By Tomi Oyedeji-Olaniyan, 23andMe Medical Communications Associate
Editor’s note: This is the third and final blog in a series about 23andMe+ Total Health™ and how it can aid healthcare providers in providing patient care.
You have access to all of this data—now what? A key advantage of the Total Health membership is integrating all the insights from the service, from genetic testing via exome sequencing to our comprehensive blood testing, into a clinical consultation. Our clinicians who are uniquely trained in genetics-informed care, develop a personalized health action plan for each patient. This tailored approach allows patients to address early risk factors and take proactive steps to improve their health. Complimented with unlimited virtual follow-up messaging, we foster a flexible environment open to evolving patient needs and health goals.
What to expect from a clinical consultation?
Choice lies at the center of 23andMe offerings. While patients can schedule a virtual clinical consultation by phone at any point in their Total Health journey, we encourage them to complete the exome sequencingΔ and blood testing* first. This ensures that these results can be fully integrated and discussed during the consultation. Clinicians will also collect information regarding family history and lifestyle choices, which may impact one’s likelihood of developing certain preventable diseases. This is so our clinicians can provide personalized recommendations that account for these variables.
Patients are also encouraged to share their health goals. If they don’t have specific goals in mind, clinicians are available to help them develop clear and achievable goals.
After the consult, there are often follow up recommendations included in their health action plan. For some patients, that includes further testing or a recommendation to pursue more specialized care. Others might be encouraged to discuss their results with family members who could be at risk for hereditary conditions.
“It is personalized, preventive medicine. As we are seeing, there are so many specific valuable actions (for their and their families’ health) that people decide to take after meeting with us.” says Dr Matthew Walvick, D.O., Head of Medical at Lemonaid Health, when asked about the impact of the consultations.
Why choose our clinicians?
Since 23andMe’s acquisition of Lemonaid Health, we have clinicians licensed in all 50 states, all uniquely trained in genetics-informed care. Our board-certified doctors and nurse practitioners complete 60 hours of rigorous training in genetics-based care, developed by our 23andMe Genomic Health and Sciences team consisting of clinical genetics specialists and educators. This entails a comprehensive education program that includes coursework, medical literature review, discussion sections, and assessments. Currently conducted by Hannah Llorin, MS, CGC (Certified Genetic Counselor) the training covers fundamental genetic principles, clinical applications of genetic testing, and the interpretation of genetic risk factors, enabling them to understand how genetic factors can influence your health and wellness. Clinicians also have ongoing access to a repository of curated evidence-based support tools that are continually updated with evolving literature.
“As genetic counselors, we highly value the ability to find, process, and understand health information and to use that information to make healthcare decisions,” says Anne Greb, MS, CGC, Director of Genomic Health Education at 23andMe. With over three decades of experience, Anne, has dedicated her career to teaching, improving, and developing genetics education curricula for healthcare professionals. “Increasing the number of healthcare providers with genetics training, particularly primary care providers, is critical for increasing access to genetics-informed healthcare, especially in underserved communities.”
Elements of the 23andMe training program are now actively being incorporated into medical school curricula, supplying current medical students with knowledge on how to integrate genetic information to provide personalized and effective care. 23andMe eventually plans to offer this training to the broader healthcare provider community through a certification program that providers can complete to expand their knowledge in genetics-informed care. Learn more about our educational team and resources by reading about our collaboration with the California Northstate University College of Medicine. You can also access our library of educational videos created in collaboration with the learning platform, Osmosis, as open resources. Studies done by 23andMe have shown positive learning outcomes after clinicians have completed the training.
Dr. Walvick emphasized, “The medical team greatly appreciates the collaboration. The unique, specialized training has absolutely prepared them and they’re doing a fantastic job delivering this information in a clear and valuable way. While your consultation will be with a clinician; you’re benefiting from a substantial collective effort.”
What does this mean for my practice?
Many patients after a consultation with our clinicians might choose to pursue follow up testing or care. Our clinicians are also there to provide guidance to patients on how best they can partner with their PCP to utilize the information provided through Total Health. All the information collected through Total Health is accessible for patients to share with their care team. Additionally, Total Health customers are entitled to unlimited virtual messaging with their clinician to help guide them through this process.
As part of this service, Lemonaid Health clinicians provide comprehensive risk assessments and post-visit summaries, which patients can share with their PCP to develop a more tailored patient care plan. Our clinicians complement the work of PCPs, offering personalized and preventive healthcare strategies. Learn more about clinical consults and training and stay tuned for the release of our Total Health sample reports. For more information on how to discuss and interpret 23andMe reports, you can watch our genetic education videos.
*Blood testing services are available to eligible customers over 18 years of age after completion of an intake questionnaire that must be reviewed, approved and ordered by a third-party clinician. Lab services are not available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, PR.
ΔExome Sequencing and blood testing services are available to eligible customers upon completion of the intake questionnaire that must be reviewed, approved and ordered by a third-party clinician. Exome Sequencing is analyzed by a CLIA- and CAP-accredited laboratory. Blood testing is completed by Quest Diagnostics. All telehealth services are provided in accordance with the Telehealth Terms and Consent to Telehealth.