Utilization trends of genetic clinics excluding prenatal services in Washington State, 1995-2004

To analyze genetic clinic utilization in Washington State and to explore factors associated with utilization.

Our analysis included data from the 9 of 15 genetic clinics that consistently reported to the Washington State Minimum Data Set between 1995 and 2004. Prenatal genetics services were excluded. We described utilization with yearly counts of patients and analyze patient volume according to age, sex, and residence.

The total number of patients at nine genetic clinics in Washington increased from 1804 patients in 1995 to 3536 patients in 2004 with growth increasing at an average 8% each year. Although adults aged 35 years and over comprised 14% of all patients in 1995, they comprised almost 28% in 2004. The number of females aged 35 years and older increased markedly during this time frame.

Nine genetic clinics in Washington experienced growth in utilization and changes in the mix of patients served between 1995 and 2004. We suggest further study of how test availability, public awareness of genetics, supply of genetics providers, and changing regulations and insurance policies influence utilization of genetics clinics.