Jan Berger, MD, MJ, Discusses the Importance of Next Generation Sequencing

Jan Berger, MD, MJ, President & CEO, Health Intelligence Partners, and editor-in-chief of The American Journal of Pharmacy Benefits, explains that next generation sequencing involves gaining a better understanding and deeper knowledge of the subject, not just another “test here or a test there.” She says that by taking genetic sequencing to the next level of complexity, it will show the importance of genetic counseling.

“How we treat somebody or how we test somebody in preventive care is going to depend on this next generation mapping and sequencing,” Dr Berger explains. “As we try to understand — you know, formularies will not be of groups and preventive care models will not be population based – it’s going to become more specific.”

Dr Berger adds that genetic sequencing incorporates a new level of personalization that must also be considered for its long term outcomes.

“What it does do is if I’m different and at a different risk,” Dr Berger says, “then what’s required of me in preventive care or in drug treatments or other treatments is going to be different. We’re not going to be inappropriately spending money by using the peanut butter approach that everybody gets the same care treatment and testing.”