Comprehensive genetic testing is an important decision to make, and you should have answers to all of your questions before you decide if the test is right for you. Please take some time to review our FAQs. If you have a question that we don’t answer here, please feel free to contact us to set up an appointment and we’ll be happy to discuss your concerns.
What is Comprehensive Genetic Testing?
Why do you use an outside partner for Comprehensive Genetic Testing?
Because you use an outside partner for the testing and results processing, should I have any privacy concerns?
Will you share my results with my insurance company?
What are the costs associated with Comprehensive Genetic Testing?
Do I need to be a concierge member to receive a Comprehensive Genetic Test?
Am I eligible for Comprehensive Genetic Testing?
Will insurance cover my Comprehensive Genetic Test?
What is Comprehensive Genetic Testing?
Everyone is born with a different genetic code. It’s what makes you unique. You probably know that your DNA is responsible for the color of your hair, eyes, and skin and that it can even play a role in your personality traits. Until recently though, DNA was still largely a mystery. Now, however, genetics experts can analyze your DNA and identify patterns or “genetic markers“ that act as alerts to certain possible health conditions.
The testing process itself is actually fairly simple. The hard part was for scientists to figure out which 10 million points in the human genetic code to focus on. Scientists found that those points are where genetic differences are likely to occur, often by only one letter. Carefully analyzing your DNA for those markers and comparing them to the database of others with the same markers can indicate an elevated risk (or even a reduced risk) of certain health conditions.
The current testing analyzes your DNA for dozens of genetic risk markers, including:
• Heart Disease
• Breast Cancer
• Colon Cancer
• Heart Attack
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Prostate Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Psoriasis
•
And more
This list will continually expand as research allows for broader identification of markers. It’s critical to understand that your genetic test results are not your destiny. An important part of our testing is that you can do something about every single one of the markers that are flagged. In some instances you might alter your diet or lifestyle to prevent likely conditions. Other times, you might use your genetic information to get early screenings or more frequent screenings for conditions you are likely to develop over your lifetime Dr. Burick will work with you to find what works best for your needs. No matter what, you have a greater hand in your own well being. And that is what genetic testing is all about.
Why does Dr. Burick use an outside partner for Comprehensive Genetic Testing?
As with every service at the Burick Center, each prospect for our genetic testing partnership underwent a rigorous vetting process to ensure their ability to meet or exceed the needs of the Center but, more importantly, the needs of our patients. We chose to use a partner, and specifically
Navigenics, because of their unparalleled expertise in the field, but mostly because we trust them with our patients. Navigenics has the most relevant research, the most qualified counselors, and the most experience in the industry. This imparts a peace of mind you can’t get anywhere else.
Navigenics’ Benefits:
• The only company in the industry to offer board certified genetic counselors to help analyze your results and plan for your future.
• Provides information exclusively on health conditions that you can work to limit or prevent entirely.
• Service, support and resources are second-to-none in the industry.
• Results are private and secure. Only you and your doctor can view your genetic results.
• All testing is performed in government-certified laboratories.
• All genetic markers reported meet stringent criteria developed by Navigenics’ Ph.D. geneticists.
• Navigenics collaborates with institutions like Duke Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, and the Mayo Clinic to provide the most relevant and recent research data.
Because you use an outside partner for the testing and results processing, should I have any privacy concerns?
Because the Burick Center is vigilant about whom it chooses for partnership, all of your information will be kept completely confidential. Only you, Dr. Burick, and your board-certified genetic counselor will have access to your information. Navigenics operates in accordance with current HIPPA regulations and the web portal is entirely secure.
Will you share my results with my insurance company?
The Burick Center prides itself on setting the standard for service and care beyond medicine. We understand that some patients may wish to keep their information out of insurance records for personal reasons. It is important for you to know, however, that the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) prohibits genetic discrimination in the areas of employment and health insurance. So if you decide to allow the insurance company to have your information, the insurer cannot use this information to deny you health coverage or set the price you pay for it. If you still are concerned about your genetic information becoming a part of your insurance record, please let Dr. Burick know, and she will work with you to ensure that your needs are met within all relevant laws and regulations.
Am I eligible for Comprehensive Genetic Testing?
Because our comprehensive genetic tests are non-invasive and many common health conditions don’t make themselves apparent until after age 65, there is no upper-limit to our age requirements (These studies are however specifically targeted for patients ages 18-65, for the purpose of inciting lifestyle modifications and to initiate medical decision making for prevention and wellness). However, patients must be at least 18 years of age to undergo testing. This is because most of the conditions in our report are adult-onset and would not necessarily be relevant until adulthood.
Will insurance cover my Comprehensive Genetic Test?
Typically, insurance will not cover the cost associated with your test. However, if you have a healthcare flexible spending account, you may be reimbursed for the cost of your test. Please check with your insurance company to find out what your plan covers.
