Gene Therapy, Genetics and Genomics

Primary Listings

Blue Distinction Centers: Cardiac, Cancer, Hip, Knee, Fertility, Maternity, Back, Spine, Bariatric Surgery, Organ Transplants, Gene Therapy, Substance Abuse

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies have designated national Blue Distinction Centers meeting their standards and selection criteria for bariatric weight loss surgery, cancer care, cardiac (heart) care, fertility care, organ transplants (e.g. adult and pediatric bone marrow/stem cell, heart, kidney, liver); lung(adult only) transplants, total knee and hip replacement, maternity care, back spine surgery, Substance Use Treatment and Recovery (new in 2020), cellular immunotherapy, and gene therapy for ocular disorders (inherited blindness). Quality criteria can be found from the home page. In addition to Blue Distinction Centers, the Blue Distinction+ (Plus) designates high quality centers considered to have “more affordable care”. (No further information is available on prices.) Interactive database; updated 2022.

Family History Tools (CDC)

Family History Tools from the CDC and US Surgeon General’s office help consumers create a family health history. The “My Family Health Portrait” is provided through the CDC.  This internet-based tool makes it easy for you to record your family health history. The tool is easy to to fill out and takes about 15 to 20 minutes. It assembles your information and makes a “pedigree” family tree that you can download. The website states it is private–it does not keep your information. It gives consumers a health history that you can share with family members or send to your health care provider. Updated.

Genes and Gene Therapy (MedlinePlus)

MedlinePlus website for genes provides definition of Gene Therapy, Genetic basics, FAQs, Genomics and personalized medicine plan, epigenomics, pharmacogenomics, proteomics. Read: What Is A Gene? (written for kids, from Nemours Foundation, kidshealth.org) See article on genetic ancestry testing for those interested in family history and genealogy. Genetic factors reportedly play a role in nine of the ten leading causes of death in the United States. Learn about the Human Genome Project and more

Genetics Clinics: Find a Genetic Service (US)

Find a genetic clinic or genetic service in the US. American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) lists genetics clinics in the United States.  Basic information provided. The ACMG is an interdisciplinary professional membership organization that represents the interests of medical genetics professionals including clinical geneticists, clinical laboratory geneticists, and genetic counselors.

genome.gov | Genetics FAQ

Genetics FAQ (frequently asked questions) from genome.gov. Information from the National Human Genome Research Institute. A series of FAQs covers genetic disorders, undiagnosed conditions in children and adults, genetic testing, genetic counseling, neglected diseases, pharmacogenomics, rare diseases. Start with Health FAQ, and dig deeper.

Genomics – CDC Office of Public Health Genomics & Precision Health

Learn about genomics and precision health from CDC. Find out the definition of Genomics, and find resources on subjects such as genetic testing and newborn screening, family history for cancer, and prenatal testing. Genetics: the study of inheritance. Genomics: the study of people’s genes and how they interact with each other and with the environment. CDC Office of Public Health Genomics explains how Clinical genetic tests are different from direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic tests. Precision Health includes precision medicine plus using personal mobile devices to support healthy living. See “Hot Topics of the Day” if you want to read the latest. Updated 2023.

Mountain States Genetics Network

Mountain States Genetics Network provides resources for the diagnosis and management of genetic disorders, including an online directory of genetic support groups. Focus is on services in eight states: AZ, CO, MT, NM, NV, TX, UT and WY

Other Helpful Listings

New York – Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program (CLEP) – Approved Labs for all types of testing

Find approved laboratories in New York and other states, under the Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program (CLEP). Labs approved for certain specialty testing are listed by category of testing. Examples include Andrology (fertility assessment e.g. sperm count), Blood transfusion testing, Blood plasma processing, Cellular Immunology, Endocrinology (e.g. thyroid function tests, TSH), Virology, Genetic testing, Toxicology labs, Trace Element labs, Transplant monitoring, labs for oncology tumor markers; many more. More than 650 labs overall in New York. Other states may also have approved labs listed here. For example in May 2022, there were 7 approved labs listed in Minnesota, 10 in Illinois, 77 in California (including 23andMe), 11 in Florida, 33 in Pennsylvania and 34 in Texas.