Pursuing a genetic diagnosis for patients experiencing seizures and developmental delay can feel like hitting a brick wall. AmbitCare’s free, easy-to-use genetic services remove the obstacles to expand access.
When it comes to genetic testing, balancing cost against anticipated benefit can get complicated. On one hand, a diagnostic finding of a genetic condition could positively impact management and prognosis.1 On the other hand, all the insurance hurdles might be cleared, only to have the patient refuse the out-of-pocket cost. Or the results come back with variants of unknown significance that need to be addressed.
AmbitCare’s free, accessible genetic services remove obstacles, so that physicians can feel comfortable initiating genetic testing for a broad spectrum of patients who may have an underlying rare condition — without worrying about creating more work for themselves or cost and confusion for their patients.
Although the workforce of genetic counselors and medical geneticists is growing, so is demand. Access to genetic services is limited and highly variable by geography,2 often leading to wait times of up to six months for appointments. AmbitCare’s board-certified genetic specialists have immediate availability.
AmbitCare’s sponsored services eliminate the need for insurance approvals. All AmbitCare patients receive an Ambassador who acts as a point of contact for families and ensures that the process is seamless for both patients and providers, reducing the burden on overworked staff.
Over 50% of epilepsy panels come back with variants of unknown significance.3,4 AmbitCare spends as much time with families as needed to help them understand the implications. Additionally, if further testing is warranted, AmbitCare will often cover the cost.
Haviland, I., Daniels, C., Greene, C., et al. Genetic Diagnosis in Pediatric Epilepsy Impacts Medical Management AES 2021; Abstract 2.319.
Government Accountability Office. (2020). Genetic Services: Information on Genetic Counselor and Medical Geneticist Workforces. (GAO Publication No. 20-593). Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office.
Leduc-Pessah H, White-Brown A, Hartley T, Pohl D, Dyment DA. The Benefit of Multigene Panel Testing for the Diagnosis and Management of the Genetic Epilepsies. Genes (Basel). 2022 May 13;13(5):872. doi:10.3390/genes13050872. PMID: 35627257; PMCID: PMC9141259.
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Disclaimer
Please note that AmbitCare provides this information for the benefit of the rare disease community. AmbitCare is not a medical provider nor a health care facility. AmbitCare can neither diagnose any disease or disorder nor endorse or recommend any specific medical treatments. Individuals must rely on the personal and individualized medical advice of their qualified health care professionals before seeking any information related to their particular diagnosis, cure, or treatment of a condition or disorder.