Epic EHR Integration Expands Patient Access to Genetic Testing

Epic Systems has announced a partnership with genetic testing and precision medicine company, Myriad Genetics, to support an Epic EHR integration to drive patient access to genetic testing.

Through this partnership, more than 250 million patients with a record in Epic will now have access to a wide range of genetic testing. In addition, patients will be able to access their Myriad test results and other health information directly within their EHR portal, the companies said.

The EHR integration, which is expected to go live later this year, will allow providers to place a single order for multiple Myriad tests and receive timely results through a unified online portal.

“Genetic testing and precision medicine save lives,” Alan Hutchison, vice president of Population Health at Epic, said in the press release. “Through this relationship, we’re bringing genetic insights to the point of care at scale, giving providers and patients the information they need to make more timely, informed decisions.”

The solution will also enhance clinician workflow, so healthcare providers can order Myriad tests and review results directly within their everyday Epic platform without any additional steps, the press release stated. By gaining direct access to patient health information, providers will be able to use those genetic insights to improve health outcomes and the patient experience. 

“Simplifying the process of genetic testing by making it more accessible and interoperable with electronic health records is a key component of our mission to advance health and well-being for all,” Paul J. Diaz, president and CEO at Myriad Genetics, said.

“Our collaboration with Epic reflects our strategy to partner with other healthcare industry leaders so we can advance precision medicine together,” Diaz explained. “Increasing access to genetic insights and integrating our tests into Epic’s vast network of healthcare systems represents a significant step forward to better serve patients and healthcare providers.”

This move comes shortly after Epic Systems announced a partnership with precision oncology company Guardant Health.

Epic Systems will integrate Guardant Health tests within its EHR, expediting the test ordering process for clinicians and improving patient access to cancer screenings.

Health systems, community healthcare providers, and retail health clinics will be able to incorporate Guardant Health blood tests directly into routine clinical care, offering immediate result delivery.

Test results and patient health information will be housed in one single and secure place, which Guardant Health and Epic said creates more accessible access to patient records so that healthcare providers can make informed treatment decisions.

“This partnership will allow us to provide a best-in-class customer experience for healthcare providers to easily order Guardant Health tests and access results quickly, giving them more time to focus on their patients," Helmy Eltoukhy, Guardant Health co-CEO, said in the press release.