Differential use of available genetic tests among primary care physicians in the United States: results of a national survey.
OBJECTIVE
This study assesses primary care physicians' experience ordering and referring patients for genetic testing, and whether minority-serving physicians are less likely than those serving fewer minorities to offer such services.


METHODS
Survey of a random sample of 2000 primary care physicians in the United States (n = 1120, 62.3% response rate based on eligible respondents) conducted in 2002 to assess what proportion have (1) ever ordered a genetic test in general or for select conditions; (2) ever referred a patient for genetic testing to a genetics center or counselor, a specialist, a clinical research trial, or to any site of care.


RESULTS
Nationally, 60% of primary care physicians have ordered a genetic test and 74% have referred a patient for genetic testing. Approximately 62% of physicians have referred a patient for genetic testing to a genetics center/counselor or to a specialist, and 17% to a clinical trial. Minority-serving physicians were significantly less likely to have ever ordered a genetic test for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, or Huntington disease, or to have ever referred a patient for genetic testing relative to those serving fewer minorities.


CONCLUSIONS
Reduced utilization of genetic tests/referrals among minority-serving physicians emphasizes the importance of tracking the diffusion of genomic medicine and assessing the potential impact on health disparities.
Shields
Alexandra E
AE
Harvard/MGH Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations, and Health Disparities, Massachusetts General Hospital/Partners HealthCare, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. ashields@partners.org
Burke
Wylie
W
Levy
Douglas E
DE
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000639:trends; D008913:Minority Groups; D010821:Physicians, Family; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000639:trends*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D014481:United States