In 2012 when Dr. Jon Wolff founded Genetic Support Foundation (GSF) he envisioned the newly formed non-profit organization would provide “unbiased, expert and compassionate care for patients.” Not only does this year mark the ten year anniversary of our founding but this week in particular marks the somber two year anniversary of Jon’s passing. These …
Hello Genetic Support Foundation friends, followers and family! Genetic counseling services are not yet recognized for reimbursement by Medicare. As genetic technology expands and holds promise to improve health for all people, Medicare recognition is perhaps the single most important action to be taken that could ensure people have access to independent genetic counseling services. …
Family health history is one of the most important ways to understand the likelihood of future health developments. While gathering this information is recommended, it’s not always easy. Compiling this information allows doctors and other healthcare professionals to see the bigger picture of health patterns that can be related to genetic and hereditary conditions. With …
Does it Run in the Family? How to Gather the Health Info You Need Read More »
Ryan Murtha spent his summer rotation with GSF. A student at Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Health Professions, Murtha says he can’t wait to come back to the Pacific Northwest. Courtesy photo. In the fall of 2019, the prospect of an internship where I’d see patients primarily through Zoom seemed novel, if not a bit …
GSF Intern Reflects on Learning in the Time of Covid Read More »
You’ve just received your very own saliva collection kit- congratulations! Now you’re left with the somewhat daunting task of providing a sample. Set aside etiquette concerns and start thinking about your favorite meal or snack- let’s get those saliva glands into full gear! Step 1: Nothing by mouth for 30 minutes I hope you read …
“How to Spit” A guide on how to provide a saliva sample for genetic testing Read More »
In the world of genetics, we often use the term Knowledge is Power. Gaining that knowledge usually starts with a genetic counseling appointment, then spreads into research, support groups, podcasts, you name it. When it comes to those of us with hereditary cancer risk, we can often be hungry for even more knowledge. One of …
Must-Reads for Women with Hereditary Cancer Risk Read More »
If two months ago someone would have told me where we are today, I would have never believed them. Businesses are shuttered, surgeries canceled and postponed indefinitely, standard-of-care medical treatments being suspended or delayed, people attending important medical appointments and learning life-changing information without the support of a loved one. It is stunning how much …
I’m writing today to ask for your help in showing support for H.R.3235 – the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2019. This Act, if passed, would allow for genetic counselors to be reimbursed for medically necessary genetic counseling services under part B of the Medicare program. The Problem Genetic counselors have advanced training and …
Help Ensure Access to Independent Genetic Counseling Services: Support HR 3235 Read More »
March 3 is Triple Negative Breast Cancer Day, so we want to discuss the important association of a breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA1) and Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Changes (or mutations) in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can predispose to a higher risk for some types of cancer, including breast, ovarian cancer, prostate, and pancreatic …
Hereditary Risks for Triple Negative Breast Cancer Read More »
What is a Genetic Counselor? It’s a question every single genetic counselor has heard many times. While it can be frustrating, it’s also kind of understandable. While genetic counseling has been around since the early 1970s, up until fairly recently, the vast majority of people didn’t have much of a reason to see a genetic …
