Urging Iowa to prioritize precision medicine

Iowans can look forward to more individualized health care thanks to a bill under consideration by the legislature. SSB 3001, sponsored by Sen. Waylon Brown, if passed, would broaden insurance coverage for biomarker testing, providing an opportunity for more individualized treatment for Iowa patients.

Biomarker testing, which identifies diseases at a molecular level, has traditionally been used in oncology treatment. However, this bill aims to improve coverage, not only for cancer, but for other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and Alzheimer’s.

As a rheumatologist, I believe that the passage of SSB 3001 would empower health care professionals to deliver more personalized care to our patients. Many individuals I’ve treated over the years face debilitating conditions that, without timely intervention, could lead to a significantly decreased quality of life.

For instance, patients with rheumatoid arthritis often undergo treatment that requires medication to be administered by infusion, which can be time-consuming and burdensome. Through the use of biomarker testing, we can ensure a more informed and targeted approach to treatment, making sure the time spent in treatment will deliver the desired results. This in turn saves patients time and money by foregoing other treatments that are not right for them. With access to biomarker testing, we can be more certain from the start which treatment option is best for each patient and start treating diseases before they progress.

SSB 3001 is not only a positive step forward for individual patients but holds the promise of addressing a critical gap in our health care system. Historically, there has been an imbalance in testing rates, particularly among minority patients and those in rural and minority communities. Increased coverage for testing can help close that gap.

To truly enhance Iowa's health care system, we must prioritize quality, equity, and access in the conversation surrounding biomarker testing. By making biomarker tests more accessible, we can ensure that all patients — regardless of race, age, or economic status — receive the best possible care.

Ensuring access to biomarker tests through legislation like SSB 3001 is critical to promoting patient-centered health care policies. This legislation recognizes the pivotal role of precision medicine in modern health care and enables clinicians to incorporate advanced medical technologies into everyday care. We must ensure that every patient has the opportunity to access these tests.

Michael Brooks, MD, is a retired rheumatologist in Cedar Rapids.