Sonora Quest Laboratories is committed to providing excellent care through diagnostic insights. As part of that commitment we’ve made some useful tools and services available to assist in genetic counseling and insurance reimbursement for the BRCAvantage™ test.
Compared to the general population, patients with a confirmed BRCA mutation have a greatly increased risk of developing cancer by age 70—up to a 65% risk of breast cancer, up to a 39% risk of ovarian cancer, and a 2-6-fold increase in risk of prostate cancer.1
As someone considering genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2, you may have questions about what the test means for you and your family. We’ve put together a helpful guide that should answer some of those questions. You may download it here.
What is Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome?
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Syndrome is caused by genetic mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Individuals who carry these mutations are at a higher risk for developing certain types of cancer, like breast or ovarian cancer. Having a mutation does not mean you have cancer, only that you are at a higher risk for developing cancer. Knowing if you have a mutation allows you and your healthcare provider to take proactive steps to reduce your chances of developing cancer. For individuals who already have cancer, knowing your BRCA1 or BRCA2 status will allow your health care providers to make more informed treatment decisions.
- Are you at risk? Should you be tested? Take this quiz to find out
Genetic Counseling
Genetic Counseling is an important part of BRCA testing. Many patients already have access to genetic counseling services through their primary healthcare provider. For those who don’t, Sonora Quest Laboratories will link individuals considering genetic testing to a genetic counselor. Counselors will advise on benefits, limitations, risks and options associated with testing, and they will help explain what the results mean for the patient and the patient’s family. For information on how to be connected to a genetic counselor, please call 1-866-GENE-INFO (436-3463). Alternatively, if you’d like to search your area for a genetic counselor, we recommend checking the National Society of Genetic Counselors’ website.
Access to Pre-Authorization Concierge Service
Sonora Quest Laboratories requires completion of insurance pre-authorization prior to BRCA testing. Because many insurance plans have established specific criteria in order to cover and reimburse the cost of BRCA testing, we offer a pre-authorization concierge service to assist you through the pre-authorization process. We will work with health plans on your behalf to determine if the test will be covered, and when necessary, provide an estimated out-of-pocket cost to help you make an informed decision on ordering or moving forward with testing. For information on preauthorization services, please call 1-866-GENE-INFO (436-3463).
References
1. Cancer.Net. American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Cancer.Net Editorial Board, Feb 2010. Available from: http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/hereditary-breast-and-ovarian-cancer. Accessed August 6, 2013.