Genetic Services in the KP Southern California Region: Delivering the Promises of Tomorrow Today

摘要

The impact of advances in molecular biology over the past 25 years—especially the completion of the Human Genome Project—touches every branch of medicine and will continue to have profound influence on medical practice. Advances in genetic technology are changing the traditional patient/doctor paradigm. For some medical conditions, current genetic technology and predictive testing enable us to offer medical management before a patient is diagnosed with a disorder. However, advances in genetic technology impose on all clinicians the added requirement of identifying patients who may benefit from having access to this technology. Kaiser Permanente (KP) provides a unique, integrated approach to this challenge by serving as a model for delivery of genetic services. This article outlines the history and current status of genetic services provided in the KP Southern California Region and summarizes current and future developments in medical genetics technology.