Theranos, AmeriHealth form partnership to provide better diagnostic test for Medicaid members

Theranos, Inc. and AmeriHealth Caritas announced July 15 a national strategic partnership to improve health outcomes by providing greater access to less invasive, more efficient diagnostic tests for Medicaid members.

The partnership is the first time a Medicaid managed care organization will make Theranos' innovative diagnostic tests available directly to under-served populations.

"More than 40 percent of lab test orders don't get filled because testing services are inconvenient and cost too much," said Theranos founder and CEO Elizabeth Holmes. "Improved access is the best way to help save lives, because access to information puts the focus on earlier detection and prevention instead of diagnosis and treatment."

Through working with Theranos, AmeriHealth Caritas members will be able to access less invasive clinician-directed laboratory testing from a blood sample taken from a tiny finger stick or a micro-sample taken from traditional methods, the announcement said. These methods of testing eliminate the need for larger needles and numerous vials of blood required for most diagnostic laboratory testing. Test results often are available in a matter of hours as opposed to days or weeks.

“Our hope is that, equipped with reliable, real-time information gained through Theranos' innovative technology and accessible model, our members will be more likely to engage with a physician and make timely health care decisions, as well as develop a comprehensive care plan for living a healthier life,” said Paul Tufano, chairman and CEO of AmeriHealth Caritas.