Founded in 2005, Practice Fusion addresses the complexities and critical needs of today’s healthcare environment by providing a free, web-based EMR application to physicians. Through its lab integration solution, practices can receive their patients’ most vital information directly to individual patient charts.

“Our mission, and medical responsibility to the community, is to provide people with actionable and accurate genetic information they can use to maintain health and wellness,” said Dr. Michael Nova, Pathway Genomics’ chief medical officer. “Integrating our lab services into Practice Fusion’s EMR platform is a critical step in making this actionable genetic information more accessible to the physician, and ultimately, the patient.”

By examining DNA from a person’s saliva, or in some cases blood, Pathway Genomics screens specific genes and provides scientifically validated and actionable information related to recessive genetic diseases, traits that impact heart health, drug response, nutrition and exercise response, as well as common health conditions.

“Reporting on a person’s genetic information is a critical ingredient in delivering highly personalized medical care to physicians and their patients,” said Todd Martin, Practice Fusion’s senior vice president of business development. “We are very pleased to have Pathway Genomics, a leader in the genetic testing space, as a laboratory partner.”

Earlier this year, Pathway Genomics announced it joined Blue Shield of California’s Preferred Provider Network, which consists of an HMO network of more than 34,000 physicians and 290 hospitals, and a PPO network that includes more than 60,000 physicians and 351 hospitals.

Additionally, Pathway Genomics is currently involved in a key clinical trial. Launched last summer, researchers at the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) began a prospective randomized clinical trial of the company’s premier nutrigenetic test, Pathway Fit®, aimed at improving the health of obese veterans and focusing on the genetic associations of weight loss and weight regain.

“Through the network, Blue Shield of California members now have access to Pathway Genomics’ genetic testing services,” said Jim Plante, Pathway Genomics’ founder and CEO. “Currently, this includes testing for a person’s genetic propensity for specific medication responses, inherited genetic conditions, and the risk of serious complex health conditions.”

Pathway Genomics’ laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and accredited in accordance with the U.S. Health and Human Services’ Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) of 1988. Pathway Genomics is also a member of the American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA). The company consists of more than 40 scientific and medical professionals, including medical doctors, molecular geneticists, a genetic counseling service, and an expert scientific advisory board.

With more than 60 physicians and specialists, Medcan can now provide Pathway Genomics’ personalized genetic testing services in conjunction with in-person counseling by a certified genetic counselor. The testing service is called The Personal Genome Test and is available to all Medcan patients.

“Medcan is a leader in providing personalized and preventive health care to the Canadian people,” said Jim Plante, Pathway’s CEO. “Pathway’s extensive offering of genetic testing services enhances Medcan’s genetics program, and allows the clinic to offer highly personalized and clinically actionable genetic information to its patients.”

“Medcan is a leader in providing personalized and preventive health care to the Canadian people,” said Jim Plante, Pathway’s CEO. “Pathway’s extensive offering of genetic testing services enhances Medcan’s genetics program, and allows the clinic to offer highly personalized and clinically actionable genetic information to its patients.”

Using only a saliva sample, the genetic test reports on a patient’s response to a wide array of drugs and prescription medications, as well as a patient’s propensity to develop certain diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer.

“Knowledge of personal genomic information can provide a strong basis for an effective, preventive healthcare strategy for our clients,” said Dr. James Aw, Medcan’s medical director. “Pathway’s clinical test is leading-edge and we are pleased to partner with them on this initiative.”

“Knowledge of personal genomic information can provide a strong basis for an effective, preventive healthcare strategy for our clients,” said Dr. James Aw, Medcan’s medical director. “Pathway’s clinical test is leading-edge and we are pleased to partner with them on this initiative.”

Though Pathway’s genetic testing services are provided exclusively through physicians, the company participated due to its interest in advancing the field of genetic testing. “Concerns over genetic testing are often disproportionate to the reality,” Tanya Moreno, Ph.D., director of research and development at Pathway Genomics, said in Thursday’s panel.

“Concerns over genetic testing are often disproportionate to the reality,” said Tanya Moreno, Ph.D., director of research and development at Pathway Genomics

As Ricki Lewis, Ph.D., editor and writer of the PLoS blog DNA Science Blog: Genetics in Context, reports in her coverage of the conference, doubts are fading and people are “asking about expanding DTC services to more diverse communities.” Read more…

In aligning with Scripps Center for Executive Health’s mission of providing early detection and preventive health care strategies for its clients, the ability to offer Pathway Genomics’ genetic testing services will assist physicians and patients in personalizing their health management strategies according to a patient’s genetic risks.

“Pathway’s ongoing mission is to help individuals personalize their health care experiences, and help them live their lives in a healthy way,” said Jim Plante, Pathway Genomics’ founder and CEO. “We are proud to align with Scripps Center for Executive Health, as they have also demonstrated an active interest in doing the same.”

“Genetic testing will play a crucial role in empowering our patients to take preventative steps to maintaining their health and in further staving off the expression of diseases associated with specific genetic markers,” said James Tuck, manager at Scripps Center for Executive Health.

“Genetic testing will play a crucial role in empowering our patients to take preventative steps to maintaining their health and in further staving off the expression of diseases associated with specific genetic markers,” said James Tuck, manager at Scripps Center for Executive Health.

Through Scripps Center for Executive Health, patients now have access to Pathway Genomics’ genetic tests, which include testing for diet, nutrition and exercise response, and the propensity to develop serious diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and common cancers.

“The Scripps Center for Executive Health WholePerson^TM Examination offers our patients the highest quality care available – our patients expect that level of care and that is what we give them,” said James Tuck, manager at Scripps Center for Executive Health. “Genetic testing will play a crucial role in empowering our patients to take preventative steps to maintaining their health and in further staving off the expression of diseases associated with specific genetic markers.”

The genetic analysis and interpretation is conducted by Pathway Genomics, and all that is needed from the patient is a saliva sample and completion of a brief health and lifestyle questionnaire. The results of the test can then be incorporated into a customized long-term health strategy, provided by a Scripps Center for Executive Health physician.

“We have enrolled over 50 patients into one of our programs. Among patients that have completed the program, we found dramatic clinical and statistically significant improvements in at least one of four key health parameters including weight loss, visceral fat reduction, increases in metabolism and allowable daily caloric intake,” said Dr. Damani. “Other parameters have included improved blood pressure control and marked improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness as measured by sub-maximal VO2 (oxygen consumption) testing.”

“We have enrolled over 50 patients into one of our programs. Among patients that have completed the program, we found dramatic clinical and statistically significant improvements in at least one of four key health parameters including weight loss, visceral fat reduction, increases in metabolism and allowable daily caloric intake,” said Dr. Damani.

Through its patent pending processes, MD Revolution is defining how genomic and mobile health technologies can be leveraged for superior clinical outcomes for adults of any age who have a range of health goals, from simply optimizing their health to treating chronic conditions such as diabetes.

One of Dr. Damani’s patients, Mitch Thrower, can attest to the benefits of Pathway Fit and the positive impact that MD Revolution’s program had on his life. As a seasoned triathlete and former owner and chairman of Triathlete magazine, Thrower realizes the importance of understanding how one’s body responds to food and exercise.

“Going through the MD Revolution process, we tested for basic metabolic rate and we tracked my diet – everything I ate – for a couple of weeks. I was going to bed at least 1,500 calories deficient every night and was eating the wrong foods,” said Thrower. “That’s where Pathway Fit was helpful, in terms of determining what kinds of foods are best over what timeframe.” After he started MD Revolution’s program, Thrower was able to successfully manage his weight, and he improved his overall health and wellness. “I’ve never felt healthier,” he explained.

While Thrower’s background is somewhat unique, the successful outcome he experienced is one that is very familiar to Dr. Damani. “Nutrigenomics provides valuable insight into how we process nutrients, respond to exercise, maladaptive eating behaviors, and our propensity for vitamin deficiencies. It enables a more tailored approach to diet and exercise,” said Dr. Damani. “Patients no longer have to be pushed from one fad diet to another. While the field of genomics and its implications on disease and health is evolving, we cannot ignore the tools available today that enable better prevention and treatment of chronic disease.”

Pathway Genomics Corporation has announced a clinical trial with the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS). Launched this summer, researchers at VASDHS have begun a prospective randomized clinical trial of Pathway Fit®, the company’s premier saliva-based nutrigenetic test. The trial is focused on the genetic associations of weight loss and weight regain in veterans enrolled in MOVE!®, a national weight management program designed by the VA National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (NCP).

“The trial aims to determine if veterans can lose more weight by linking genetic changes with evidence-based lifestyle suggestions as part of Pathway Fit,” said Dr. Karen Herbst, the trial’s lead investigator and staff physician in the endocrinology division of VASDHS. “Veterans will learn what diet best matches their genetic-based phenotypes and metabolism, what kind of eating behaviors they may have, and the genetic changes that provide information on how their bodies respond to exercise. The overall goal is to help veterans modify their behavior in order to achieve a superior outcome.”

“The trial aims to determine if veterans can lose more weight by linking genetic changes with evidence-based lifestyle suggestions as part of Pathway Fit,” said Dr. Karen Herbst, the trial’s lead investigator and staff physician in the endocrinology division of VASDHS.

The trial comes at a time when an estimated 72.5 million Americans suffer from obesity, and approximately 70 percent of U.S. veterans are overweight or obese, many with co-morbidities, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If the trial is successful, Dr. Herbst and her colleagues would like to expand the study to additional VA medical centers across the United States.

An estimated 72.5 million Americans suffer from obesity, and approximately 70 percent of U.S. veterans are overweight or obese

“We are pleased to be collaborating with the VA in this effort to serve our nation’s veterans and help them achieve or maintain optimum health and wellness,” said Dr. Michael Nova, Pathway’s chief medical officer. “This alignment can provide a model of the vital role genetic information can play in behavior change and personalized medicine.”

Pathway has recently seen positive results in a trial of Pathway Fit.

Pathway Genomics collaborated with the California Schools Voluntary Employee Benefits Association (VEBA) in a study that evaluated the weight loss results of 179 overweight California school employees. After six months, the data showed that overweight employees provided with results of their Pathway Fit genetic test had significant weight loss success — some lost up to 40 pounds — when compared to employees who had tried to lose weight, under similar conditions, without the genetic information. Pathway Fit is now available to all adult VEBA members, of which approximately 40,000 have weight problems and could benefit from the test.

San Diego businessman Michael Casler took the test at the advice of his physician after trying several diets but failing to keep any of his results.  He explains, “As a business man, I know that you can’t manage what you can’t measure, and so this report really helped to identify specifically what I needed to work on.”

Now, four and a half months after Casler took the Pathway Fit test and reviewed the results with his doctor, he is about 30 pounds lighter and his doctor says he probably added about 10 years to his life.

The original web series, which can be seen on www.discoveryfitandhealth.com, follows four women on their journeys to accomplishing four different goals, with fitness and nutrition expert JJ Virgin as their guide. In specific, one of the participants, Ingrid Cole, is using actionable recommendations from her Pathway Fit report as one of the primary tools in her goals to lose weight, curb food cravings and take control of her body. Pathway Fit screens over 75 genetic markers that may impact a person’s response to food and exercise.

“I stopped trying to lose weight when I was 21 years old. I was tired of living my life being defeated,” said Ingrid.

“ What was really the golden ticket for me is that I learned I need to be on the low-fat diet – and not on one of the other hundreds of diets that may be good for other people. That was really eye-opening to learn.”

Ready for a change, Ingrid became a participant on Transformation Diaries. “What was really the golden ticket for me is that I learned I need to be on the low-fat diet – and not on one of the other hundreds of diets that may be good for other people. That was really eye-opening to learn,” she said, regarding what she learned from her genetic test results. Based on a recent check-in, Ingrid lost a total of 28 pounds in two months.

Ingrid is just one of many people who continue to experience that when following a genetically appropriate diet, there can be improved weight-loss success compared to someone who does not.

Learn more about Ingrid’s weight loss journey and success at the Transformation Diaries webpage.