On Rare Disease Day, Q4HE Collaboration Highlights Purpose in Action

Rhea-AI Summary

Quest Diagnostics collaborates with Western University to offer no-cost diagnostic testing for rare autoimmune diseases, leading to potentially life-saving diagnoses. The Biopsies Save Lives program under the Quest for Health Equity initiative has helped 3 patients so far, breaking down financial barriers and providing critical support to underserved communities in Southern California.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 29, 2024 / Quest Diagnostics

No-cost laboratory testing: Fourth-year dental student, Tyesha Younger MS, and Mark Mintline DDS diagnose a case of pemphigus vulgaris as part of the Biopsies Save Lives program. Photo credit: WesternU

In honor of Rare Disease Day on February 29, we're highlighting a program dedicated to diagnosing and treating patients in underserved communities in Southern California affected by the rare autoimmune diseases pemphigus and pemphigoid, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Last year, we announced that Quest Diagnostics teamed up with Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) to offer no-cost diagnostic testing services to support Biopsies Save Lives as part of the Quest for Health Equity (Q4HE) initiative. The program offers no-cost testing to patients who are low-income, uninsured, and/or underinsured and who also have rare erosive and blistering diseases, and enables faster diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

Since the collaboration between Q4HE and WesternU started, the Biopsies Save Lives program has helped lead to the potentially life-saving diagnosis of 3 patients affected by these rare diseases.

"We are very thankful to Quest Diagnostics and their Quest for Health Equity initiative for supporting the Biopsies Save Lives program," said WesternU Health Oral Pathology Laboratory Director Mark Mintline, DDS. "Biopsies Save Lives breaks down financial barriers to laboratory testing and turns the scariest part of healthcare-waiting for results from a potentially life-changing test-into one that is most welcoming, supportive, and educational. The no-cost laboratory testing that Quest is providing has been critical for our patients, and the support has been a blessing for underserved communities with erosive and blistering diseases in Los Angeles County."

Through Biopsies Save Lives, patients better understand their blistering diseases, how to ask their providers questions, and are connected to expert dermatologists.

"This is a great, real-world example of how we are working together to create a healthier world, one life at a time, and highlights the positive impact our work has on patients," said Cynita Smith-Watson, Senior Manager, Regional Contracting for Q4HE.

Rare Disease Day is an observance held on the last day of February to raise awareness of rare diseases and improve access to treatment and medical representation for individuals with rare diseases and their families.

To learn more about the Biopsies Save Lives program, visit www.pemphigus.org/biopsies-save-lives/.

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SOURCE: Quest Diagnostics

View the original press release on accesswire.com

What is the purpose of the Biopsies Save Lives program in collaboration with Western University for patients in Southern California affected by rare autoimmune diseases?

The program aims to offer no-cost diagnostic testing services to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured patients with rare erosive and blistering diseases, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment.

How many patients have been potentially life-saving diagnosed through the Biopsies Save Lives program?

The program has helped diagnose 3 patients affected by rare diseases, thanks to the collaboration between Quest Diagnostics and Western University.

Who is the Oral Pathology Laboratory Director at Western University involved in the Biopsies Save Lives program?

Mark Mintline, DDS, the Oral Pathology Laboratory Director at Western University, expressed gratitude towards Quest Diagnostics for their support in providing no-cost laboratory testing.

What is the significance of Rare Disease Day observed on the last day of February?

Rare Disease Day aims to raise awareness about rare diseases, improve access to treatment, and enhance medical representation for individuals and families affected by rare diseases.

How does the Biopsies Save Lives program help patients with blistering diseases in Los Angeles County?

The program helps patients better understand their conditions, guides them on asking questions to their providers, and connects them with expert dermatologists for specialized care.