News & Events

University of Illinois Cancer Center Senior Genetic Counselor Vivian Pan, MS, CGC, and cancer genetics Patient Navigator Maya Brouette are among the authors of an article published in the Journal of Genetic Counseling.

The publication, "A Landscape Assessment of Medicaid Recognition for Genetic Counselors," examined Medicaid programs for genetic counselors enrolled as providers. The review of all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five territories revealed significant gaps in coverage that directly impact patient access to genetic counseling services. 

This research underscores a critical barrier to healthcare equity. While genetic counseling is essential for informed medical decision-making, many patients — particularly those in underserved communities — face coverage gaps that limit their access to these vital services.

Key findings include:

• Only 21.6% of state Medicaid programs include genetic counselors as enrolled providers
• Just 49% list the primary genetic counseling CPT code (96040) with reimbursement rates
• A clear disconnect exists between state licensure efforts and Medicaid enrollment policies

Other authors on the publication are affiliated with the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas; Cook County Health in Chicago; and Concert, a healthcare technology company, in Nashville, Tennessee. Brouette is currently enrolled in the genetic counseling program at Emory University in Atlanta.