Whether you are eligible for a genomic test depends on a few factors, including your medical history, family history, and specific reason for wanting the test.
Some common reasons for undergoing genomic testing include:

• A family history of genetic conditions or diseases
• A personal history of certain types of cancer
• Symptoms or a medical condition that may have a genetic component
• Concerns about the risk of passing on a genetic condition to children
• As part of a research study or clinical trial

Your healthcare provider can help you determine if you are eligible for genomic testing based on your specific situation.

The cost of genomic testing can vary depending on the type of test, the laboratory performing the test, and whether or not insurance covers the cost.

Genomic testing can have a number of benefits for individuals and their families.
Some of the main benefits include:

• Early detection of genetic conditions: Genomic testing can identify genetic mutations associated with certain diseases, allowing for early detection and potentially earlier treatment.
• Improved disease management: For individuals with a known genetic condition, genomic testing can provide valuable information for managing the condition and reducing the risk of complications.
• Improved family planning: If a genetic variation is identified in an individual, it can help their family members make informed decisions about their own health and family planning.
• Risk assessment for family members: If a genetic mutation is identified in an individual, genomic testing can also provide important information for assessing the risk of that mutation in other family members.

While genomic testing has many potential benefits, it also carries some risks that should be carefully considered.

• Psychological impact: The results of genomic testing may be emotionally difficult to process.
• Privacy concerns: The results of genomic testing contain sensitive information about an individual’s health and genetic makeup.
• Uncertainty: In some cases, genomic testing may not provide a clear answer or may identify a genetic variant that has not been previously associated with a specific disease, leading to uncertainty about the meaning of the result.

To protect privacy, genomic testing is subject to strict regulations and guidelines. These guidelines include:

• Informed consent
• Confidentiality
• Data security

It is important to discuss any concerns you may have about the risks and privacy of genomic testing with your healthcare provider and genetic counselor before undergoing testing.

If you still have questions or concerns about genomic testing, speaking with a healthcare provider or genetic counselor is important. These professionals are trained to provide information and guidance about genomic testing, including its benefits, risks, and limitations.

The healthcare professional who performed your test will let you know as soon as the results are available. This could be as soon as two weeks and can take upto a month from the test date.

You may receive a printed report with the results. After completing your genomic test, the laboratory will provide a report with the test results to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will review the results with you and discuss what they mean for your health and any implications for your family members.

A negative result can be a relief, it means no significant genetic mutations or variations were detected in the specific genes or regions that were analyzed by the test.

Genetic counselors are healthcare professionals who specialize in genetics and provide information and support to individuals and families who are considering or have undergone genetic testing. They have specialized training in both genetics and counseling, and are qualified to help people understand their genetic risk for certain conditions and the implications of genetic testing.

To find more information about a specific genetic disorder, there are several resources available to individuals and families. These resources include:

• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Their database includes information on rare or genetic diseases and about their symptoms, treatment, and research related to over 7,000 genetic disorders.
• Online Support Groups: Many organizations and patient advocacy groups have online support groups for individuals and families affected by specific genetic disorders.
• Genetic Counselors: Genetic counselors can provide information and guidance about specific genetic disorders and can help individuals and families understand their risk for these conditions.
• Research Studies: Research studies on specific genetic disorders may provide information about the latest advances in treatment and management.

Human genetics and genomics are both important fields that contribute to our understanding of genetics and its role in health and disease. However, genomics takes a broader view and incorporates new technologies and approaches that allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the genome and its effects.

To determine if your health insurance will cover hereditary cancer testing, you should review your health insurance policy or contact your insurance provider directly. You can also ask your healthcare provider to contact your insurance provider to determine if the test is covered and if there are any out-of-pocket costs you will be responsible for. Your healthcare provider may need to provide medical justification for the test to be covered by insurance.

If you want to pay for the testing yourself, we can set up an installment payment plan or offer it free to uninsured patients in the U.S. who meet specific financial and medical criteria. Due to government regulations, patients who are receiving government-funded health care like Medicaid or Medicare are not eligible to apply for this assistance.