Pharmacogenetic Testing Now Available ~ LeadingAge MN
Dr. Linda Shell RN, in conjunction with PGx Medical announces launch of a pilot program for pharmacogenetics testing in aging services.
Dr. Linda Shell RN, in conjunction with PGx Medical, this week launched a new pilot program for pharmacogenetics testing in aging services. Pharmacogenetics, a simple one-time diagnostic lab covered by Medicare B, assists providers in aligning medications with a person’s DNA.
Genetic testing has been used extensively in patients with arthritis, anticoagulants, and cancer for many years to assist in personalizing medications, reducing costs and minimizing side effects.
The pilot offers long term care communities, including independent, assisted, skilled, memory care and home health, a streamlined program for implementing pharmacogenetics. The goal is to demonstrate the ability to improve quality, reduce costs and maximize care of older adults through pharmacogenetics.
According to the National Institutes of Health, 50 percent of nursing home residents take nine or more medications per day.
“As a gerontological nurse, one of my concerns has been the prevalence of polypharmacy. The risk for side effects increases when a patient has more than nine prescriptions,” said Dr. Linda Shell, RN. “The problem is often related to comorbid conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive lung disease and hypertension requiring multiple medication management.”
The problem of polypharmacy can lead to interactions between multiple medications resulting in serious harm. Some medications increase the risk of confusion, falls and behaviors in the cognitively impaired. Along with anti-psychotic medication monitoring, updated regulations from the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services in 2018 will increase the scrutiny of medication review.
For more information, visit www.LindaShell.com/pharmacogenetics.