NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) -- Telegenomics technology company Genome Medical has begun providing genetic counseling services for insurer Cigna as of Oct. 1.
Genome Medical employs a team of more than 40 genetics experts and providers who conduct telehealth consultations in the areas of primary care, cancer, cardiovascular conditions, reproductive health, pediatrics, and pharmacogenetics. These experts can evaluate and make care decision for patients, and facilitate peer-to-peer consultations for providers.
"Adding Genome Medical to our genetic counseling program expands access for our customers and contracted care providers to a highly-specialized nationwide practice of credentialed, in-network and certified genetic counselors," Jeffrey Hankoff, Cigna's medical director, said in a statement.
Genome Medical CEO Lisa Alderson lauded Cigna for being innovative in its decision to incorporate the company’s telegenomics services. "Cigna's selection of Genome Medical demonstrates the importance of making genetic expertise and genomic services an integrated part of how patients receive care, and providers deliver it," Alderson said.
Headquartered in South San Francisco, Genome Medical has financial backing from Canaan Partners, GE Ventures, Illumina Ventures, Kaiser Permanente Ventures, and HealthInvest Equity Partners. In January, the firm said it closed a funding round worth $11 million and announced the launch of several programs aimed at helping employer groups offer genetics services and physician-guided genetic testing to their employees. At the time, the company said it had raised $23 million to date.