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. Myriad Genetic Laboratories provides a service for people who want to know if genetic testing for specific cancers is covered by their plans. Call the Myriad Reimbursement Assistance Program (MRAP) at 1-800-469-7423 for more details about the reimbursement process. MRAP can also assist you with determining coverage through your insurance company.
Q: Does Myriad provide any assistance in dealing with insurance coverage or payment?
A: The Myriad Reimbursement Assistance Program (MRAP) can help you preauthorize coverage for genetic testing from your health insurance carrier when this is an option. Preauthorization is written assurance by your carrier that they will pay for the service or a percentage of it.
In addition to preauthorization assistance, MRAP will help you submit claims for genetic tests, file appeals if your claims are denied and verify applicable benefits in your policy or plan. For more information about MRAP, call
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.
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