Segment 1 - Genetic Testing Today

After introducing panelists, Otis Brawley, MD, chief medical officer, American Cancer Society, David H. Finley, MD, FACS, national medical officer, Enterprise Affordability and Policy, Cigna Healthcare, Joy Larsen-Haidle, MS, genetic counselor, Hubert H. Humphrey Cancer Center, Ellen T. Matloff, MS, research scientist, Department of Genetics, director, Cancer Genetic Counseling, Yale Cancer Center and Rebecca Nagy, president, National Society of Genetic Counselors, moderator, Jan Berger MD, MJ, president & CEO, Health Intelligence Partners, editor-in-chief, The American Journal of Pharmacy Benefits, asked the panel to identify the current unmet needs and challenges in genetic testing.

Dr Brawley, Ms Matloff, and Ms Larsen-Haidle note the recent uptake in genetic testing requests their various organizations have received. Dr Berger asked Dr Finley to comment on Cigna requiring genetic counseling by a certified provider prior to ordering breast and colon genetic testing. “I just hope that Cigna’s program will succeed in steering people towards genetic counseling and better care,” said Dr Finley. He said that Cigna has estimated a 15% uptick in testing requests. When asked if there are enough genetic counselors to meet the demand of these required services, Dr Finley explained that Cigna offers its members telephonic counseling services.

“We (American Cancer Society) have steadfastly advised people to get genetic counseling before getting genetic testing,” said Dr Brawley. Dr Brawley addressed Dr Finley’s statement noting that, “95% of women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have these mutations.”