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Genetic Testing Services Under Ms. Gelch Essay

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The records have been reviewed. The member is an adult female with a birth date of 05/12/1964. She has a diagnosis of early stage colon carcinoma. Her treating provider, Stephen Grabelsky, MD recommended the Oncotype DX Colon Cancer Assay.

The carrier has denied coverage of Oncotype DX Colon Cancer Assay as experimental and/or investigational and not medically necessary. There is a letter from the carrier to Genomic Health Inc., dated 06/28/2016 which states:
“When claim number 201512106349125 (Genomic Health Inc.) was initially processed, it was denied as services that are experimental/investigational are not a covered benefit. The Oncotype DX colon cancer assay procedure is a genetic test. Ms. Gelch 's policy specifically excludes coverage for genetic testing. There is no benefit available for genetic testing services under Ms. Gelch 's policy.”

There is a letter from Patrick Jensen at Genomic Health, Inc., dated 08/05/2016, that states:

“Ms. Gelch had the Oncotype DX Colon Cancer Assay performed to assist in determining an appropriate, individualized, post-surgical treatment decision, as recommended and ordered by her physician, Dr. Stephen Grabelsky. HUMANA ONE POS has denied this Oncotype DX claim based on a presumption this test was experimental/investigative.”

Final External Review Decision:

Although the carrier’s decision to deny coverage for the Oncotype DX as experimental and/or investigational was not appropriate, the testing that was performed on

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