The molecular diagnostic service program (MolDx) of Medicare administrative contractor Palmetto GBA has issued a favorable determination to permit Medicare coverage of the solid tumor profiling test by the Genomic Testing Cooperative (GTC), Irvine, Calif. The GTC solid tumor profiling test provides a comprehensive evaluation of abnormalities in the entire coding sequence of 434 genes in various types of solid tumors.

Together with previous coverage decisions for two GTC hematology profiling tests, the MolDx coverage determination for solid tumors will permit GTC to offer comprehensive genomic profiling with next-generation sequencing for patients with all types of cancer, including a liquid biopsy for hematologic neoplasms. Laboratories and hospitals that are members of the cooperative, as well as nonmember medical professionals, will have immediate access to the Medicare-covered tumor profiling tests.

Maher Albitar, MD, GTC.

Maher Albitar, MD, GTC.

“We are delighted that Palmetto GBA now covers our hematology and solid tumor profiles,” says Maher Albitar, MD, chief medical officer and CEO of GTC. “This full coverage along with our unique business model as a cooperative company will allow us to fulfill our mission in democratizing comprehensive molecular profiling of cancer and making it available and affordable for every patient with cancer

“We believe that this coverage by Medicare will help other coop member laboratories and large oncology practice groups obtain coverage when they adapt or internalize our highly validated comprehensive molecular profiling tests,” Albitar adds. “This will not only improve patient care, but also reduce costs and deliver better standardized precision medicine.”

Cancer is currently the second leading cause of death in the United States. It is estimated that approximately 1.74 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer every year, and more than 14 million people are living with a diagnosis of cancer in the United States.

For more information, visit Genomic Testing Cooperative.

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