Danville, Pa.-based Geisinger has reached more than 500 patients on its MyCode Genomic Screening and Counseling Program, the health system announced Nov. 30.
MyCode, a genomics and precision health program, provides participating patients with exome sequencing to evaluate clinical genetic risks. The screening is meant to provide patients with clinically actionable results and genomic counseling about their risk for diseases like cancer or heart disease.
The majority of risks found through exome sequencing were previously unknown to patients, according to Geisinger officials. They also noted a particularly surprising result was the prevalence of BRCA mutations in the population, which was roughly double the amount detailed in published literature.
"This is what we call 'anticipatory medicine,'" said Geisinger President and CEO David T. Feinberg, MD. "It means we're anticipating the medical needs of our patients. We're finding medically actionable conditions and giving that information back to our patients."