Pharmacogenetic Testing is a tool to help decrease bad outcomes.
When educating Long Term Care and Assisted Living facilities, one common theme we hear is, “we don’t have a need” or “we will only test residents who have a need”. So who determines the residents that need it the most? How do you know that a memory care resident is getting the therapy needed to alleviate their pain? Or that a resident with behavorial problems is really just taking the wrong medications and they don’t even have the ability to metabolize them? That is the value of pharmacogenetic testing. Knowing from the inside out a persons genetic makeup.
For too long now, medication has been a guessing game. Let’s try a medication for a few weeks and if we don’t see a change, let’s try something else. Or even worse, let’s throw something else on top of that one and see if it helps. Adding a list of medications that may, or maynot be working.
Why not determine and “validate” up front the medications that work best for each individual and then proceed with a pharmaceutical regimen. A medical plan of action is what we like to call it. A proper med-effective dosage means less falls, less behavorial issues and a decrease risk of side effects.
Metabolic Validation, via pharmacogenetic testing is a great way to help your residents and has the potential to help maximize profitability due to the cost saving in medication and re-hospitalization.
At PGx Medical, it is our goal to help educate and implement this program in homes across the country. Our goal with LeadingAge, OFMQ, OAHCP and the OK Dept of Health – LTC Division is to help educate and share the message – Prevention Decreases Bad Outcomes.
For more information on pharmacogenetic testing, or to schedule a meeting with PGx Medical, contact:
PGx Medical
Individualized Care – Personalized Medicine
405-509-5112
info@pgxmed.com