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*
| 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 healthcare 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.
For members
If your doctor orders a genetic test, ask them to use one of the labs in the program to ensure high quality at a fair price.
Call the customer service number in the back of your member ID card with questions.
Support for providers
If you have questions, contact provider services at (651) 662-5200 or 1-800-262-0820.
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