York, Pa.-based WellSpan Health plans to start a population genomics program to identify disease risk and more individualized treatment plans for patients.
As part of the collaboration with population genomics company Helix, interested patients can submit a DNA sample to generate genomic data that will be integrated into their EHR for clinical insights. The deidentified data from consenting participants will also be used to better decipher the overall population health of WellSpan's patients.
"We believe understanding what makes each of our patients unique is key to providing the most personalized, high-quality healthcare outcomes possible," said Anthony Aquilina, DO, executive vice president and chief physician officer of WellSpan Health, in a Dec. 7 health system news release. "Our partnership with Helix will allow us to take a significant step toward making this promise a reality by offering participating patients care and treatment options specific to their genetic data."
The initiative is set to launch in early 2023 and will be free to patients.