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At SequenceMD, we’re passionate about integrating genetics into primary care. Genetic testing and evaluation were once cost-prohibitive and rarely covered by insurance. Today, costs have dropped, and insurance coverage is increasing. At the same time, scientific research and development has vastly enhanced our ability to improve patient outcomes by incorporating genetics into primary care. Below are four areas where genetics can make a real difference for patients across their lifespan. [...]

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death around the world. In the US, 1 of every 4 deaths is attributable to cardiovascular disease, and sudden cardiac arrest is the biggest cause of natural death.  While lifestyle, environment and behavior can influence the development of cardiovascular disease, genetics also plays a role. From birth through adulthood, your genes impact every aspect of how the heart forms and functions. A [...]

Many patients come to our adult genetics practice experiencing complex or unusual neurological signs and symptoms. These patients may have been diagnosed with a neuromuscular condition, neuropathy, neurodegenerative disorders, epilepsy or other disease, but something about it is abnormal. The symptoms may have progressed earlier or faster than expected, be resistant to standard treatment, or have occurred without the typical risk factors. In other cases, the patient has seemingly unrelated [...]

Cancer is a formidable adversary, affecting millions worldwide and causing profound physical, emotional and financial challenges. Understanding the genetic causes and foundations of cancer can empower individuals and families to make informed, proactive healthcare decisions. It can also open doors to personalized treatment options. In this blog post, we delve into how genetic testing and counseling can benefit cancer patients and families with a history of cancer.  Genetic Testing: A [...]

What is Genetic Counseling? Genetic counseling involves helping individuals and families to understand the implications of genetics on their health and family life. Genetic counselors work with patients to learn about their medical and family history (including looking for common red flags) and assess their risk for a genetic condition. From there, the counselor will help the patient decide whether to seek genetic testing. As specialized healthcare professionals, genetic counselors [...]

The Untapped Potential of Genetics in Healthcare The field of genetics has always been concentrated in academia and utilized for research. Even in clinical practice, genetics has largely remained within academic health centers. For years, genetic testing was simply too expensive to be standard for most patients.  Today, new technology has removed economic barriers, unlocking the potential for genetics to have a much larger reach and impact on patients. In [...]