Language
English
Publication Date
1-1-2026
Journal
Genetics in Medicine Open
DOI
10.1016/j.gimo.2026.104392
PMID
42016446
PMCID
PMC13094508
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
3-25-2025
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Abstract
Purpose: The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Medical Directors' Special Interest Group (SIG) began in 2021 as a forum for directors of medical genetics clinical groups to share questions, concerns, current practices, and solutions regarding clinical operations. We report on the first 4 years of the SIG-its membership growth and SIG activities. We also present quantitative and qualitative results of a nationwide survey of 66 SIG members addressing recurrent questions from members regarding: wait times, volume of referrals, clinical workload expectations, and independent practice of genetic counselors (GCs) and advanced practice providers.
Methods: Cross-sectional survey of American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Medical Directors' Special Interest Group members.
Results: We found that clinical full-time equivalents expectations are higher for medical geneticists than advanced practice providers, which were higher than for GCs. In 76% (44/58) of programs, GCs see patients independently, although many require a medical geneticist cosignature for orders, and only 51% (30/59) of programs report that GCs can bill independently. Clinic wait times for routine visits vary by subspecialty; the longest wait times are for general pediatric and adult genetic services (49% [21/43] of visits had wait times > 6 months), whereas wait times > 6 months were reported for only 26% (9/34) of cancer genetic visits, 7% (3/43) of biochemical genetics visits, and 0% (0/26) of prenatal visits. Urgent visit wait times were generally less than 2 weeks.
Conclusion: Wait times for clinical genetics appointments continue to increase compared with surveys from previous years. Medical genetics clinics are comprised of a heterogeneous workforce, and strategies to reduce wait times are similarly diverse.
Keywords
Advanced practice practitioners, Clinical Genetics services, Genetic counselors, Health services, Wait times
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Dulchavsky, Mark; Keegan, Catherine E; Robin, Nathaniel H; et al., "Acmg Medical Directors’ Special Interest Group Survey: Current Challenges for Medical Genetics Clinics" (2026). Faculty, Staff and Students Publications. 7121.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/7121