Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I make contact for further information?

A: www.henryford.com/hfcpd
Laboratory Customer Service at: (313) 916-4DNA (4362)  -OR-  (855) 916-4DNA (4362)
Client services phone hours are: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Our professional staff are available for consultation same day or within 1 business day. Speak directly with a board certified molecular pathologist for:

Ordering advice for test indications and appropriateness
Professional interpretation and advice regarding test results

Q: Where do I find information on how to obtain a specimen?

A: Our website includes information about sample types, collection and transport requirements, and printable test requisitions to accompany samples. We provide wide access to Henry Ford patient service blood draw centers for all patients. Blood may be drawn at a Henry Ford Lab Patient Service Centers conveniently located throughout Southeast Michigan (map, addresses and hours of operation accessible via web).
Blood tube samples drawn in your own clinic may be couriered or mailed to us (see instructions on website).

Laboratory and Pathology Medicine Locations     Laboratory User's Guide

Q: How do I place an order for a test or tests?

A: We offer high tech and low tech options customized to meet your needs. We provide a Laboratory Users Guide accessible via the internet for all orderable testing that clearly defines the order process, consent and/or preauthorization as applicable and specimen requirements.
Place an order in Henry Ford Epic EMR - for clients with access to Henry Ford Epic EMR, place an Epic order and print an Epic requisition to accompany the sample.
Place an order in our Lab Outreach Portal (Atlas), for Henry Ford Medical Lab Outreach clients. Print a requisition from our website-For any client, access test requisitions on our website, and print to accompany the sample

Q: How do I submit specimens for testing?

A: Our Integrated Specimen Receipt Area is prepared to receive any type of specimen 24/7, 365 days/year. Specimen(s) should be sent to:

Henry Ford Hospital
Center for Precision Diagnostics
Core Lab | Clinic Building | K6, Rm. E-655
2799 W. Grand Boulevard
Detroit, Michigan 48202

Our website includes information about sample types, collection and transport requirements, and printable test requisitions. Blood tube samples may be mailed to us (see instructions on website). Processed tissue or bone marrow blocks may be mailed to us (see instructions on website).

Q: Where are specimens received?

A: Samples collected at Henry Ford draw sites will be transported to Henry Ford Hospital. Other samples drawn elsewhere can be dropped off at one of our specimen collection sites,or samples should be delivered to Henry Ford Hospital Core Laboratory- Open 24/7Delivery and Mailing Address:

 

Henry Ford Hospital
Center for Precision Diagnostics
Core Lab | Clinic Building | K6, Rm E-655
2799 West Grand Blvd
Detroit, Michigan 48202

Q: How are results reported?

A: - For physicians with Henry Ford Epic EMR access, results will be reported electronically to the Epic EMR by preferred choice of Epic in-basket or Epic Autofax.

- For clients without access to Henry Ford Epic EMR, standard reporting of results will be to the clinician Fax number provided on the requisition.

- Some clients may elect to be set up for electronic reporting through Henry Ford Medical Laboratories outreach portal. This provides on-line inquiry or printed reporting.

Q: How is the appropriateness of test requests managed?

A: Testing requests that pass insurance medical review/preauthorization will be reviewed by our Molecular Pathologists and Cytogeneticists for appropriateness before initiating testing. Germline (inherited) test requests require appropriate informed consent (applicable tests defined in our online Lab Users Guide) that should be indicated on the test requisition form.

Q: What is Precision Genomics?

A: Precision Genomics is the scientific basis of Precision Medicine enabling your doctor to offer personalized or individualized treatments by analyzing the specific genetic makeup of your DNA in health and disease. Our Center for Precision Diagnostics specializes in analyzing your specific condition at the genetic (DNA and RNA) level to test for abnormalities or mutations in your genes.

Q: What is a genetic variant or mutation?

A: A genetic mutation (also known as a variant) is a change in the DNA as compared to the usual human genome. All people have variants in their genes, and it is part of what makes us unique individuals. Variants can be either benign (harmless), pathogenic (disease-causing) or unknown. Variants that are not clearly benign or pathogenic are called VUS, or Variant of Unknown Significance.

Q: What is a VUS?

A: A VUS is a change in the DNA that has not been seen before, or has not been seen often. Genetic professionals are not sure if the variant is benign or pathogenic because there is not yet enough data on that specific variant. Testing a large number of genes increases the chance that a VUS will be identified.

Q: What is an actionable gene?

A: An actionable gene has specific recommendations for healthcare management for individuals with a pathogenic variant. Not all genes have management guidelines. Changes to your healthcare management may include specific targeted drug therapies, or increased cancer screenings or referral to specialists.

Q: What is the report turnaround time for genomic testing?

A: Once the sample is received in our lab with approved prior authorization from the insurance carrier or other pre-arranged payment options, the average turnaround time for most molecular testing is less than 5 days. Testing multiple genes in a large panel or reflex testing may take longer.

Q: Will the patient’s insurance cover the cost of genetic testing?

A: Yes, most major insurance carriers will cover this testing if medically indicated by your doctor. Many insurance carriers require prior authorization. Please contact your insurance company or work with your clinician. In cases where insurance coverage is denied, you may pay for this testing out of pocket. Please contact our Lab Customer Service for pricing.

Q: How does your facility bill?

A: We will bill the patient’s insurance carrier for medically indicated covered benefits. Payment for testing not covered by insurance is the patient’s responsibility. We will accept a major credit card for payment.
When applicable, please provide personal payment information on the test requisition. For Medicare patients, an Advance Beneficiary Notice defining patient responsibility in event of non-coverage may be printed from this website and shared with the patient in advance of specimen submission.

Q: What if I don’t live near the Henry Ford Center for Precision Diagnostics?

A: We serve any eligible patient regardless of where they live. We work directly with your doctor who must order the test. We currently serve many clinicians, surgeons and oncologists throughout the United States. After the test data is compiled, reviewed and interpreted by our board certified molecular pathologists, a detailed report is sent directly to your ordering physician. The report will indicate any known pathologic variants and treatment options.

Q: Why do I need to be informed and to give medical consent for genetic testing?

A: Informed consent is required for medical procedures that are associated with risk. A positive result can help your medical professional design a custom program to treat your condition with precision, yet may limit access to life and rarely health insurance in the future. Genetic testing may identify changes that are uncertain, neither clearly benign nor clearly pathogenic, or may detect unexpected results outside the scope of testing. Your health care professional will discuss these risks prior to testing. Genetic counseling may be indicated.

Q: What does genetic or hereditary cancer risk mean?

A: Mutations in genes passed from parent to child can drastically increase the risk of disease, including many types of cancer. A positive test does not mean that you have cancer, only that you carry the gene mutation that can increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer. Knowing this can help you and your healthcare team determine steps to lower your risk or even possibly prevent the development of certain cancers.

Q: What NPI should I use for the testing laboratory when entering a insurance prior authorization?

A: See Laboratory NPI for Prior Authorization.