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Utilization of genetic testing: Analysis of 4,499 prior authorization requests for molecular genetic tests at four US regional health plans

Continuous advances in genetic testing methodologies and an increased understanding of the genetic mechanisms of diseases have fueled genetic testing utilization across health care specialties. To our knowledge, national trends in the ordering of genetic testing have not been studied broadly across clinical indications, testing methodologies, and ordering provider specialties. We performed a retrospective analysis of 4,499 complete prior authorization requests for molecular genetic testing submitted to four regional health plans’ commercial lines of business between May 1, 2019 and May 31, 2019. Ordering providers were characterized by their certification(s) and specialty of practice. Among 4,499 genetic testing requests, 92% were ordered by non‐genetics providers. Obstetrician/gynecology (OBGYN) (63%), oncology (15%), and genetics (8%) providers ordered genetic testing most frequently. Reproductive, hereditary cancer, and tumor testing were the most frequently ordered genetic tests. Seventy‐nine percent of all prior authorization requests were approved. When analyzing complex genetic testing requests, we found that testing ordered by genetics providers was more likely to be approved based on health plan policy than testing ordered by non‐genetics providers. Our results suggest that health care providers across multiple medical specialties may benefit from involvement of genetics specialists in decision‐making regarding molecular tests.