Genetic Testing and Counseling Program-Coverage policy updates

Cigna began their genetic counseling program in 2013 as a medically necessary requirement for customers undergoing specific genetic testing. It requires the counseling to be performed by a participating, independent board-certified genetic counselor or clinical geneticist prior to requesting precertification for the testing. Cigna will update the following four coverage policies to include genetic counseling as a component of medical necessity, effective July 15, 2016:

•          Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer Susceptibility Syndromes
•          Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cardiomyopathies and Arrhythmias
•          Whole Exome and Whole Genome Sequencing
•          Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH)/Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (CMA) for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Delay, Intellectual Disability and Multiple or Unspecified Congenital Anomalies