FDNA and Genome Medical Partner to Improve Access to Diagnostic Services for Kids in Underserved Areas

Rare Daily Staff

Digital health company FDNA and telehealth provider Genome Medical have partnered to shorten the diagnostic odyssey for children with developmental disorders from an average of five years to a few months.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, developmental disabilities affect one in six children in the United States, and many of these children also have underlying genetic conditions. Too many families struggle for years to find the right care for their children and are often faced with the lifelong impact of a late diagnosis. FDNA enables the early detection of developmental and genetic disorders for families and children through their Child Development Checker app, an AI powered image analysis and care management tool.

The FDNA app identifies patients with potential genetic conditions and connects them with Genome Medical for genetic counseling and testing services for assessment and diagnosis – all from the comfort of their own homes. This partnership supports and may greatly reduce families’ diagnostic journeys. Genome Medical’s nationwide virtual care delivery model delivers genetics care to patients seven days a week with appointments available within a week.

Approximately 6,000 families access FDNA’s Child Development Checker app monthly. On average, 90 percent live more than an hour drive from a medical center, 80 percent are from small towns and rural areas that are often medically underserved and approximately 40 percent are ethnic minorities. Providing fast, virtual access to diagnostic and telehealth genetic services to families with significant barriers to care and shortening their diagnostic journey may provide significant positive impact on the current treatment options and future quality of life for children with genetic conditions.

“Through this partnership, we expect to see an increase in diagnoses, with plans to connect more patients with clinical trials and therapies,” said Erik Feingold, CEO of FDNA.