Posted on December 11, 2025

Health plans can transform healthcare for their members by harnessing the power of tests that reveal how individual bodies respond to medications, and by utilizing the expertise of trained pharmacists. Through pharmacogenomic testing, which examines 12 to 20 key genes, we can unlock crucial insights even before a prescription is written.

How It Works

The most impactful approach is to conduct these tests proactively, ensuring that approximately 90-95% of individuals discover vital genetic factors affecting their medication response. By seamlessly integrating test results into medical records, health plans can empower doctors to make informed decisions and prioritize patient safety.

Role of Certified Pharmacists

Pharmacists certified in pharmacogenomics stand as crucial guides on this journey. They:

• Interpret complex test results and translate them into clear, actionable insights for medication choices.
• Offer evidence-based recommendations for optimizing treatment through the right medications and tailored dosing.
• Provide essential education to patients, helping them understand their results with compassion and clarity.
• Collaborate closely with prescribers to implement necessary adjustments, ensuring care is truly personalized.

Program Outcomes

Studies demonstrate that these innovative programs can lead to significant positive changes for patients. In many primary care settings, 24-85% of tested patients discover actionable insights that drive adjustments to their therapies. Community pharmacies reveal an average of 1.3 medicine-related issues per patient linked to pharmacogenomic testing, showcasing the impactful interventions made, such as therapy changes (60%), dose adjustments (13%), and enhanced monitoring (22%).

Member Engagement Strategies

Successful programs offer these transformative tests at no cost to members, reaching out with a variety of engaging methods like phone calls and online messages. By integrating test results into both pharmacy and doctor records, patients can revisit and utilize their pharmacogenomic findings for new prescriptions. About 33% of patients take advantage of their results for up to four new prescriptions over 2.5 years.

This proactive approach elevates pharmacogenomics as a vital tool for personalized medicine, ensuring every member receives the most effective and tailored healthcare possible.