DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

Two years of treatment—two years of strength, courage, and blazing a trail for other nano-rare patients!    In this special episode drop, we’re revisiting the inspiring journey of Susannah, whose story was the first ever shared on the Patient Empowerment Program podcast. Now, two years later, Susannah’s father, Luke Rosen, and her physician, Dr. Jennifer Bain, join us to share her remarkable progress since beginning regular treatments. They highlight incredible improvements in Susannah’s motor skills, cognition, energy, and overall quality of life.   This episode originally aired on the Patient Empowerment Program podcast, where our host, Kira Dineen, serves as a producer. You might even recognize her voice in some of the promos and ads for the show!   For long-time listeners of DNA Today, you might recall that we shared the pilot episode of the Patient Empowerment Program podcast featuring Susannah’s story back in Episode 186. Now, we’re thrilled to bring you this heartwarming update to see how far Susannah has come and to celebrate her incredible resilience.   Be sure to check out more episodes of the Patient Empowerment Program podcast, which focuses on empowering nano-rare patients and their families. Search for the podcast in your favorite podcast app or visit its listing on n-Lorem’s website.   Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday.    While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.”   Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel!    DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.    See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected]. 

On Episode 310, we explored the powerful work of Father Founded, an organization dedicated to reuniting Amerasian families separated by war. We shared the heartwarming story of Scott McMullen, a retired firefighter and veteran, who discovered his long-lost daughter through the group's efforts. With how popular this episode was, we wanted to share another story from Father Founded. So we are going to hear from John Haines about his family’s story and volunteer Angela Simmons-Jones’s role.  John’s journey began in 2012 when he received a life-changing message from a woman claiming to be his daughter, sparking his mission to reconnect families and advocate for Amerasians in the Philippines. Angela, a U.S. Air Force veteran and genealogist, has been volunteering with Father Founded since 2020, using her skills to help families reunite through DNA and genealogy. Angela Simmons-Jones was born and raised in Illinois and after retiring from the United States Air Force, she settled in Georgia. She works for a public library system and has been volunteering her graphic design, genealogy and organization skills for Father Founded since 2020.  Angela has been working on her own family tree since 2012 and has taken Advanced Genetic Genealogy for Librarians with the American Library Association.  Angela has a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management with an emphasis on Logistics from Ashford University.  She is married to another USAF retiree, has a teenage son, too many pets, and raises monarchs.  Together, they’ll share John’s personal story, the challenges Amerasians face, and how their work is making a difference for families around the world. Takeaways: John Haines was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma, which changed his perspective on life. He received a message on Facebook from a woman claiming to be his daughter, leading to a DNA test. The Amerasian Homecoming Act allowed some children to reunite with their American fathers, but many were left out. There are an estimated 50,000 Amerasian children in the Philippines who are seeking connection with their American fathers. Legislative advocacy is crucial for including the Philippines in the Amerasian Homecoming Act. Father Founded provides DNA kits to help families connect and navigate legal hurdles. Many veterans are unaware of their biological children due to the complexities of relationships during wartime. The process of reuniting families often involves significant legal challenges and emotional struggles. John emphasizes the importance of love and connection in pursuing family reunification. Advocacy efforts continue to push for legislative changes to support Amerasian families. You can learn more about Father Founded here including donating to their amazing cause. This is the closed Facebook group that Father Founded uses to connect people.    Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today next Friday! New episodes are released every Friday. In the meantime, you can binge over 320 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. Episodes since 2021 are also recorded with video which you can watch on our YouTube channel, this includes some episodes recorded at NBC Universal Stamford Studios.    DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our social media lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.    See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected]. 

