Genetic services in the United States.

Abstract

Advances in medical genetics, including mapping of human genome, improved therapy for genetic disorders, and new screening tests for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis, have created a growing demand for clinical genetic services in the United States. Such services (diagnosis, management, and genetic counseling) received support from state, federal, and private sources and were mostly based in academic medical centers. Gradually, such programs evolved into regional or state-wide activities with an emphasis on outreach clinics. Now, an increasing number of for-profit corporations have entered into this field. Clinical genetic teams usually include clinical geneticists and other professionals with expertise in the diagnosis and management of genetic conditions and skills in information presentation and family support. The American Board of Medical Genetics, the newest member of the American Board of Medical Specialties, provides certification for five categories of genetics professionals and sets standards for training programs. Based on personal experiences from the states of Alabama and Ohio and data from the Council of Regional Networks for Genetic Services, we show and compare trends of newborn screening programs and regional genetic services. The effects of economic and social trends as they impinge on genetic services are monitored via several databases in our center.