Yes, the vast majority of patients have insurance coverage for genetic testing and genetic counseling testing. Our patient account specialists verify coverage prior to the consultation. Individuals may also check eligibility and co-pay information by calling their insurance provider.

Genetic testing is billed by the third-party genetic testing laboratory directly. For most, the cost of genetic testing does not exceed $250. If the cost of the test is a barrier to you, your genetic counselor can discuss laboratory patient assistance programs and help you apply for them.

Inherited cancer syndromes are typically due to inherited “errors” or mutations within specific genes that normally function to prevent cancer. These inherited mutations cause a loss of normal gene function and increased risks of developing certain types of cancer. About 5-10% of individuals have a cancer caused by an inherited cancer syndrome.

Hereditary cardiac conditions are typically due to inherited “errors” or mutations within specific genes that disrupt the normal growth or function of the heart and other parts of the circulatory system. These inherited mutations can cause increased risk for progressive heart disease, especially at younger ages, or even cause dangerous cardiac events and lead to sudden death. About 1 in 250 individuals have inherited heart disease.

Our genetic counselors are qualified genetics professionals for all types of inherited risks, and are prepared to discuss the risk of developing other disorders of familial concern, including hematologic and adult neurologic syndromes. They can also help interpret direct-to-consumer tests and provide clarity on the implications of results for you and your family members. See Genetic Services for more information.

On average, genetic test results are available within 2-3 weeks.

• Positive: A harmful mutation identified that may increase risk of developing certain conditions.
• Negative: No mutation identified.
• Variant of Unknown Significance: Genetic alteration identified, but our understanding of it is limited at this time.

Genetic testing is just one tool that genetic counselors use to provide you with the very best in personalized medicine that genetic testing alone cannot provide. Genetic counselors are genetic experts and remain up to date on the constantly changing field of genetics. They are trained to tailor, translate, and communicate complex genetic information into practical, accurate, and understandable decision-making information that you, your relatives, and your healthcare team can use to provide the best in individualized healthcare management. They help to insure the very best outcomes for you and your relatives.

Continued contact with genetic professionals is advised for many individuals who have undergone genetic counseling and/or genetic testing. Over time, new technologies are developed, new genes become available for testing, insurance criteria for testing may change making testing more accessible and management updates for mutation carriers become available. Additionally, family histories change over time making reassessment of the family history beneficial. We recommend having genetic counseling if you have significant family history and you previously had genetic testing without seeing a genetic counselor. In addition, we recommend contacting your genetic counselor every few years.

• If you previously had genetic counseling but genetic testing was not done: If you underwent genetic counseling without genetic testing, you may benefit from meeting with a genetic counselor again. The criteria for genetic testing have expanded, insurance companies are much more likely to cover genetic testing, and the cost of genetic testing has decreased significantly. A genetic counselor can help you review your options, order the appropriate test, and review your results and their implications.
• If you previously had genetic testing which identified a pathogenic mutation (positive results): With time, more information becomes available regarding specific hereditary cancer syndromes. If your previous genetic testing identified a mutation, it is important to keep in touch with your genetic counselor periodically to review the most up to date information regarding cancer risks and management guidelines and to make sure that your previous genetic testing was comprehensive.
• If you previously had genetic testing which did not identify any mutations (negative results): With time, more hereditary cancer genes are being identified, comprehensive genetic testing is becoming more accessible, and genetic technologies are advancing. If your previous genetic testing was uninformative because it did not identify any mutations, updated genetic testing may be indicated.
• If you previously had genetic testing which identified a variant of unknown or uncertain significance (VUS): With time, more information becomes available and variants of uncertain significance may get reclassified. A genetic counselor can review the current literature and data regarding your VUS, discuss what is known, what steps may be taken to reclassify it, and recommend further genetic testing if indicated.

Genetic testing for tumor molecular profiling (somatic) is different than genetic testing for inherited cancer risk (germline). Genetic testing of cancer tissue helps to characterize the tumor while genetic testing for inherited risk helps to estimate and reduce familial cancer risk. A genetic counselor can review tumor genetic test results in conjunction with your personal and family history to help you understand your results and your risk for an inherited cancer susceptibility syndrome.

Some DTC companies, such as 23andMe and Ancestry, offer "health" tests. These tests are not diagnostic and should not be used to make medical decisions. If you previously had DTC genetic testing and were told you had an increased risk of developing a certain condition, such as cancer, a genetic counselor can review these results with you and, if indicated, order diagnostic confirmatory testing.

In addition, DTC testing is very limited, looking at a few mutations while clinical genetic testing fully analyzes those and other relevant genes. Therefore, "normal" DTC testing results do not actually rule out hereditary cancer syndromes or other hereditary risks.

Federal and state laws provide protection against genetic discrimination. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008 is a federal law that protects people from health insurance eligibility discrimination including additional fees or costs and also protects from employment discrimination. GINA does not protect against all forms of genetic discrimination and does not specify protection from other insurance discrimination such as life, disability, and long-term care. Learn more about GINA. Our genetic counselors can discuss any concerns you may have regarding genetic testing and privacy.

For more information about the Cancer Genetics Program, please visit our website.

For any other questions or to schedule a genetic counseling appointment near you, contact us:

Providence Mission Hospital    
Phone: 949-573-9492                           
Fax: 949-364-4290
We are located at 27799 Medical Center Road, Mission Viejo, CA. within the Leonard Cancer Institute, on the 2nd Floor

Providence St. Joseph Hospital   
Phone: 714-734-6229                           
Fax: 714-734-6218
We are located at 1000 W. La Veta Ave, Orange, CA. within the Center for Cancer Prevention Treatment, on the 1st Floor

Providence St. Jude Medical Center   
Phone: 714-446-7181 x2019
Fax: 714-446-5666
We are located at 2151 N. Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA. within the Kathryn T. McCarty Breast Center, on the 2nd Floor (suite 2100)