Posts Tagged ‘genetic counselor’
Pathway Genomics Makes Personal Genetic Testing Kits Available Through Retail Pharmacies
Today, the National Society of Genetic Counselors released a statement regarding the sale of personal genetic testing kits through retail pharmacies in response to Pathway Genomics making their testing kits available through Walgreens and later, CVS pharmacies. From the statement:
NSGC recommends individuals ask the following questions before they consider undergoing
genetic testing:1. What will the test tell me? Discuss with your genetic counselor what you would like to
learn from genetic testing. There are many different types of genetic tests. If the wrong
test is ordered, it may not give you information about your medical concerns.2. What is the scientific basis for the testing? Some genetic tests provide more conclusive
results than others. Also, a genetic counselor can integrate the test results with your
medical and family history to provide more powerful and useful information.3. What might you do with the information once you know the results? Consider the
implications of knowing the test results and the impact that could have on you and your
family, both medically, emotionally and in terms of life planning.4. Will there be a knowledgeable health care professional involved with giving you the test
results? It is important that someone who has expertise in genetics helps you
understand and interpret your test results. For example, genetic counselors have
specialized training in medical genetics and counseling and have Master’s degrees
in their field.
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.
