Geographical analysis of the distribution of certified genetic counselors in the United States

Abstract

The number of certified genetic counselors (CGCs) in the genetic counseling workforce has increased over the past few decades as the number of training programs increases and CGCs expand into new patient‐facing and non‐patient‐facing roles. Few studies have explored the distribution of CGCs across the United States. We sought to identify the U.S. geographical regions with the highest number of CGCs and those regions where the physical presence of CGCs is sparser. Deidentified city, state, and ZIP code information for each CGC in the United States were obtained from the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) database. A countrywide analysis of the distribution of CGCs was completed using geographic information system (GIS) mapping software. The data were organized into U.S. metropolitan or micropolitan statistical areas, if applicable, and analyzed by CGC per capita. We included a total of 4,554 data points (92.2%) in the analysis. Results showed there is one CGC for every 71,842 people nationwide. Of 3,141 total counties (or county equivalents) in the United States, 535 counties had at least one CGC (17.0%). The majority (98.7%) of CGCs live or work within metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), which are defined by this study as geographical areas with greater than 50,000 people. Of the MSAs with a CGC, approximately half have more than one CGC per 100,000 people. These results are consistent with the overall distribution of the U.S. population. We believe that the MSAs with the most CGCs per capita are due to associations with specific institutions, that is, genetic counseling training programs, health system headquarters, or genetic laboratories. Although the present study cannot draw definite conclusions regarding direct patient care services provided by CGCs, it does provide a snapshot of current CGC distribution within the country. Knowing the distribution of CGCs provides a tool to conduct further workforce analyses to determine the number of CGCs needed to serve the U.S. population.

Understanding the experiences and perspectives of prenatal screening among a diverse cohort

“…Maternal-Fetal medicine providers have an overwhelming amount of information to convey at the first obstetrics appointment and often lack the time and genetics expertise to comfortably dispense up-to-date information about prenatal screening. 22,23 Referral to genetic counselors for a more in-depth discussion is available; however, given that there is one certified genetic counselor for every 71,842 people in the United States, 24 there is insufficient availability of these providers to see all pregnant people without risk factors for an in-depth discussion. One solution is a decision aid.…”

Clinical genetic counselor experience in the adoption of telehealth in the United States and Canada during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…Currently, there is one GC for every 71,842 people in the United States, and 98.7% of GCs live or work within metropolitan statistical areas of at least 50,000 people (Triebold et al, 2020). According to the US Census Bureau (United States Census Bureau, 2019), 1 in 5…”

“…Telehealth utilization can lead to patient empowerment and is perceived as useful for many patients with genetic conditions, not just those living far away from medical centers (Tozzi et al., 2014 ). Currently, there is one GC for every 71,842 people in the United States, and 98.7% of GCs live or work within metropolitan statistical areas of at least 50,000 people (Triebold et al., 2020 ). According to the US Census Bureau (United States Census Bureau, 2019 ), 1 in 5 Americans lives in rural areas, and 26% feel they do not have appropriate access to health care, with reasons including the difficulty accessing care due to distance or lack of local provider (Harvard T.H.…”

Adding a genetic counseling assistant improves efficiency of hereditary cancer genetic counseling without impacting patient experience

“…Barriers include long wait times or lack of geographic access to this limited resource (Shaw et al, 2018;Triebold et al, 2021).…”

“…However, many individuals who should receive genetic counseling are never offered this service (Armstrong et al, 2015; Childers et al, 2017; Katz et al, 2018). Barriers include long wait times or lack of geographic access to this limited resource (Shaw et al, 2018; Triebold et al, 2021).…”