Financial determinants of outcomes in molecular testing.

For the benefits of molecular pathology to outweigh its inherent costs, testing procedures must be integrated into total disease assessment to realize the true financial impact. Major financial benefits are achievable from molecular testing because the tests reduce the use of less sensitive and less specific tests, unnecessary diagnostic procedures, and ineffective therapies. In this review, the financial determinants of outcomes for molecular-based testing for disease predisposition, screening, early detection, and directed therapy are presented.