Caris Life Sciences announced this week that it will be broadening its partnership with Epic, integrating its molecular testing portfolio with Epic's Orders and Results Anywhere network.

WHY IT MATTERS
Caris offers whole exome and whole transcriptome sequencing, and by applying AI modeling to its clinico-genomic database, it can help researchers gain better insights into the molecular complexity of disease.

The new project builds on the existing integration of Caris' Genomics Module within Epic and will expand capabilities by offering easier ordering and receipt of molecular profiling results directly in patients' electronic health records.

Officials say Caris' whole suite of molecular profile services for tissue and blood samples will be available within the Orders and Results Anywhere network.

ORA network integration, expected to be available later this year, will help advance data-driven decision-making for Epic customers – which represent 60% of oncologists nationwide, the companies note. By putting ordering and results directly into the network, Caris says it aims to offer more streamlined access to structured genomic data within the Epic environment.

THE LARGER TREND
This is just the most recent in a string of announcements involving Epic and precision medicine technology developers. In June, Myriad Genetics announced it was working to integrate its genetic testing services within Epic's EHR workflows – offering providers genetic insights for more personalized care and giving patients easier access to test results within MyChart.

In April, Guardant Health, which develops precision oncology tools, announced its own collaboration with Epic to streamline clinicians' ability to order Guardant blood tests, liquid biopsies and more within the EHR.

And this past August, Foundation Medicine announced a deal with Epic to add its genomic profiling and testing services to the EHR workflow.

In other Epic news, the vendor announced this past month that it would join the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement and apply to connect to TEFCA as an inaugural Qualified Health Information Network.

ON THE RECORD
"Caris Life Sciences is committed to fulfilling our organizational promise of making personalized precision medicine accessible to as many physicians and patients as possible," David Spetzler, president and CEO of Caris, said in a statement. "Building on the success of our Epic Genomics Module integration, ORA will further enhance patient access to critical molecular results they need to fight, and hopefully beat, cancer."

Alan Hutchison, VP of population health at Epic, said, "We are excited for this enhanced partnership with Caris to further increase health access and care, and the opportunity to help deliver precision medicine to a greater number of communities."

Twitter: @MikeMiliardHITN
Email the writer: mike.miliard@himssmedia.com
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