Who qualifies for precision medicine?
Depending on individual medical issues and circumstances, anyone potentially can benefit from certain
screenings, early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment associated with precision medicine.
Is there an age limit?
No. Certain aspects of precision medicine can prove helpful for fetuses and newborns as well as children and
adults of all ages.
Does private insurance or Medicaid cover the cost of precision medicine?
Certain aspects of precision medicine are covered by insurance, including some prenatal and newborn
screenings, genetic and genomic testing, and some targeted therapies for cancer and other diseases. Coverage
varies among insurance providers and depending on the individual case.
If I have to pay out of pocket, what is the cost?
Out-of-pocket costs vary depending on the particular case and on what tests, physician visits, consultations,
and treatments may be recommended, and the cost structure for some precision medicine services is still being
developed. By way of example, the out-of-pocket cost for an Alzheimer’s disease risk assessment is $1,000, and
the cost of sequencing a person’s entire genome is approximately $6,500. These costs are likely to decrease
dramatically over time as technology advances.
Can I have a genetic evaluation without seeking a diagnosis or treatment?
Yes. Many people are interested in what might be learned about their genetic makeup, and testing can be
arranged to evaluate the risk of specific diseases or explore a person’s entire genomic profile.
Can I self-refer?
Self-referred patients will not be turned away, but we prefer that patients be referred by another physician, such
as a primary care doctor, oncologist, or neurologist.
Which doctors or types of doctors would I see?
Depending on specific medical problems and circumstances, individuals may be evaluated, tested, counseled,
and treated by a variety of physicians and other medical professionals within the UAB Medicine system,
including oncologists, neurologists, radiologists, pharmacists, and genetic counselors, among others.
What can I expect during my visit?
Precision medicine services will vary depending on a person’s particular medical problems and circumstances,
but the visit will include a comprehensive review of the condition and symptoms and a thorough analysis of
the individual’s medical history. This may be followed by one or more tests and consultations with various
UAB physicians, specialists, and other medical professionals. Once preliminary assessments are complete, the
experts involved in the case will consider the findings and, if warranted, make a diagnosis or recommend a
prevention or treatment plan.