Primary care and the human genome project. Into the breach

The Human Genome Project potentially may change how medical care is conceptualized and delivered. Screening for gene mutations in the future will likely be more precise, allowing screening for a much wider scope of diseases. The demand for this testing will thereby create stresses on the health care system that may require the involvement of primary care providers. Such involvement will precipitate training needs for thess providers in genetics and genetic counseling. Further, the importance of evaluating public values toward genetic testing is critical in appreciating patient response to future screening and in developing public policy.