TeleRare Health Partners to Transform Rare Disease Care
In a significant move to enhance healthcare services for patients facing rare and genetics-based diseases, TeleRare Health has announced a partnership with a prominent community health system. This collaboration seeks to greatly improve access to genetic testing and the speed of diagnosis through convenient telehealth visits.
Expanding Access to Genetic Testing
Rare diseases, defined in the United States as those impacting fewer than 200,000 individuals, affect approximately 30 million Americans with around 10,000 known rare diseases according to recent statistics from leading health organizations. This partnership aims to bridge the gap in access to essential genetic testing, enabling quicker diagnoses and tailored care for those affected.
Utilizing Telehealth for Better Outcomes
With the advent of technology, TeleRare Health focuses on leveraging telehealth to provide patients with the necessary evaluations for genetic testing without the need for extensive waiting periods often associated with specialty clinics. Patients can receive timely assessments and care from the comfort of their homes, all while being supported by advancements in telehealth.
A Commitment to Quality Care
Dr. Alex Katz, medical geneticist and Chief Medical Officer at TeleRare Health, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership stating that it expands access to care for rare disease patients using video consultations, ensuring coverage through Medicare and various other health plans.
Furthermore, Patricia Rice, Clinical Director of Precision Medicine and Genetics at Frederick Health, highlights that this partnership enhances their ability to offer high-quality medical care using cutting-edge technology and molecular diagnostics techniques. It aims to provide the same level of service that patients would expect from larger quaternary care centers.
Three Essential Components of the Collaboration
The partnership operates on three distinct pillars that enhance the experience for patients needing genetic evaluations:
- Firstly, patients can be assessed within the Frederick Health system without needing external referrals, streamlining access to the necessary evaluations.
- Secondly, by embracing telehealth and asynchronous strategies, the collaboration mitigates long wait times typically faced at genetic clinics.
- Finally, the integration of genomic-informed care into standard healthcare practices ensures that patients receive comprehensive support without disrupting existing clinical workflows.
About TeleRare Health
TeleRare Health is pioneering a new approach to the delivery of care for rare diseases and genomic medicine. The organization’s mission is to reshape healthcare through the use of virtual genetics. Their aim is to significantly reduce the Time to Diagnosis (TTD) and Time to Treatment Initiation (TTI) for patients suffering from rare diseases. They strive to close care gaps in the healthcare continuum for stakeholders throughout the system.
About Frederick Health
Established in 1902 and based in Frederick, Frederick Health encompasses over 4,000 dedicated professionals across 25 locations. Over time, as Frederick County's population has increased, so too has the health service offerings available, which now incorporate virtual visits aimed at managing rare diseases effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the TeleRare Health and Frederick Health partnership?
The partnership aims to enhance access to genetic testing and care for rare diseases through telehealth innovations, allowing quicker diagnoses.
How does telehealth improve patient access to care?
Telehealth minimizes waiting times by allowing patients to receive evaluations from their homes, reducing the need for in-person visits.
What are rare diseases defined as in the United States?
In the U.S., rare diseases affect fewer than 200,000 people, and there are around 10,000 known such conditions.
How does TeleRare Health approach genetic testing?
TeleRare Health facilitates convenient access to genetic testing by integrating telehealth into standard clinical workflows, simplifying the evaluation process for patients.
What benefits can patients expect from this partnership?
Patients can expect timely access to care, reduced wait times, and high-quality medical services that are typically offered at larger healthcare facilities.
