Page 27 - SF HOSPITAL NEWS NOVEMBER 2020

ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY

Broward Health to Tailor Prescriptions South Florida's

to Patient Genes Monthly

Healthcare Newspaper

It’s a medical puzzle: Two people who outward- genomic testing, a provider knows upfront which PO Box 812708
ly seem a lot alike can take the same medication at antidepressants are more likely to work for a patient. Boca Raton, FL 33481-2708
the same dose but get different results. For one, Phone: (561) 368-6950
the treatment is a roaring success. Yet for the Cardiology
other, it fails to work. What’s going on? Heart health is another area where genomic testing
In many cases, the answer lies hidden within can be quite useful. “The test results help providers Website:
their genes. Variations in specific genes can affect make decisions about medications used for choles- www.southfloridahospitalnews.com

how quickly a medication is broken down inside terol management and stroke prevention,” says
a person’s body, making therapeutics more or less Lacknauth. “For example, testing can show whether CHARLES FELIX
potent, affecting how well they work. the anticlotting drug Plavix is a good match for a CAROL FELIX
Broward Health is partnering with AccessDX to patient’s genes.” Publishers
offer state-of-the-art genomic testing for medica-
tion management. This kind of testing looks for Dave Lacknauth Oncology NANCY LAMMIE
genetic variations that affect medication response. Cancer treatment often causes side effects. “The Editor
It helps providers choose the right medication and effectiveness of certain anti-emetics (drugs to control
the right dose for a patient’s genetic makeup. And that may lead nausea and vomiting) can be affected by a patient’s genetic pro- JUDY GRAMM
to better results. file,” Lacknauth says. “Genomic testing can help the patient get Editorial Manager & Webmaster
the right anti-emetic sooner.”
Benefits of Genomic Testing JMC GRAPHICS
“This November, we will offer genomic testing for medication HIV Care Art/Production
management in five key areas,” says Dave Lacknauth, Pharm.D., HIV is treated with antiviral drugs. “The goal of treatment is to lammienancy@aol.com
executive director of pharmacy services and system integration at lower the viral load (the amount of virus in the body) to a level 412-877-5321

Broward Health. “In early 2021, we plan to make it available to all where the patient can lead a healthy lifestyle,” says Lacknauth. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Broward Health patients.” “Genomic testing can help achieve this goal as well as manage
some side effects of treatment.” Daniel Casciato
Pain Management Barbara Fallon
Genomic testing can predict how an individual will respond to What the Testing Involves Vanessa Orr
pain medicines such as codeine. When someone takes codeine, Getting this type of testing done at Broward Health involves a Lois Thomson

the body must first break it down into its active form. Some peo- simple swab of the inside of your cheek. The swab is then sent to
ple have a gene that slows down or speeds up this process. They a lab for analysis.
may get too little pain relief or experience side effects. But when “It’s a one-time thing,” says Lacknauth. “Your genes are going LOOK FOR OUR
testing shows in advance that this is likely to occur, the provider to stay the same.”
can prescribe a different pain medicine. The test results become part of your electronic health record at NEXT ISSUE
Broward Health. That means all your Broward Health providers IN DECEMBER
Mental Health can quickly access helpful information about your unique genetic
A person’s genetic makeup may also affect response to mental profile. TO REACH US
health medications such as antidepressants. Ordinarily, it can take “I believe genomic testing for medication management is the FOR
weeks to find out whether a particular antidepressant helps some- wave of the future,” says Lacknauth. “Having this information
one — and if not, to start over on a new antidepressant. But with takes individualized care to whole new level.” ADVERTISING
OR EDITORIAL
Call (561) 368-6950
Cover Story: Providing Remote Patient Monitoring or e-mail
carol@southfloridahospitalnews.com

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He says that he was attracted to the company by the character that allow our solution to be highly effective in any setting ,” he One Year $40
and quality of its executive team—a group of professionals who says.
project expert knowledge, experience and enthusiasm. WITHmyDOC’s enterprise software platform was designed Two Years $60
“Each team member is a true and proven subject matter by experienced program developers and architects who work Three Years $75
expert chosen from the financial, informatics and pharmaceu- continuously to enhance the patient experience.
tical industries,” he says. “Our program developers and chief “It’s an intuitive platform, visually attractive and driven to
informatics officer come from the science, technology, engi- help the provider identify care gaps, clinical values and priori- To subscribe,
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The team is involved in weekly patient-centered discussions cal metrics and documents interventions with the patient.” or subscribe online at
to maximize the healthcare platform experience, he notes, The company’s short-term goals are simple—to continue
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the healthcare and business community locally, yet our scalable as well as to deliver the highest quality platform, that is intu- ____________

platform allows us to think nationally. Indeed, we are doing itive and patient-centered.

business in other states, not just in South Florida.” Looking ahead, Dr. Astor says that the company is on track All rights reserved. Reproduction
As CMO for the company, Dr. Astor’s role is multifaceted—to to be a national player in the future of virtual health. in whole or part without written
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become the liaison between the executive team and the patient- "We will continue to add innovative and significant compo-
consumer-payer-provider environment. He also will be respon- nents to our web-based intelligent platform, as deemed impor-
sible for crafting WITHmyDOC’s clinical strategy and bridging tant to enhance the health and quality of life of our stakehold-
the gap between the patient, the healthcare provider and the ers,” he says.
technology. Don’t forget to include
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