Sponsored testing is clinical lab testing where results go back to the ordering physician and payment for the testing is provided by the sponsoring pharma company. As part of the program, certain de-identified data are shared with program sponsors.
Sponsored testing programs help increase patient access to testing options and can help shorten the diagnostic journey for rare diseases and disorders by removing the financial cost of lab testing. Lab results can help guide patients to therapeutic drug monitoring options, fulfill drug label requirements, and help raise awareness for clinical trial opportunities.
Access varies by program and is decided by the sponsoring pharma company. Some programs are available to select predetermined client accounts, while others are open to all health care providers. This is discussed in the initial project discussions.
Sponsored testing programs can help increase access to ordering health care providers and patients. Programs also allow access to clinical data to track trends and disease prevalence.
The process for setting up a sponsored testing program includes the following steps:
In accordance with HIPAA regulations, no identifiable protected health information is shared with third-party companies. Examples of data that can be shared as part of the program are listed below. Specific data elements to be included in the program are discussed during initial project discussions.