NICU CarePathway

Rapid Genomic Sequencing
ROI Calculator

Model the financial impact of implementing rapid genomic sequencing in your NICU. Adjust inputs to match your health plan's population and see real-time projections grounded in published evidence.

Plan Assumptions

500
Total NICU admits across your covered facilities
15%
Critically ill neonates without unifying diagnosis
$3,500
Per-test cost including interpretation
45%
Published range: 34–59% (Wu 2021, Sloper 2024)
$5,000
All-in per diem including nursing, supplies, overhead
10
For diagnosed patients; 25% LOS reduction documented
70%
Published range: 21–80% (Rodriguez 2024)
Net Savings (Year 1)
$1,435,000
Testing cost fully offset
Return on Investment
6.5x
Every $1 invested returns $6.50
PMPM Impact
$0.24
Per member per month (500K plan)
Patients Tested
75
per year
Patients Diagnosed
34
45% diagnostic yield
Total Testing Cost
$262,500
annual program spend
NICU LOS Savings
$1,687,500
from reduced bed-days
Cost Per Diagnosis
$7,778
testing cost / diagnosed
Savings Per Diagnosis
$50,000
LOS savings / diagnosed
Management Changes
24
patients with altered care plan

Cost vs. Savings Comparison

By implementing rapid genomic sequencing for 75 eligible NICU patients per year at a program cost of $262,500, your health plan can expect 34 molecular diagnoses, generating $1,687,500 in NICU length-of-stay savings — a net return of $1,425,000 in Year 1.

Published Case Examples

Real-world outcomes from NICU rapid genomic sequencing programs

Metabolic

OTC Deficiency
Neonatal Metabolic Crisis

Test Rapid trio exome ($5,000)
Result Diagnosis day 8, NICU discharge day 22
Impact Enabled targeted metabolic management; avoided liver transplant workup
Year 1 Savings
$123,500 – $313,500
ROI: 25:1 to 63:1
Neuromuscular

SMA Type 1
Neonatal Hypotonia

Test Rapid trio exome ($5,000)
Result Diagnosis day 11, Zolgensma by day 15
Impact Gene therapy within treatment window; avoided chronic ventilator dependence
Year 1 Savings
$1.6M – $1.9M
Lifetime ROI: 1,120:1 to 2,020:1
Mitochondrial

Mito Complex I Deficiency
Neonatal Lactic Acidosis

Test Rapid exome ($3,500)
Result Diagnosis day 5, informed palliative planning
Impact Avoided invasive biopsy and extended ICU stay; enabled family-centered care
Year 1 Savings
$60,000 – $360,000
ROI: 17:1 to 100:1

Evidence Foundation

Projections grounded in peer-reviewed clinical data across 80+ published studies

Dx

NICU Diagnostic Yield: 34–59%

Rapid whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing in critically ill neonates. Wu et al. 2021, Sloper et al. 2024, Martin Lopez-Pardo et al. 2025.

ICU

PICU/CICU Yield: 31–59%, 80% Management Change

Multicenter rapid whole-genome sequencing with management change documented in 80% of diagnosed cases. Rodriguez et al. 2024.

LOS

25% Length-of-Stay Reduction

Demonstrated reduction in NICU length of stay following rapid genomic diagnosis. Martin Lopez-Pardo et al. 2025.

CE

ICER < €9,000/QALY

Cost-effective by all standard willingness-to-pay thresholds. Economic evaluations across multiple health systems.

2.4x

2.4-Fold Increase in Diagnoses

Seattle Children's policy shift to first-line rES/rGS increased diagnostic rate 2.4x and halved time to diagnosis.

20

20 Organ Systems Characterized

Comprehensive evidence base spanning 18 Tier 1 and 2 Tier 2 organ systems with defined testing indications.

Explore the Full Evidence Base

This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual results will vary based on patient population, testing protocols, institutional costs, and clinical context. All projections are derived from published peer-reviewed literature. This tool does not constitute medical or financial advice.