Introduction: Pharmacogenetics (PGx) has the potential to improve health outcomes but cost of testing is a barrier for equitable access. Reimbursement by insurance providers may lessen the financial burden for patients, but the extent to which PGx claims are covered in clinical practice has not been well-characterized in the literature.Methods: A retrospective analysis of outpatient claims submitted to payers for PGx tests from 1/1/2019 through 12/31/2021 was performed. A reimbursement rate was calculated and compared across specific test types (e.g., single genes, panel), payers, indication, and the year the claim was submitted.Results: A total of 1,039 outpatient claims for PGx testing were analyzed. The overall reimbursement rate was 46% and ranged from 36%–48% across payers. PGx panels were reimbursed at a significantly higher rate than single gene tests (74% vs. 43%, p < 0.001).Discussion: Reimbursement of claims for PGx testing is variable based on the test type, indication, year the claim was submitted, number of diagnosis codes submitted, and number of unique diagnosis codes submitted. Due to the highly variable nature of reimbursement, cost and affordability should be discussed with each patient.
31 January 2025 in Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics
TCthe Pharmacogenomics Global Research Network Publication Committee
the Pharmacogenomics Global Research Network Publication Committee
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The safety of systemic fluoropyrimidines (e.g., 5‐fluorouracil, capecitabine) is impacted by germline genetic variants in DPYD, which encodes the dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme that functions as the rate‐limiting step in the catabolism of this drug class. Genetic testing to identify those with DPD deficiency can help mitigate the risk of severe and life‐threatening fluoropyrimidine‐induced toxicities. Globally, the integration of DPYD genetic testing into patient care has varied greatly, ranging from being required as the standard of care in some countries to limited clinical use in others. Thus, implementation strategies have evolved differently across health systems and countries. The primary objective of this tutorial is to provide practical considerations and best practice recommendations for the implementation of DPYD‐guided systemic fluoropyrimidine dosing. We adapted the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework to cover topics including the clinical evidence supporting DPYD genotyping to guide fluoropyrimidine therapy, regulatory guidance for DPYD genotyping, key stakeholder engagement, logistics for DPYD genotyping, development of point‐of‐care clinical decision support tools, and considerations for the creation of sustainable and scalable DPYD genotype‐integrated workflows. This guide also describes approaches to counseling patients about DPYD testing and result disclosure, along with examples of patient and provider educational resources. Together, DPYD testing and clinical practice integration aim to promote safe prescribing of fluoropyrimidine therapy and decrease the risk of severe and life‐threatening fluoropyrimidine toxicities.
26 May 2024 in Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics