Special Workshop 1
Whole Genome Sequencing and
Genetic Testing for Community Hospitals
Thursday, May 2, 2024 ● 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
One of the fastest-developing lab testing services is whole genome sequencing (WGS), done on-site by community hospitals and integrated delivery networks (IDNs). By sequencing locally, hospitals can deliver a faster diagnosis to patients and their physicians. In turn, that speeds the selection of appropriate therapies in ways that can make a big difference in outcomes for certain patients.
Our genome sequencing workshop for 2024 updates the popular program we presented at the 2023 Executive War College. We’ve assembled expert speakers to address the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases in whole genome sequencing. You’ll learn from lab experts who are first-movers in bringing WGS to their respective hospitals.
To add value to your learning, after each expert presentation on the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases, leading companies with solutions will provide an overview of the capabilities and advantages of their products and services.
This one-two punch of a lab case study, followed by vendor presentations about their related services, proved to be both popular and valuable in 2023, as rated by attendees. At one time and in one place, you’ll understand the operational and scientific issues of each phase of genome sequencing, followed by vendor descriptions of the services they deliver in support of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases.
This workshop in whole genome sequencing and genetic testing for community hospitals will give you a complete perspective of the essentials. Bring your team to this special learning event, as it will provide all of you with a proven blueprint your lab can follow to organize an effective, local genome sequencing program that improves patient care, gives your hospital a competitive advantage, and creates a new source of revenue for your lab.
Register now to reserve your place at this valuable and unique learning opportunity.
Session Details: Whole Genome Sequencing and Genetic Testing for Community Hospitals
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Reception and Exhibition
Thursday, May 2, 2024
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Continental Breakfast and Exhibition
8:00 AM - 8:05 AM
Welcome and Introduction
Workshop Chair and Moderator: Honey Reddi
8:05 AM - 9:30 AM
Pre-analytics (LIMS, Nucleic Acid Extraction)
This session delves into the crucial pre-analytical processes that underpin successful molecular diagnostics, emphasizing Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and effective nucleic acid extraction techniques. Participants will explore how LIMS optimize lab workflows, ensure data integrity, and enhance compliance in a high-throughput environment. Additionally, the workshop will cover advanced methods for extracting high-quality DNA and RNA, discussing the impact of sample type, extraction methods, and handling on analytical outcomes. Ideal for laboratory professionals, this presentation combines theoretical insights with practical strategies to improve the reliability and efficiency of molecular testing.
Overview of Nucleic Acid Extraction, LIMS, and More
Jeremiah Karrs
DO,
Dr.
Dartmouth Health,
Lebanon, NH
Presentations by Companies with Solutions
Ben Schmidt
PhD,
Strategic Clinical Collaborations Manager,
Promega Corporation
End-to-End Solutions for Molecular Testing Labs
Mehdi Keddache
PhD,
Informatics Specialists Manager,
Illumia Inc.,
Fort Lauderdale, FL
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Morning Break and Exhibition
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Genomic Technologies Currently Used in Clinical Practice
There are constant advances in the various technologies used to sequence DNA. Learn the latest developments, along with the advantages and disadvantages of different sequencing technologies and approaches.
Overview of Useful Technologies
Arezou Ghazani
PhD, FACMG,
Director of Clinical Genomics,
Brigham Genomic Medicine,
Brigham and Women’s Hospital,
Boston, MA
Overview of LabCorp Oncology’s Kitted Genomic Profiling Solutions
Ross Gagnon
MMDS, MB (ASCP)CM,
Technical Director,
Precision Medicine – Oncology,
LabCorp
Localized Decision Medicine with NGS Solutions
Scott Toman
VP, Sales and Business Development,
Pillar Biosciences,
Natick, MA
Agilent Updates in genomics for Cancer Diagnostics
Janice Heinichen
Clinical Genomics Oncology Specialist,
Agilent,
Carpinteria, CA
End-to-End Solutions for Molecular Testing Labs
Mehdi Keddache
PhD,
Informatics Specialists Manager,
Illumia Inc.,
Fort Lauderdale, FL
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Lunch and Exhibition
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Variant Analysis – Bioinformatic Pipelines and Reporting Considerations
Labs have the option to perform the analysis of genetic sequences either in-house or by companies specializing in variant analysis. Learn the benefits and drawbacks to each arrangement.
Overview of Secondary and Tertiary Analysis
Matthew Lebo
PhD,
Chief Laboratory Director,
Lab for Molecular Medicine,
Mass General Brigham Personalized Medicine,
Cambridge, MA
End-to-End Solutions for Molecular Testing Labs
Mehdi Keddache
PhD,
Informatics Specialists Manager,
Illumia Inc.,
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Empowering Precision Medicine: GenomOncology's Enhanced Support for Somatic & Germline Testing
Garreth Hippe
Chief Commercial Officer
GenomOncology,
Cleveland, OH
Genetic curation services to address the variant interpretation bottleneck
Jeanette McCarthy
MPH, PhD
Head of Clinical Genome Interpretation Services,
Zifo Technologies,
Deerfield, IL,
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Afternoon Break
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Companion Diagnostics in Lab–Pharma Relationships
Companion diagnostics—particularly in oncology and cancer testing—is an opportunity for clinical laboratories and pathology groups to collaborate with pharmaceutical companies in ways that generate new sources of revenue for labs.
Overview – Pharma and Molecular Diagnostics
Chowdary Dondapati
Executive Director,
Merck,
Rahway, NJ
Presentations by Companies with Solutions
Companies to be named.
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Current Issues and Requirements to Successfully Bill and Collect for Genetic Tests and Genome Sequencing
Revenue cycle management related to genetic testing has proven to date to be a “hit or miss” opportunity. Appropriate orders, prior authorizations, referrals for testing, quality of samples and accurate interpretations of test results are necessary components of the billing process. In addition, payer coverage policies, correct coding and medically unlikely units edits, use of modifiers, documentation for medical necessity and fee schedule bundling in the hospital setting add to the complexity surrounding both the billing and reimbursement processes. It is imperative that laboratories strive to file clean claims. Following this presentation, the participants will:
1. Appraise the laboratory approach to billing to detect and remedy erroneous processes.
2. Determine the merits of external coding, billing, and reimbursement audits.
3. Consult the MolDX website to become familiar with program components and requirements.
4. Identify and adapt steps to improve and stabilize the coding, billing and reimbursement processes.
4:00 PM - 4:10 PM
Guidelines for Genetic Testing and Sequencing: Laboratory Perspectives
When performing genome sequencing and genetic testing in-house, there are important compliance and regulatory requirements that must be met.
4:10 PM - 4:30 PM
Open Discussion and Concluding Remarks
Space is limited. Register Today.