Downstream Revenue Generated by Patients With Hereditary Cancer in the Multigene Panel Testing Era

Abstract

PURPOSE Patients with hereditary cancer syndromes face increased medical management recommendations to address their cancer risks. As multigene panels are the standard of testing today, more patients needing clinical intervention are being identified. This study calculates the downstream revenue (DSR) generated by patients ascertained by a genetic counselor (GC) with a hereditary cancer likely pathogenic/pathogenic variant (LPV/PV). METHODS Retrospective chart review was performed for patients seen in a high-volume cancer genetics clinic between October 1, 2009, and December 31, 2021, with LPV/PVs in hereditary cancer predisposition genes. DSR and work relative value units (wRVUs) were calculated for each patient before and after they met with a GC. Subgroup analyses calculated DSR/wRVUs from patients affected and unaffected with cancer and those whose genetic counseling visit was the first at the institution (naїve). RESULTS A total of 978 patients were available for analysis after exclusions were applied. Patients generated $73.06 million (M) in US dollars (USD) in DSR and 54,814 wRVUs after their initial genetic counseling visit. Unaffected patients (n = 370, 37.8%) generated $11.38M (USD) and 13,879 wRVUs; affected patients (n = 608, 62.2%) generated $61.68M (USD) and 40,935 wRVUs. Naïve patients (n = 367, 37.5%) generated $15.39M (USD) and 11,811 wRVUs; established patients (n = 611, 62.5%) generated $57.67M (USD) and 43,003 wRVUs. Unaffected, naïve patients (n = 204, 20.9%) generated $5.48M (USD) and 5,186 wRVUs. CONCLUSION By identifying patients with hereditary cancer, GCs can bring in substantial DSR for their institution. Naïve and unaffected patients provide the greatest GC value-add as these patients represent new business and revenue sources to the institution. As multigene panels continue to expand, the number of patients needing downstream services will increase. Recognizing patients at increased cancer risk will improve patient outcomes while simultaneously providing DSR for institutions.