Who will be providing my genetic counseling?
The genetic counselors at Genetic Support Foundation (GSF) are experienced and certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. We focus on a collaborative approach to give our patients thorough, thoughtful and fact-based care. Our genetic counselors meet with you in person or via telehealth, meaning that your appointment will conveniently take place via a video conference on a computer, tablet or smartphone.
Can anyone get telehealth genetic counseling with GSF?
Yes – although some states have limited availability at this time.
Will my insurance cover genetic counseling?
Many insurances cover genetic counseling services, including those provided by telehealth, but coverage varies by state and by insurance plan. Insurances may only cover genetic counseling visits for certain indications, may not cover telehealth genetic counseling, or may
not cover genetic counseling services at all. Please check your individual insurance plan. Prior authorization may be required. It is your responsibility to know and understand the benefits and coverage of your insurance plan. If you would like to contact your insurance to find out if they cover genetic counseling services, they may ask for a procedure (or CPT) code for the visit. The code GSF bills for genetic counseling visits is 96040. As a courtesy, GSF will bill your insurance carrier on your behalf, but it is important to understand that you are ultimately responsible for the payment of your bill. You are responsible for any co-pays, co-insurance, deductibles, and all other procedures not covered by your insurance plan. If you are requesting that GSF bill your insurance, your insurance information will be collected when you schedule your appointment. You may also choose to pay for the genetic counseling visit and then submit the claim to your insurance company yourself for reimbursement. Whether GSF is in-network or out-of-network may determine whether insurance will cover the visit. GSF is currently in network with the following insurances:
- Aetna
- First Choice Health
- Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Options, Inc
- Premera
- Regence
- Community Health Plan of Washington
We cannot guarantee coverage by your insurance. Any questions or complaints regarding coverage should be directed to your insurance carrier. Click here to learn more about billing and insurance.
How much does an appointment cost if insurance does not cover it or if I choose to pay out-of-pocket?
A new patient genetic counseling visit is $250, and includes the initial consult as well as a summary note that will be provided to you and any medical providers you designate. Some situations are more complex, and thus may take more time (gathering records, coordinating testing, etc). Any follow-up work from your visit will be billed at $100 per hour, and will only be done with your consent. Follow-up genetic counseling visits are also billed at $100 per visit. If insurance is not being billed, payment for the visit is due at the time of scheduling. If you cancel or reschedule with less than 48 hours notice before your appointment, a $60 cancellation fee will be billed. Cancellations or reschedules prior to 48 hours from the appointment will be refunded in full. Prompt Pay: A 20% discount will be applied if appointment fee is paid in full at time of in-person service, or paid online at time of telehealth booking.
Does GSF have a financial assistance program?
It is both the philosophy and practice of GSF that genetic services, including genetic counseling, should be available to those in need, regardless of their ability to pay. Financial assistance is available secondary to all other financial resources available, including but not limited to insurance, third party liability payors, government programs, and outside agency programs. Eligibility for financial assistance shall be based on financial need at the time of the application, and is granted on a sliding scale based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Supporting income documentation is required with this application to be eligible for this program. Supporting documentation must be in the form of an IRS Form 1040. If an IRS Form 1040 is not available, submit a brief letter explaining your income source and why an IRS Form 1040 is not available. Additional documentation such as W-2 statements, copies of recent paychecks, and/or bank statements showing activity may be included as well. Upon completion of the financial assistance application, the applicant will be notified of a decision in writing within 10 business days. Click here for a copy of the financial assistance application.
What type of appointments are available?
Cancer genetic counseling $250 – 50 minutes
- This consultation is intended for individuals with a personal or family history of cancer (e.g.breast, colon, ovarian, uterine, prostate, etc.), individuals who have a relative who has a confirmed genetic mutation (such as a BRCA gene mutation), or individuals who have had
previous genetic testing and would benefit from expert result interpretation. The appointment generally consists of a review of the three generation family history, interpretation, risk assessment, education, review of testing options, test result interpretation, and recommendations for medical management. *Meets CIGNA, AETNA, United Healthcare and SelectHealth standards
Prenatal genetic counseling $250 – 50 minutes
- Prenatal genetic counseling for patients who are considering genetic screening or testing during pregnancy and follow-up to discuss test results and next steps. The prenatal appointments are also ideal for patients who have already had testing or screening but would like to review their results with a genetic counselor to better understand what they mean for the pregnancy.
Preconception genetic counseling $250 – 50 minutes
- Preconception genetic counseling for patients/couples who are concerned about their chance to have a baby with a genetic condition or birth defect. The appointment consists of a thorough review of the family and medical history and discussion of the overall potential benefits, limitations and drawbacks of genetic testing.
Personal or family history of heart disease or condition $250 – 50 minutes
- Cardiovascular genetic counseling involves providing risk assessment and sometimes genetic testing for heart disease. Since cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, is the leading killer of American men and women, knowing whether you may have an increased genetic risk is very important. Many types of heart disease, including abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), aneurysms, and heart attacks, can have a hereditary component. If you are found to have a genetic risk for heart disease, there are ways to help prevent or treat it before symptoms begin.
Review of genetic test results $250 – 50 minutes
- The results of genetic tests are not always straightforward, which often makes them challenging to interpret and explain. When interpreting test results, health care professionals consider a person’s medical history, family history, and the type of genetic test
that was done. Meeting with a genetic counselor may help you understand some of the limitations of your genetic test results as well as what appropriate next steps may be to help keep you healthy.
Review of genetic test results $250 – 50 minutes
- The results of genetic tests are not always straightforward, which often makes them challenging to interpret and explain. When interpreting test results, health care professionals consider a person’s medical history, family history, and the type of genetic test that was done. Meeting with a genetic counselor may help you understand some of the limitations of your genetic test results as well as what appropriate next steps may be to help keep you healthy.
Is my information secure?
- At Genetic Support Foundation it is vitally important that we protect your privacy and secure all electronic data. We ensure that storage of any health- related information (audio, visual, or paper) follows federal regulations. Should you require special consideration please
contact our office.
