The marketplace for molecular and genetic diagnostic tests is booming, along with the need to judge the efficacy of those tests. However, does the test give accurate results? Will test results lead to the appropriate medical intervention? Will that intervention lead to better health? And is the cost of the test worth the ultimate outcome for the patient?
These challenges face healthcare stakeholders as medical and scientific advances lead to better tools to diagnose medical diseases, according to McKesson’s Jackie Mitus, M.D., senior vice president, clinical development and strategy. The ultimate goal is putting those proven tools into the hands of clinicians at the point of care and letting patients and payers know what they’re paying for and getting in return, she says.