Study results: employer-based coverage of genetic counseling services

Because advances in genetic medicine are likely to affect the cost and delivery of employer-sponsored health care, plan managers require a basic understanding of related services. By describing and analyzing a survey of health plan managers, the author shows where they may need more information about genetic services in order to negotiate coverage and make informed purchasing decisions. Given these current information gaps, genetic counselors may be helpful to health plan managers by providing information and quality assurance about genetic medicine as it continues to integrate itself into medical practice and as plan managers seek cost-containment approaches in the face of rising health care costs.