Differences in genetic testing uptake in a large metropolitan pediatric outpatient genetics clinic over time

Genetic testing is an important diagnostic tool in pediatric genetics that can end a diagnostic odyssey and help a patient receive prompt and appropriate medical care. Historically, prior authorizations and approvals for genetic tests often occurred and were initiated by the clinic directly and testing could only be completed on peripheral blood samples. It often took several weeks to months to obtain prior authorization. This introduced barriers to completing the recommended testing. More recently, commercial genetic testing laboratories work directly with payers to obtain prior authorizations for genetic tests rather than the clinic.