NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Highmark Health announced today that it has agreed to evaluate the utility of YouScript's Precision Prescribing Software, which is designed for safer, more targeted prescribing of medications for patients taking multiple drugs.
The evaluation will be conducted through Highmark's VITAL Innovation Program, a test-and-learn platform that facilitates real-world testing of early-stage medical innovations to produce evidence related to patient experience, and clinical and financial outcomes, Highmark said.
Premier Medical Associates of Pittsburgh, an Allegheny Health Network affiliate, will use YouScript's software in a population of 3,000 patients who take multiple prescriptions by integrating the tool within its electronic health record system. Based on results reported through YouScript, Premier's clinicians will then determine if they can advise patients on their risk of gene-based adverse drug events, and if so, recommend pharmacogenetic testing to optimize the patient's drugs and doses.
The genetic testing for the evaluation of this precision medicine platform is being provided through YouScript-partnered CLIA-accredited laboratory Genelex, Highmark added.
"Patient safety and drug efficacy are paramount for providing high-quality healthcare," Sarah Ahmad, senior vice president of innovation and transformation for Highmark Health, said in a statement. "Through the VITAL program, we are further evaluating YouScript's promising technology for pinpointing patients who may suffer adverse drug interactions that can be avoided by managing their prescriptions and dosages with greater precision."
VITAL's evaluation of YouScript will conclude in December.