When it comes to proving the benefit and value of genetic counselors, published data is central to discussions with institution administrators, health insurance companies, or legislators. Data proving the benefits of supporting genetic counselors, showing the value of hiring genetic counselors, and demonstrating the cost savings genetic counselors provide are necessary. Yet finding and compiling this data can be a time-intensive endeavor. The NSGC Access and Service Delivery Committee has long maintained a database of literature that highlights the many ways in which genetic counselors add value to the healthcare system. The bibliography houses nearly 600 citations and has recently been made available to the NSGC membership via the NSGC Bibliography search tool.
While this bibliography is an invaluable resource to search for specific topics, the sheer number of articles associated with each curated topic makes it a challenge to quickly identify the most relevant and impactful resources. For this reason, the Payer Subcommittee has focused on reviewing every article to determine if it can be used in support of one of five key areas:
- Arguing the Business Case: Economic Value of Genetic Counselors
- Improving Patient Care: Clinical Value of Genetic Counselors
- Increasing Access to Genetic Services and Growing the Genetic Counseling Workforce
- Preventing Harm: Gaps in Patient and Non-Genetics Provider’s Knowledge of Genetics
- Promoting Efficiency and Quality of Genetic Service Delivery
The most influential articles are being compared and collated into compendia, which will be available for both national and local efforts. On a national level, NSGC leadership will have easy access to data-driven support for advancing recognition for our profession. This same information will be available to help members working on local efforts to increase support and/or recognition of genetic counselors. We are proud to announce that the first compendium, Arguing the Business Case: Economic Value of Genetic Counselors, was completed last year. This compendium focuses on the financial benefits of utilizing genetic counselors.
The remaining compendia will be similarly structured, highlighting the top 10-15 articles associated with each key area. During the review process, we are paying close attention to ensure the articles focus on genetic counselors specifically. We are on track for completion of the remaining four topics by the end of 2020, and each compendium will be available for general membership use upon completion. If you come across articles that are not currently included in the bibliography but you feel will assist in supporting these initiatives, please share them by utilizing the bibliography submission form.
Shanna Gustafson, MPH, MS, LGC is the Senior Client Executive at Informed DNA in charge of key insurance payer relationships. She is also the Co-Chair of the NSGC Payer Subcommittee.
Katherine Dunn, MS, CGC is a Laboratory Genetic Counselor with Intermountain Healthcare and is focused on genetic lab stewardship across the hospital system. She is also the Co-Chair of the NSGC Payer Subcommittee.