Genetic testing is helping families understand their risk for specific cancers so they can do their best to prevent cancer before they ever get it. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about genetic testing.
Q: Does genetic testing really make a difference if I already know I have a family history of cancer?
A: Yes. Genetic testing for inherited cancers helps you and your doctor understand your true risk so you can make the best choices for preventive medical care. Knowing your family history is a very important first step, but genetic testing provides a more accurate assessment of your inherited cancer risk.
Q: If genetic testing makes such a difference, why hasn't my family doctor recommended it to me before now?
A: There is no question that genetic testing is the most accurate way of determining a patient's risk of developing an inherited cancer. However, many doctors, especially those who see patients for a wide range of conditions, may not yet have information on the very latest genetic testing options for their patients. Refer your doctor to www.myriadtests.com for more information.
Q: Are the genetic tests offered by Myriad covered by insurance?
A: Most health insurance plans pay for these tests. Call the Myriad Customer Service Department at 800-469-7423 for more details about the reimbursement process.
Q: Does Myriad provide any assistance in dealing with insurance coverage or payment?
A: After Myriad receives your sample from your physician with a completed and signed Test Request Form authorizing Myriad to contact your insurer as well as legible photocopies of the front and back of your insurance card, Myriad will work with your healthcare provider’s office and insurance company to obtain any necessary authorizations, referrals and in-network waivers.
If your estimated coinsurance (not including any unmet deductible) is expected to exceed $375, or testing is not a covered benefit, Myriad will contact your prior to releasing your sample into the testing process. Myriad will submit bills directly to insurance carriers and will appeal and resubmit claims if necessary.
Q: Is genetic discrimination prohibited by law?
A: Yes. A number of federal and state laws prohibit insurance discrimination to various degrees. The Health Insurance Portability Protection Act (HIPAA) recognizes genetic information as Protected Health Information (PHI) and specifies protection for the confidentiality of PHI. HIPAA also provides restrictions on health-related information in making coverage decisions and in setting premiums by group health insurers, although HIPAA does not provide such restrictions for non-group plans. HIPAA further states that genetic information in the absence of a diagnosis cannot be considered a pre-existing condition. In the federal government, executive departments and agencies are prohibited by executive order from using protected genetic information as a basis for employment decisions. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has interpreted the Americans with Disabilities act to provide some additional protections from the use of genetic information by employers. Many states have enacted additional protections against genetic discrimination in health insurance or employment or both. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act is currently awaiting final approval in the US Senate, to complete broad protection of genetic information.
Q: Who can gain access to my genetic test results?
A: Genetic test results are strictly confidential. Myriad only releases test results to the doctor who ordered the test. Even when insurance plans pay for testing, the insurer does not receive the results. Under no circumstances will Myriad give patient results to any party other than the ordering health care provider without the written consent of the patient.
» Next section: Myriad Reimbursement Assistance Program (MRAP)
