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NSGC urges Congress to recognize genetic counselors

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Patients with Medicare and Medicaid coverage are unable to receive genetic counseling through telehealth, and The National Society of Genetic Counselors is urging Congress to act.

The state of emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is causing genetic counseling clinics to close down and convert to telehealth practices. At the same time, Genetic counselors are not recognized by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the society said.

NSGC asks that CMS waive the “incident to” requirement for genetic counselors, and allow certified genetic counselors to provide remote services by phone to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

NSGC is urging Congress to recognize genetic counselors under the Social Security Act, by enacting H.R. 3235. NSGC is requesting a Section 1135 waiver to ensure there isn’t a disruption of these genetic services.

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