Highmark, Horizon issued positive coverage policies for Afirma Gene Expression Classifier -
Veracyte, Inc., a molecular diagnostics company pioneering the field of molecular cytology, has announced today that two blue Cross blue Shield (BCBS) organizations affiliated to the Highmark, Inc. and Horizon blue Cross blue Shield of New Jersey, have issued positive coverage policies for the company Afirma ® Gene Expression classifier (GEC). The two companies have classified the genomic test medically necessary for use in the assessment of thyroid nodule fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies that are indeterminate after traditional cytopathology examination
and Highmark BCBS Horizon are among four organizations -affiliées -. Including Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Premera Blue Cross - recently issued to positive coverage decisions for Afirma GEC. Highmark is 4 million lives and Horizon represents 3.6 million, bringing the total number of lives covered by BCBS Veracyte genomic test to over 10 million. The policies will be effective for these organizations from 1 September 2014 and 26 July 2014 respectively. The Afirma GEC is now covered for more than 135 million lives throughout the country.
"These positive coverage decisions by Highmark and Horizon further demonstrate the compelling value that the expression classifier Afirma Gene offer to patients, health professionals and insurers," said Bonnie H. Anderson, President and CEO of Veracyte. "Our test helps patients avoid unnecessary surgeries, while reducing health care costs. We are very pleased that this will now be available to over 10 million members of Blue Cross and Blue Shield. "
The Afirma GEC is the only molecular test refereed, published data showing that meets the performance criteria for inclusion in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), UpToDate® and preliminary guidelines American Thyroid Association - to allow patients with indeterminate results cytopathology and benign Afirma GEC opting for routine monitoring instead of the diagnostic surgery.
Veracyte offers Afirma Gene Expression classifier (GEC) as part of its Afirma thyroid FNA analysis. This comprehensive solution combines expert cytopathology assessment of thyroid nodule FNA samples with expression classifier Afirma Gene, genomic test used to identify thyroid benign nodules among those deemed inconclusive based on cytopathology. The company recently added its Afirma malignancy classifiers - genomic tests for medullary thyroid cancer and mutation of the BRAF gene. - To help guide the surgical strategy for patients who require surgery
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