Baylor College of Medicine and Department Summary:

Texas Children's Hospital and its Department of Pathology and Division of Genomic Medicine services aim to ensure that the most appropriate, cost-effective testing is ordered for all patients.

The primary responsibility of the Genetic Counselor will be to evaluate genetic and genomic test orders working in close collaboration with pathologists, clinicians and genetic counselors in other institutional departments. This evaluation will involve performing patient chart reviews, assessing the clinical necessity of the test, consulting with other genetics providers or genetic counseling services, reviewing prior authorization, selecting the most appropriate test and testing laboratory for the patient, and conveying this information to the clinicians.

Additional responsibilities will include assisting the Department with the development of protocols to improve the genetic testing ordering process and appropriate use of genetic testing across the hospital system.   In addition, the genetic counselor will have the opportunity to see patients in a clinical outpatient setting, take part in research projects, and be involved with the BCM Genetic Counseling Program.

A genetic counselor in this position will work to ensure optimal genomic test utilization across the Texas Children's Hospital system, working in close collaboration with pathologists, physician providers, staff and payers involved in genetic and genomic testing. Baylor College of Medicine has one of the largest groups of genetic counselors in the country with 50 genetic counselors in various multi-disciplinary and specialty genetics clinics and is continuing to grow. The genetic counselor in this position will have the opportunity to see patients in a clinical outpatient setting, take part in research, and participate in the BCM Genetic Counseling program.

Job Duties

• Review genetic testing orders for appropriateness and optimal test selection
• Serve as a liaison between TCH pathology, TCH providers, and third-party laboratories.
• Collaborate with TCH providers, departments, and key stakeholders
• Design protocols that improve the use of genetic testing across the hospital campuses.
• Gather statistics on utilization management of genetic tests, clinical outcomes, and cost reimbursement.
• Optional clinical responsibilities in outpatient clinics.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Genetic Counseling and be a Board Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC) by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) or be board certification eligible.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts and test information to clinicians.
• Ability to work with clinicians from different specialties including trainees with minimal knowledge of genetics, pathologists and laboratory staff.
• Some knowledge of payor policies is desirable.
• Preferred Qualifications: Some clinical genetic counseling experience