Download our case study: Frederick Health Streamlines Genetic Test Ordering and Result Processes by Over 50% Using Expanse Genomics

About

Frederick Health Hospital (Frederick, MD) is the hub of Frederick Health and the only acute care hospital in the county. Located 50 miles from Baltimore, this nonprofit, 269-bed facility and its outpatient services account for 285,000 visits every year. Frederick Health Hospital was recognized by CHIME as one of Healthcare’s Most Wired 8 organizations.

Challenge

Physicians at Frederick Health faced the same challenges that have historically made it difficult for clinicians at other organizations to access and use genetic data in their practice of medicine. Ordering a genetic test required them to leave the EHR and launch a separate application to perform the entire ordering process, including reidentifying the patient, selecting the test, and submitting the order before returning to the EHR to document that the order had been placed. The result process was equally cumbersome. Prior to Expanse Genomics, administrative staff would receive an email letting them know results were available; they would log into the laboratory’s portal, download the PDF report, upload it into the patient’s chart in the EHR, and notify the provider, who would then launch a separate viewer for reading through lengthy reports to find salient information, with little to no interpretation or guidance. 

Execution

Frederick Health worked with MEDITECH to implement Expanse Genomics, an EHR-based genomics solution that allows genetic test ordering, as well as storage of discrete genetic test results, directly within the Expanse EHR. Today, any physician at the organization can order genetic tests from their preferred reference labs (just like any other test), receive and store genetic results in their patients’ charts, display results in meaningful and actionable ways, perform pharmacogenomic drug-gene checking automatically, and even match oncology patients with the best therapy or clinical trial — all without leaving their EHR. In addition, clinicians now have access to embedded interpretation and guidance at the point of care to help them understand and apply the findings.

Results
Following the implementation of Expanse Genomics, Frederick Health experienced significant time savings and process improvements for both test ordering and results processing workflows:

• 25+ minute time savings during the genetic test ordering process
• 50% reduction in steps for receiving, importing, and displaying genetic test results in the EHR
• Increased patient throughput
• Improved clinician satisfaction

Quote

"The integration of genomic data into MEDITECH represents a transformative step in enhancing patient care. Our healthcare providers can now access vital genetic information directly within the patient's record in MEDITECH, enabling precise diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and proactive disease prevention strategies."

Saro Sarkisian, MD, MHA
Hematologist and Oncologist
Frederick Health