Preferred Genetic Lab Program

Labs that participate in the Preferred Genetic Laboratory Program offer referring providers and patients the highest quality care at a lower overall cost.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota has partnered with Concert Genetics to implement a Preferred Genetic Laboratory Program effective July 1, 2022. 

Referring providers are encouraged to order genetic testing services from labs in this program whenever possible to ensure members receive the highest quality care at a fair price.  

Labs chosen meet quality and cost criteria

Blue Cross selected genetic testing providers to include in the program after a rigorous review of cost and quality metrics. 

Participating labs offer referring providers and patients the highest quality care at a lower overall cost.

Labs in the program

The program features these independent laboratories:

•    Ambry Genetics
•    Foundation Medicine
•    Invitae
•    LabCorp
•    Mayo Clinic Laboratories  
•    MDxHealth
•    Natera
•    Quest Diagnostics

 

Savings examples

This chart shows the average cost of using labs in the preferred lab program vs. in-network and out-of-network labs for two common types of genetic tests.

Average allowed amount for lab tests*

*Data from commercial claims 2022-2022

 

Preferred lab network
(lowest cost)

In network
(middle cost)
Out of network
(highest cost)
Non-invasive prenatal testing $607 $770 $807
Pan-cancer hereditary cancer panel tests $1,118 $1,579 $3,267

 


Note: There is no change in lab access for Blue Cross members or referring health care providers. Members can receive in-network care from any lab included in their health plan’s network, even if that lab isn’t in the Preferred Genetic Laboratory Program. 

Support for providers

 If you have questions, please contact provider services at (651) 662-5200 or 1-800-262-0820.

 

For members

If your doctor orders a genetic test, please ask them to use one of the labs in the program to ensure high quality at a fair price.

If you have questions, you can contact customer service at the number on the back of your member ID card.