Summary
Baylor Genetics has partnered with Epic’s Aura diagnostics suite, enabling healthcare providers to order genetic tests and access results directly within the EHR, enhancing diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- Streamlined EHR Integration: Providers using Epic can now seamlessly order Baylor Genetics’ tests and access results in real time, improving clinical efficiency.
- Expanded Genetic Testing Access: Baylor Genetics becomes the first lab to offer whole genome sequencing (WGS) through Aura, along with whole exome sequencing (WES) for comprehensive DNA insights.
- Enhanced Patient Care: This integration supports faster diagnostics for rare diseases, particularly benefiting neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, while allowing patients to view results via MyChart.
Baylor Genetics, a clinical diagnostic laboratory at the forefront of genetic testing, announced its integration with Aura, the specialty diagnostics suite from electronic health record (EHR) company Epic. This integration will give organizations using Epic the ability to order Baylor Genetics’ tests and view results directly in the EHR—supporting fast, informed treatment decisions and improving the provider experience. Baylor Genetics will be the first lab to offer WGS testing through Aura.
“Joining Epic’s Aura Network will enhance our customer experience and increase accessibility to the genetic testing services we provide,” says Kengo Takishima, president and chief executive officer at Baylor Genetics. “For many seeking to end the diagnostic odyssey, time is of the essence. By being embedded into the EHR, providers can have a simpler experience using genetic tests, which are critical to diagnosis, treatment planning, and ultimately patient outcomes.”
Baylor Genetics Will Offer Whole Exam Sequencing
Among the tests that can be ordered through the platform and in addition to WGS, Baylor Genetics will offer whole exome sequencing (WES). WGS and WES are two of the most comprehensive DNA analyses available. WES testing provides insights into all protein-coding genes in the human body, ensuring a better understanding of several known genetic disorders. WGS provides further insights into the entire human genome, including the regions between genes as well as the mitochondrial genome. This extensive analysis can increase diagnostic yield over other types of genetic testing, empowering healthcare providers and patients to make the most informed decisions about future care or clinical trial eligibility. In addition, patients can view their results via Epic’s patient portal, MyChart.
“We’re committed to leveraging advanced technologies, like Epic’s EHR platform, to expand access to our genetic testing capabilities” says Ji He, Ph.D, chief technology officer at Baylor Genetics. “In particular, we anticipate this improved accessibility will further our partnerships with neonatal and pediatric intensive care units to find answers for rare disease diagnoses.”
The agreement was finalized in August 2024, and full implementation is expected to be completed in 2025.
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