The Future of Medicine: How DNA Sequencing is Revolutionizing Next-Generation Healthcare

DNA and Healthcare

As a physician, I believe personalized medicine represents a transformative approach to healthcare, rooted in the individual’s DNA to identify the molecular basis of disease mechanisms. Ideally, this approach is most impactful when initiated in youth, while we are healthy, to pinpoint risks early. However, genetic screening has a clear role in our middle or later years. DNA screening can identify individuals at risk for diseases—such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and metabolic disorders—before disease presentation.

The hope for DNA screening lies in its ability to detect risks before symptom onset, allowing optimization of health before the disease takes hold. When a patient already suffers from a chronic disease, genetic testing may provide a molecular understanding of disease progression, guiding primary prevention to avert a worsening prognosis. Tests can be tailored based on individual risk, and pharmacogenetics can reveal how a patient metabolizes drugs. This will enable physicians to predict the best medication choices and minimize unwanted side effects. At Personalized Restorative Medicine of East Tennessee, we emphasize a maximum clinical follow-up to review DNA-based risk reduction strategies, partnering with patients to enhance their care. Today's medical practice often relies on indication-driven testing, which seeks to minimize disease impact only after it emerges. In contrast, DNA-driven risk detection may uncover the molecular basis of disease, with the goal of optimizing variants, as a form of primordial prevention (an action that begins before disease onset). We do not replace the standard of care; instead, we provide a specialty service to assist primary medical doctors. With patient consent, we relay pharmacogenetic insights to the PMD, fostering a collaborative approach.

Challenges of DNA Screening

DNA screening does have its challenges. The limitations stem primarily from the evolving nature of clinical research and the emergence of newly discovered variants. Many DNA variations, known as variants of uncertain significance (VUS), lack current clinical relevance. We include these variants in your DNA screening report so that as research advances, any future actionable insights may be applied. As genetic knowledge expands, these VUS may prove critically important for an individual’s offspring.

A potential risk of genetic screening is the psychological response it may evoke. Some individuals interpret genetic test results as a final diagnosis, leading to increased anxiety. They may prefer not to know their risks. It is critical to understand that acquiring a disease often involves two factors: genetics and environment. Genetics may indicate a pathway, but in most cases, an environmental insult is required to trigger the disease. At our practice, we optimized genetic knowledge by discussing, in detail, the environmental choices that influence outcomes. We offer environmental alternatives and pathway enhancements addressing molecular deficiencies based on well-researched science. This is why working closely with a physician to interpret and manage results is essential.

Privacy and Financial Considerations

Two additional risks merit discussion: privacy and financial burden. At Personalized Restorative Medicine of East Tennessee, we recognize that some insurance entities would seek access to your genetic data, which we guard carefully. By law, we must document each patient encounter, but we avoid including specific genetic testing details in your chart unless you authorize it. The genetic test is conducted anonymously with a scan code for your identification, and patients receive direct access to their DNA report. If you choose to share information with your primary physician— Insurance companies may also access it, which is a consideration we will review with you upfront.

Finally, most insurance does not cover genetic screening with a physician to provide in-depth follow-up. While some plans may reimburse specific conditions-related genetic tests, broad screening falls outside typical coverage. To address this, we offer an annual subscription fee that includes monthly visits and weekly telehealth consultations per year. As your doctor, I become your mentor in health optimization.

A Path to Proactive Health

Genetic screening offers early insight into disease prevention and management, empowering each patient with the knowledge to act before illness begins. At Personalized Restorative Medicine of East Tennessee, we provide the professional guidance necessary to interpret your DNA results and apply them to your health journey. I invite those interested in a mentorship with a physician solely focused on your health to contact us. Together, we can define how personalized medicine will complement your care.

Note: Genetic screening provides risk insights, not definitive diagnoses. Results should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.