Dr. Robert C. Green talks about The BabySeq Project, the world’s first study of genetically sequencing newborns, and how genetic information can influence one’s medical care beginning from birth.
The second piece of a 2-part blog series authored by Dr. Robert C. Green. An early study found no problems related to unnecessary or harmful medical follow-ups after healthy people received their genome sequencing results. To read the first piece, visit: https://medium.com/@genomes2people/genome-sequencing-for-healthy-people-will-it-be-helpful-b984b94e3d3f
Findings in whole-genome sequencing don’t lead to excessive follow-up testing, an early study found.
“Whole genome sequencing is coming of age, but there’s fear that with these advancements will come rocketing health care costs,” said lead author Kurt Christensen, MPH, PhD, an instructor of medicine in the Division of Genetics at BWH. “Our pilot study is the first to provide insights into the cost of integrating whole genome sequencing … Continued
A pilot study found no significant increases in healthcare costs among people who received whole-genome sequencing results along with a family history report.
Consumers should consult their physicians or at least think through the consequences of learning medical information from at-home genetic tests, says Dr. Robert C. Green.
Physicians are becoming more concerned about direct-to-consumer testing providing confidential information to patients about their health.
