As the number of genetic tests on the market continues to increase, many healthcare physicians report feeling unprepared to order them.1 To help address this issue, Quest Diagnostics offers genetic counselor support to healthcare providers.
Lab-based genetic counselors can assist with test ordering and results interpretation and answer a wide range of questions. While this helps clinicians and their patients, it can also benefit health systems by leading to more appropriate utilization of genetic testing, significant cost savings, patient satisfaction, and insights to improve health outcomes.
A recent frontline report from Quest Diagnostics examines the value of genetic counselor support for health systems and reveals the top 10 questions asked by physicians, along with answers provided by Quest’s lab-based genetic counselors. The questions are organized into three categories: test selection consultation, results interpretation, and care plan and member support.
Topping the list is, “What test should I order for my patient with a family history of breast cancer?” Physicians also want to know the best approach for testing a patient with ataxia, the difference between two genetic tests for epilepsy, and what to do when a test result contains a variant of unknown significance (VUS). Under the care plan and member support category, physicians are interested in Quest’s test offerings, and how to educate their office staff on identifying patients to test, among other questions.
While the Q&As in this report offer clinical information, they also provide valuable operational insights for health systems, shedding light on knowledge gaps and underscoring the need for genetic counselor support.
Learn more about the benefits of genetic counselor support and review the top 10 questions asked by physicians. Download the frontline report.
References:
1. Riley JD, Procop GW, Kottke-Marchant K, et al. Improving molecular genetic test utilization through order restriction, test review, and guidance. J Mol Diagn. 2015;7(3):225-229.