AMA adopts strategy for coverage of new genetic tests, therapeutics

Physicians want greater transparency and standardization among payer coverage determinations

HONOLULU — To improve patient access to useful new genetic tests and therapeutics that have clinical impact, physicians gathered at the Interim Meeting of the American Medical Association (AMA) voted today to encourage the development of a comprehensive strategy that facilitates more consistent coverage of genetic/genomic tests and precision medicine.

“Precision medicine tests, technologies and therapeutics are increasingly being adopted into clinical practice as evidence of their effectiveness grows,” said AMA Board Member William E. Kobler, M.D. “However, many patients do not have access to precision medicine because most public and private health insurers do not offer coverage for genetic or genomic services unless certain clinical criteria and evidentiary standards are met. As a result, access to this next generation of clinical testing services is often limited.”