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

Honey Reddi, PHD, FACMG.

Honey Reddi
PhD, FACMG,
Senior Vice and
President & Medical Director,
Belay Diagnostics,
Chicago, IL VP

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

Dr. Jeremiah Karrs, DO, Dartmouth Health

Jeremiah Karrs
DO,
Dr.
Dartmouth Health,
Lebanon, NH

Presentations by Companies with Solutions

Ben Schmidt, Strategic Clinical Collaborations Manager, Promega Corporation

Ben Schmidt
PhD, 
Strategic Clinical Collaborations Manager,
Promega Corporation

End-to-End Solutions for Molecular Testing Labs

Mehdi Keddache, Informatics Specialists Manager Illumina Inc.

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

PhD, FACMG, Director of Clinical Genomics, Brigham Genomic Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA

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, Technical Director, Precision Medicine - Oncology LabCorp

Ross Gagnon
MMDS, MB (ASCP)CM,
Technical Director,
Precision Medicine – Oncology,
LabCorp

Localized Decision Medicine with NGS Solutions

Scott Tomam, VP, Sales and Business Development, Pillar Biosciences

Scott Toman
VP, Sales and Business Development,
Pillar Biosciences,
Natick, MA

Agilent Updates in genomics for Cancer Diagnostics

Janice Heinichen, Clincial Genomics Oncology Specialist, Agilent

Janice Heinichen
Clinical Genomics Oncology Specialist,
Agilent,
Carpinteria, CA

End-to-End Solutions for Molecular Testing Labs

Mehdi Keddache, Informatics Specialists Manager Illumina Inc.

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, Chief Laboratory Director, Lab for Molecular Medicine, Mass General Brigham Personalized Medicine

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, Informatics Specialists Manager Illumina Inc.

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

Garreth Hippe
Chief Commercial Officer
GenomOncology,
Cleveland, OH

Genetic curation services to address the variant interpretation bottleneck

Jeanette McCarthy, Head of Clinical Genome Interpretation Services, Zifo Technologies

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

Dondapati Chowdary, Executive Director, Merck

Chowdary Dondapati
Executive Director, 
Merck,
Rahway, NJ

Executive War College Third-Day Workshop Company Presentations

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.

Diana Voorhees, Principal/CEO DV & Associates

Diana Voorhees
MA, MLS, SH, CLCP, CPCO,
Principal/CEO, DV & Associates, Inc.,
Salt Lake City, UT

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.

 

Honey Reddi, PHD, FACMG.

Honey Reddi
PhD, FACMG,
Senior Vice and
President & Medical Director,
Belay Diagnostics,
Chicago, IL VP

4:10 PM - 4:30 PM

Open Discussion and Concluding Remarks

Honey Reddi, PHD, FACMG.

Honey Reddi
PhD, FACMG,
Senior Vice and
President & Medical Director,
Belay Diagnostics,
Chicago, IL VP

Space is limited. Register Today.

Who Attends the Executive War College

Health Systems and Hospital Clinical Laboratory and Pathology Leadership

Hospital C-Suite Administrators

Laboratory Vice Presidents

Pathology Lab Directors/Administrators

Laboratory Directors

Molecular and Genetic Lab Leaders

Precision Medicine & Genetic Program Directors/Administrators

Laboratory Section Managers/Leaders/Supervisors

Representative Labs:

  • ACL Laboratories/Advocate Health
  • Cleveland Clinic Laboratories
  • Medical University of South Carolina
  • Johns Hopkins Medicine
  • Baptist Health South Florida
  • Banner Health
  • Intermountain Health Outreach Labs
  • Baylor Scott & White Health
  • Cedars Sinai
  • Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center
  • Fabric Genomics
  • Kaiser Permanente

Independent Laboratories and Pathology Groups

Laboratory Owners/C-Suite/Vice Presidents/Directors

Pathology Group Owners/Directors

Pathology Group Practice Administrators

Physician Group Lab Owners/Directors

Public Health/Population Health VP’s/Directors

Life Sciences/Research Labs

Representative Labs:

  • Mayo Clinic Laboratories
  • ARUP (Reference Lab)
  • LabCorp (Reference Lab)
  • TriCore (Reference Lab)
  • GeneDx
  • Sonic Labs (Reference Lab)
  • Michigan Pathology Specialists (Pathologist Group)
  • Pacific Pathology Labs (Pathology Group)
  • NorDX (Animal Reference Lab)
  • Novartis (Research Pharm (Life Sciences)
  • AstraZeneca (Pharm/Life Sciences)
  • Caris Life Sciences (Pharm/Life Sciences)
  • Sonora Quest (Population Health Division)

Partners and Suppliers to Laboratory and Pathology Groups

In Vitro Diagnostic Manufacturers

LIS/Pathology LIS/LIMS/RCM/IT

Diagnostic Instrument, Product & Technology

Informatics Products and Services

Suppliers of Automation, Analyzers, and Assays

Revenue Cycle Management (RCM), Coding, Billing, and Collections

Legal, Regulatory & Compliance

Representative Companies:

  • Abbott (Diagnostics)
  • Epic Corporation (EMR/LIS)
  • Clinisys LIS
  • Cerner LIS
  • Telcor (Technology)
  • XIFIN (Technology/Informatics)
  • LifePoint Informatics
  • Change Health Care (RCM/billing)
  • HC1 (RCM)
  • Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Inc. (RCM)
  • COLA (Regulatory)
  • College of American Pathologists (Regulatory)
  • Beckman Diagnostics (Diagnostics)
  • Bio-Rad Laboratories (Diagnostics)
  • Hologic (Diagnostics)
  • Cardinal Health (Product & Technology)
  • Davis Wright Tremaine LLP (Legal)