The impact of managed care on genetic testing laboratories in the United States

The traditional activities of clinical genetics programmes have focused on service, education and research. These activities have been funded on a fee-for-service basis often supplemented by service and research grants from private and government sources. Developing changes in health care financing threaten this approach to funding of genetics programmes in general and of genetics laboratories in particular. The evolution of managed health care requires new strategies for delivery of clinical and laboratory services with an emphasis on adaptability. Strategies may include development of alliances among related laboratories, subcontracting with large, multiservice laboratories and developing formalized marketing plans.