Can Precision Medicine Solve the Healthcare Crisis?
Precision medicine uses a person’s unique genomic profile to inform and customize their medical care. Genomic sequencing tools collect and analyze patient DNA or RNA to identify individuals with a high risk of developing chronic health conditions, inform new diagnostic tools, and measure the efficacy of existing medical treatments. The ongoing adoption of genomic sequencing services has the potential to expedite the diagnostic and treatment process within the U.S. healthcare system, which could reduce costs, but challenges remain.
The Hope and for Precision Medicine
With annual healthcare expenditures projected to account for 20% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2031, the U.S. outspends every other country on healthcare. A 2024 study from KFF revealed that three in four Americans are anxious about the affordability of medical care for themselves and their loved ones.
Making genomic sequencing tools more readily available and incorporating the findings into the medical system could help millions of Americans reduce their risk of chronic conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease, which cost over $1 trillion to treat every year. Additionally, the integration of advanced genomic data could simplify processes like oncology medical billing, ensuring more accurate and efficient claims management for specialized treatments.
For example, ShareDNA is a free mobile app that lets users upload, analyze, and interpret their genetic test results. With support from the National Institute of Health and the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, the tool encourages patients to conduct research that could improve their medical care by fostering earlier diagnoses, shorter delays in accessing care, and better patient-provider communication.
Pharmacogenomics testing highlights the presence of genes that can shape how drug therapies affect individuals. Through laboratory genetic testing or an at-home kit, patients and providers can determine the effectiveness of various mental health medications instead of using a trial-and-error approach. Knowing how drugs affect patients before they’re prescribed could help patients avoid harmful side effects and improve access to mental healthcare.
Genetic-Based Care
Mobile-friendly and OTC genomic testing may be popular with consumers, but the technology lacks federal regulation and scientific consensus required for widespread adoption. More research on the clinical benefits of mapping out an individual’s genome will influence how the results are used in doctor’s offices nationwide. The American Medical Association has identified over 750,000 genetic tests on the market. While many genetic testing apps have reliable security protocols, the healthcare industry lacks the tech infrastructure to securely process and store large volumes of patient genomic data.
The Big Picture
Precision medicine will continue to advance our understanding of how a person’s DNA can be used to improve health outcomes. User-friendly genetic testing tools, and their integration in modern EHR Software will likely reduce healthcare costs and limit their risk of chronic disease. However, this technology needs additional research, data processing infrastructure, and regulatory input to reach its full potential.
Sources:
Hacker, K. (2024, January 20). The burden of chronic disease. Mayo Clinic proceedings. Innovations, quality & outcomes. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10830426/#:~:text=In%202018%2C%20it%20was%20estimated,States%20had%20multiple%20chronic%20conditions.&text=The%20cost%20of%20chronic%20disease%20to%20the%20American%20medical%20system,than%20%241%20trillion%20every%20year.
Lunna Lopes, A. M. (2024, May 7). Americans’ challenges with health care costs. KFF. https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/americans-challenges-with-health-care-costs/
Vankar, P. (2024, May 22). Per capita health spending by country 2022. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/236541/per-capita-health-expenditure-by-country/#:~:text=health%20care%20services.-,Health%20Expenditure%20in%20the%20U.S.,percent%20by%20the%20year%202031.
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Steven Briggs is a freelance writer and filmmaker in Brooklyn, NY.
