Frequently Asked Questions

PATIENT

  • How can I get tested?
    • If you are interested in getting the GeneAware test, bring this form with you to your next doctor’s appointment. It will give your doctor the information he or she will need to order the test for you.
  • What type of GeneAware test should I order?
    • Please consult your physician to determine which GeneAware test is right for you. He or she will advise which panel to order based on several factors, including your ethnicity and family history.
  • My partner would like to be tested, but isn’t able to join me at the doctor’s office. How can we both be tested?
    • It is perfectly fine for you and your partner to send in samples at different times. If your partner's sample must be drawn at a later date, your physician may enter an order for him/her and send home a collection kit with you. Your results can still be merged to provide a combined reproductive risk even if samples are submitted separately.
  • How long will I have to wait for my results?
    • Results will be available within two weeks.
  • Can the reports go directly to me, or does my doctor have to receive my results?
    • Once testing is complete, the report will be sent directly to your physician.
  • What if I have questions about my results?
    • Your doctor will discuss your results with you and should be able to answer any questions you may have. If, after talking to your doctor, you still have questions about your report, you can set up a one-time phone consultation with one of our certified genetic counselors by clicking here.
  • What is a residual risk?
    • The GeneAware test covers only the most common disease-causing pathogenic variants in the genes studied. It is possible for you to have an uncommon or unique pathogenic variant that can also lead to a disease. Therefore, there is some chance that you could have an affected child, although that risk is greatly reduced if your GeneAware test is negative. This smaller, post-test risk is referred to as residual risk. Your residual risk for various conditions will be included in your results. This number is customized based on your ethnicity.
  • Does GeneAware test for Down Syndrome?
    • No, GeneAware will not test for or provide information on your risk of having a child with Down Syndrome.
  • I have a family history of a particular genetic disorder. Should I get the GeneAware test?
    • Please discuss your family history with your physician or genetic counselor to determine if GeneAware is an appropriate test for you. In some cases the recommendation may be to order the GeneAware test plus another targeted test.

PROVIDER

  • How do I order GeneAware testing?
    • To order GeneAware testing, sign up for an account with our online portal (if you already have a GeneResults account, you can log in with your username and password). Once in the portal, you will be able to fill out an order form for your patient online. After the requisition is complete you can send in your patient’s sample for testing.
  • How do I order a kit?
    • Providers can order a kit through the provider section of our online portal. Kits may be ordered individually or in bulk. We will ship the kit(s) directly to your office. Each kit comes with everything needed to collect a sample and ship it back to our lab. If, for whatever reason, you need a kit shipped directly to a patient, please contact our Client Services team at 1-800-411-GENE (4363).
  • Does GeneAware testing require blood or is saliva sufficient?
    • The lab prefers blood samples but we can accept saliva if a blood draw is not possible.
  • What type of GeneAware test should I order?
    • GeneAware Complete offers the best coverage, however alternate panels are available. If you are not sure which to order for a patient, you are welcome to discuss the panels with one of our certified genetic counselors. Please call 1-800-411-GENE (4363) to reach a counselor.
  • What are the differences among the four GeneAware panels?
    • The basic panel includes the most commonly requested diseases for carrier testing: cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, thalassemias and sickle cell disease. The Ashkenazi Jewish panel includes over 35 disorders common in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. The ACMG and ACOG panel includes disorders recommended for testing by these professional societies. The Complete panel includes all content found in the other three panels, totaling over 150 genes, for the most comprehensive detection of pathogenic variants known to cause genetic disease in these genes. Females are tested for X-linked Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies and Fragile-X syndrome in all four panel options.
  • Can I change an order once it has been submitted through the online portal?
    • Once the sample has been logged in to our system, you will need to contact Client Services at 1-800-411-GENE (4363) to make any changes to your order.
      *PLEASE NOTE*: If you wish to cancel a test for a patient, the cancellation notice must be received by 5pm on the next business day after the sample is received.
  • Can this test be expedited?
    • You may request that a test be expedited but it cannot be guaranteed. Please call Client Services at 1-800-411-GENE (4363) to submit your request.
  • Does GeneAware test for Down Syndrome?
    • No, GeneAware does not test for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome. This test assesses carrier status of adult patients only.
  • What if I have questions about my patient’s results?
    • If you have questions regarding your patient’s results, our team of certified genetic counselors is available Monday – Friday to help you with interpretation and recommended additional testing. To reach our genetic counselors, please call 1-800-411-GENE (4363).
  • What is a residual risk?
    • The GeneAware test covers only the most common disease-causing pathogenic variants in the genes studied. It is possible for your patient to have an uncommon or novel pathogenic variant that can also lead to a disease. Therefore, there is some chance that your patient could have an affected child, although that risk is greatly reduced if their GeneAware test is negative. This smaller, post-test risk is referred to as residual risk.
  • My patient has a family history of a particular genetic disorder. Should they get the GeneAware test?
    • For patients with a family history of a genetic disorder please call the laboratory to discuss testing options with one of our certified genetic counselors. Based on the family history and prior testing completed in the family, the genetic counselor will help determine if GeneAware or another test is the most appropriate. In some cases the recommendation may be to test with both GeneAware and another targeted methodology.

BILLING

  • Will my insurance cover the GeneAware test?
    • To find out if your insurance will cover the GeneAware test, please call our Billing Department at 713-798-3566.
  • What payment options are available other than insurance?
    • Baylor Genetics can bill institutions or patients may pay by check, credit card, money order, or wire transfer if insurance will not cover the cost of GeneAware.
  • How much will my estimated out of pocket cost be?
    • Upon request, our Billing Department can contact the patient’s insurance to determine your estimated out-of-pocket cost.
  • When will I be billed?
    • Your insurance plan will be billed soon after receiving your sample. After insurance processes the claim, an explanation of benefits is provided to the billing office. You should receive a bill soon thereafter. Your insurance company may take a few months to process the claim.
  • I have a question about my bill, who can I contact?
    • You can either call our Billing Department at 713-798-3566 or send an email to [email protected]. If you send an email, we will respond via our secure messaging system (you will need to create a login to open the email). The Billing Department’s fax number is 713-798-4187 if you need to fax a request.
  • Can I be put on a payment plan?
    • Payment plans are an option for patients who are paying for GeneAware themselves. Please call our Billing Department to learn more.

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