testing panels to reflect the latest approved drug-gene interactions. This dedication to staying current with scientific advancements aims that SNFs working with Telos PGX have access to the relevant and reliable genetic information available.
In addition to offering state-of-the-art testing, Telos PGX is committed to supporting SNFs with the resources and education needed to implement pharmacogenetic testing effectively. The company provides training and guidance to healthcare professionals, helping them understand how to interpret genetic results and apply those insights to their prescribing practices. This comprehensive support aims that SNFs can fully integrate genetic testing into their care strategies, maximizing the benefits for residents and clinicians alike.
The partnership between Telos PGX and SNFs is a testament to the power of collaboration in healthcare. By bringing together cutting-edge genetic science and the clinical expertise of long-term care providers, this collaboration is setting a new standard for resident-centered care. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for residents, reduce the risks associated with inappropriate medication use, and help facilities thrive in an increasingly competitive and regulated healthcare environment.
“Pharmacogenetic testing is about more than just improving medication management – it’s about giving residents the premier possible care,” Hart emphasizes. “We are proud to be working with SNFs across Texas to bring this technology to the forefront of patient care, and we believe the impact will be profound.”
As Telos PGX continues to expand its partnerships with SNFs, the company is poised to play a key role in the future of personalized medicine. By focusing on the unique needs of long-term care residents and providing actionable genetic data, Telos PGX is helping to drive a new era of precision healthcare, where treatment decisions are informed by science and tailored to each individual.
For more information about Telos PGX and its pharmacogenetic testing services, visit www.telospgx.com or connect with the company on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, nor does it replace professional medical expertise or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
