The Role of the Genetic Counselor in Utilization Management of Genetic Testing

Abstract

There has been a dramatic increase in the availability of genetic testing for a variety of conditions within the last decade, as well as corresponding increases in the number of genetic tests ordered and the overall costs associated with genetic testing. Because of the complexities of genetic testing, there are multiple documented examples in which genetic testing is ordered inappropriately, leading to suboptimal patient care and misuse of health care dollars. In an effort to control some of these escalating costs and to improve patient care, genetic counselors have developed additional roles within both the commercial laboratory setting and the hospital-based laboratory to review genetic test(s) orders and determine whether it appropriately provides relevant clinical information that can be used to benefit the patient and/or family members. Multiple studies have now shown the value of genetic counselors in these roles, both in helping to contain some of the costs associated with genetic testing and in improving patient care.