How Do I Get Genetic Testing?
What is Genetic Testing?
Note: This section covers genetic testing for risk. If you are looking for information about tumor testing to guide treatment, visit our section on testing.
Genetic testing for an is a medical test that can help people learn about their risk for cancer. The test looks for changes in your that are linked to increased cancer risk. The test can be performed with blood, saliva or tissue. The sample is collected and sent to a genetic testing lab. Test results are usually available 2-6 weeks later. Not all genetic tests are the same. You can read more about the different types of tests here.
Other names for genetic testing include:
- genetic testing
- genetic testing for risk
- cancer genetic testing
- gene panel testing
- multigene panel testing
How do I get genetic testing?
A good first step is to make an appointment with a genetics expert. Genetic counselors, genetic nurses and geneticists offer appointments in person, by telephone or by video. These specially-trained healthcare providers will help you decide if genetic testing is right for you. If you proceed with testing, they will make sure the right test is ordered and that your insurance covers the cost. After testing, they will explain what the results mean for you and your family and help you determine the next steps to stay healthy. You can find a genetics expert in your area or one who is available by phone or video appointment through the National Society of Genetic Counselors website. You can read more about genetic counseling here.
Most health plans cover the cost of genetic counseling and testing for people who meet the national guidelines for testing. Your genetic counselor can help you learn if your appointment and test are covered and if you will have any out-of-pocket costs.
If do not meet the testing guidelines you can still have testing. The cost may not be covered by your insurance. In some cases financial aid or low-cost testing options may be available.
Why should I get genetic testing?
Genetic test results can help people make medical decisions. For people diagnosed with cancer, the results may affect treatment options. Results can also help people learn about their future risk for cancer and options for lowering their risk or detecting cancer early. Genetic testing can help your relatives understand their risk for cancer and determine whether they should also consider genetic testing.
Find a Genetics Expert
Find a Genetic Counselor
More Information on Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk
Choosing the Right Test
Genetic tests are not all the same. Learn about the different types of tests and the information they provide.
Benefits and Limitations
Genetic testing can provide important health information, but there are limitations you should know about before testing.
Genetic Counseling
Genetics experts can help you understand genetic testing and interpret test results.
Types of Test Results
It's important to understand your test results and what they mean for you and your relatives.
Deciding about Testing
Following these steps can help you decide if genetic testing is right for you.
What to do After Testing
Learn about the next steps after receiving your genetic test results.
Participate in Genetics Research
Below are some of our featured research studies looking at genetic testing. To search for additional studies, visit our Search and Enroll Tool.
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WISDOM Study: Women Informed to Screen Depending on Measures of Risk
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT02620852
Prevention
Study to determine if breast cancer screening can be made better by personalizing each woman’s mammogram schedule
The goal of the Wisdom Study is to determine if breast cancer screening can be made better by personalizing each woman’s mammogram schedule, compared to the current one-size-fits-all, annual approach. The Wisdom Study is designed...
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier:
NCT04995198
Surveys, Registries, Interviews
A screening registry for people diagnosed with prostate cancer
PROMISE is a nationwide registry of prostate cancer patients with inherited mutations; screening approximately 5,000 participants with a prostate cancer diagnosis. The PROMISE team is studying how these mutations affect patient outcomes and hope to...
Surveys, Registries, Interviews
Anyone age 18 or over can participate in this research study
The All of Us Research Program is seeking one million people from across the U.S. to help build one of the most diverse health databases in history. We welcome participants from all backgrounds. People who...
More Resources
Paying For Care
Paying for genetic counseling and testing
Most health plans cover genetic counseling and testing for inherited gene mutations linked to cancer in people who meet the national guidelines. The cost of testing and your out-of-pocket charges may vary based on several factors.
People who are denied coverage for genetic testing can file an appeal (FORCE has sample appeal letters). Your healthcare provider can work with your insurance company and help you file an appeal if needed. Low cost testing may be available for $250 or less. Learn more about coverage for genetic counseling and testing here.
If you need information about finding an insurance plan, watch our video: Choosing Wisely: How to Pick Insurance Plans.
testing under the Affordable Care Act
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance companies must pay for both genetic counseling and testing with no out-of-pocket costs for women who meet certain criteria. The ACA regulations are limited to testing for and only and do not cover genetic counseling or testing in all situations. You can learn more about testing under the ACA here.
Medicare and Medicaid coverage of genetic testing
Genetic counseling and testing is typically covered by Medicare for people already diagnosed with cancer who are in treatment or for whom test results may affect their care. Most state Medicaid programs cover genetic testing for and mutations for people who meet requirements, which vary by state. You can read more about Medicare and Medicaid coverage of genetic testing here.
Financial assistance or low cost genetic testing
The following organizations provide financial support for genetic counseling and/or testing:
- JScreen is a national program based out of Emory University that provides low-cost at-home genetic counseling and testing with financial assistance available.
- Mayberry Memorial's Project Conquer provides financial support for genetic counseling and testing for .
- The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, is providing free genetic testing for individuals who may be at increased risk of ovarian cancer.
Many laboratories offer low-cost genetic testing or financial assistance programs. Programs vary, so if you are not eligible for assistance through one lab, consider contacting other labs to see if you qualify .