GENETIC COUNSELORS IN HEALTHCARE REFORM: Genetic counselors are uniquely trained healthcare providers who deliver genetic risk assessment, provide comprehensive genetic counseling, and ensure the appropriate utilization of genetic tests; yet they are not recognized providers by all payers, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Policies should promote appropriate patient access to board-certified genetic counselors as part of a high quality, cost-effective healthcare model.
The National Society of Genetic Counselors urges the enactment of federal legislation that would designate board-certified genetic counselors as practitioners by CMS. The Society advocates for all health plans to provide access to these essential services. (Adopted 2011; Reaffirmed March 2018)
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