Why Medical Professionals Should Be Present When Patients Receive Their Genetic Testing Results?

Medical professionals should be required to be present when patients receive their genetic testing results. Not having a medical professional present when the information is read to the patients is taking an unnecessary risk that could put the patient’s life in danger. Patients should have a medical professional because the professional can quickly and accurately interpret the information, can give a list of possible next steps, and give help save the patient precious time that could save their lives.
Medical professionals should be present when patients read their genetic testing results because doctors are medical linguistics. The long, confusing language of the medical world can confuse the everyday patient. For instance, if an unknowing
For instance, if a patient got a genetic test done, and found that they potentially could suffer from Bipolar Disorder, a doctor could tell what needs to be done on the spot, and not waste time. However, if a patient were to discover they had Bipolar Disorder through a test on their own they are far more likely to put off any kind of treatment. This is because those with Bipolarity often do not recognize the symptoms themselves (Mayo Clinic Staff). The implications of not having a professional could only end up causing more emotional pain to people around the patient, including themselves. The implications of involving a professional could mean someone getting the help they need, but can not recognize. Involving a doctor means saving the patient precious time, a rare commodity in the medical
Every second could count in saving a patients life. This is why patients need to be able to act quickly. If a medical professional is involved in genetic testing, this would mean that the patients save time in many aspects. Opposition to the idea of involving a medical professional or a genetic counselor would say that it is private information, and that doctors should not be required to read someone’s DNA. Though it is very true someone’s DNA should be private and personal, doctors can be, and were trained to be trusted. It goes all the way back to Hippocrates in the 5th century B.C.E. when he created The Hippocratic Oath. It is still used by most physicians today, though they recite an updated version, it swears to keep all patient information private. Along with the legal idea of a Physician-Patient Confidentiality, doctors should be trusted with the genetic testing because they want to help. The doctors want to act and help provide next steps for the patient.
In conclusion, it is an unnecessary risk for the patients not to involve a medical professional or a genetic counselor when using genetic testing. By involving the professionals, patients get instant, trustworthy feedback. Patients also get multiple next steps in treating the disorder and advice from the doctor on what the patient’s best option moving forward would be. Patients also retain precious time to act on their advice from the doctor in how to treat any genetic