MD calls for widespread recognition of genetic counselors
In Dr. Bruce Beuhler’s latest post on his blog Human Genome and Clinical Diagnosis: The Yin and the Yang, he calls for the long overdue recognition of genetic counselors as valuable members of the healthcare team.
As Dr. Beuhler accurately points out:
“Many states do not license Genetic Counselors, and therefore insurers refuse to pay for services or assign codes for genetic counseling. The lack of reimbursement for genetic counseling services has limited placement of Board Certified counselors in private practices of Medicine. Presently a significant number of Genetic Counselors are in Academic practices, but are excluded from professional fee plans and faculty positions partly due to lack of recognition through licensure.”
Currently, there are only 6 states that have active licensure rules and regulations in place, while another 6 are currently writing rules and regulations for already passed licensure legislation. Although, there are several more states taking efforts to introduce licensure legislation, this struggle is far from over and widespread lobbying by genetic counselors and other allied health professionals is still needed.
Dr. Beuhler then proclaims:
“Genetic counseling is going to be a significant part of medical practice in the future, and quality patient care will require Genetic Counselors to be available to patients. It is time for the Medical Societies, AMA, and Practitioners to lobby for licensure in their states and at a National level. Also, reimbursement for genetic counseling will allow greater accessibility to patients within a medical practice. Genetic Counselors are truly practice expanders and valuable partners for Clinicians dealing with Genetic conditions.”
Thank you, Dr. Beuhler for your thoughtful post! As we know, all patients deserve getting the care and support they need from qualified medical professionals. We share your goals and your vision and are doing our part by at least making access to genetic professionals a little easier with our recently launched partnership with InformedDNA to make genetic counseling available by phone.
