Physicians should remind patients that, regardless of whether they chose to undergo testing, they always have the opportunity to reassess and restructure their lives. Issues in Communication B efore undergoing testing, the patient should be counseled about the likelihood and implications of a positive result and what they can expect about quality of life in the event of disease. A discussion of available resources and support services is also essential. The social repercussions of testing also warrant careful evaluation. For example, patients' insurance coverage may be jeopardized by genetic testing.
Employment discrimination is another concern.
While there are few data on the extent of these risks to patients, these possibilities have held considerable influence in decision making. In light of these possibilities, confidentiality must also be addressed. This process of educating patients has many subtleties. The language of risk itself poses challenges. The term predisposition is extraordinarily slippery.