“DNA Today” isn’t the only podcast that Kira Dineen produces. She also is involved on the production of other genetics shows like the Journal of Genetic Counseling’s new podcast “DNA Dialogues”, n-Lorem’s “Patient Empowerment Program”, Know Rare’s “Rare Insights”, The PhenoTips’ Speaker Series, and relevant to this episode, she is the Executive Producer of “It Happened To Me” explores rare diseases and medical challenges.  One of the other shows is called “It Happened To Me” which explores rare diseases and medical challenges. This week the show released its 50th episode and wrapped its second year of episodes; to celebrate we are releasing this special interview on DNA Today’s feed!  This milestone episode of “It Happened To Me” features Dr. Robert Bucelli who explores neuromuscular neurology including the role of genetics in diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders.  Over the last two years and 50 episodes, “It Happened To Me” co-hosts Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman draw on their own health challenges as they interview patient advocates and experts who share stories and knowledge to help listeners succeed in the face of difficult health obstacles. In this episode, Dr. Bucelli shares his wealth of knowledge on neuromuscular neurology, exploring topics such as: What neuromuscular neurology entails and who is affected. The role of genetics in diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders. Common symptoms, risk factors, and diagnostic approaches. How therapies like physical and occupational therapy play a role in management. Lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, to minimize risk. The latest advancements in research and treatment, including ASO therapy. Strategies for coping with the challenges of living with neuromuscular conditions. Dr. Bucelli has been a practicing neurologist at the ALS Clinic since 2011. He is an Associate Professor of Neurology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis where he serves as the Site Principal Investigator on several clinical studies relating to ALS. After graduating summa cum laude from Canisius College in Buffalo, New York with a degree in biology, Dr. Bucelli went on to receive his medical degree and PhD from the State University of New York at Buffalo as part of the Medical Scientist Training Program. He then completed an internship in internal medicine and postgraduate residency in neurology at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the Washington University School of Medicine, followed by a postgraduate Clinical Fellowship Training Program in the Department of Neurology’s Neuromuscular Section, also at Barnes-Jewish and Washington University. He is also a graduate of the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital Academic Medical Leadership Program for Physicians and Scientists. Dr. Bucelli is expert in diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He also reads and interprets muscle and nerve biopsies to aid in the diagnostic evaluations of patients seen at Washington University and many additional outside institutions. Dr. Bucelli’s clinical expertise guides exemplary multidisciplinary ALS care in the neuromuscular clinic. His skill in delivering drugs to the fluid surrounding the spinal cord has enabled Dr. Bucelli’s and Washington University’s leadership in trials using to turn off the production of harmful genes that cause ALS. Dr. Bucelli has received numerous awards for excellence in teaching and clinical work at Washington University. He is a five-time recipient of the Eliasson Award for Teaching Excellence and has authored over 40 peer-reviewed manuscripts. He is a frequently invited guest lecturer and presenter at regional and national conferences. Loved this episode? Make sure you follow this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on their website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”. The next new episode will drop on January 6th, 2025, but don’t wait, you can listen to 50 other episodes in the meantime.  “It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected].  Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on December 27th! New episodes are released every Friday. In the meantime, you can binge over 320 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. Episodes since 2021 are also recorded with video which you can watch on our YouTube channel, this includes some episodes recorded at NBC Universal Stamford Studios.  DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our social media lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.  See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected]. 

With 2025 right around the corner, we are discussing the brand new CPT Code 96041 that will be effective January 1st, 2025. This is a game-changer for the genetic counseling profession, and we have two experts to break it down for us. Dr. Colleen Campbell is in the last weeks of her NSGC presidency. She also serves as the Director of Genetic Counseling Operations for University of Iowa Health Care. We’re also joined by Brian Reys, a cancer genetic counselor and manager at UT Southwestern’s Cancer Genetics Program. He also serves as a CPT Coding Advisor to NSGC. Colleen and Brian will explain how this new code affects billing and what genetic counselors need to know for 2025! On This Episode We Discuss: Key Differences: Explained the shift from "face-to-face" to "total time" billing between codes. Why the Change? Discussed the reasons behind the update and its necessity for the field. Total Time Billing: Detailed how this impacts documentation and billing. Billable Activities: Highlighted activities now eligible for billing under 96041. Expanded Access: Explored how telehealth eligibility broadens access to genetic counseling. Best Practices: Provided tips for accurate time documentation. The 50% Rule: Explained the significance and implications. Payer Reimbursement: Discussed potential hurdles and advocacy strategies. Medicare and Medicaid: Analyzed coverage limitations and the path to Medicare recognition. State-Specific Medicaid Policies: Emphasized the importance of understanding local regulations. Multiple Provider Encounters: Explained how the new code applies in complex scenarios. Student Involvement: Discussed billing practices during supervised encounters. Institutional Adoption: Provided guidance for clinics and institutions. Collaboration: Highlighted the importance of working with billing and compliance departments. NSGC's Role: Discussed the organization's efforts to educate stakeholders. Individual Advocacy: Encouraged listeners to actively advocate for the new code. Real-World Application: Walked through a hypothetical patient interaction to illustrate time documentation and billing. GCA Value: Discussed the potential impact of 96041 on GCA roles. Independent Provider Status: Explored the potential implications for genetic counselors' recognition. Integration into Healthcare: Discussed the role of 96041 in mainstream healthcare. Final Advice: Offered concluding advice for genetic counselors and billing departments. Colleen A. Campbell, PhD, MS, LGC, serves as the 2024 President of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. She also serves as the Director of Genetic Counseling Operations for University of Iowa Health Care where she oversees the administration, standardization and continuous improvement of genetic counseling operations across the health system. In addition, she is a Clinical Associate Professor in the university’s Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Campbell is an experienced clinician, researcher and educator in clinical genetics, and a recognized leader in the genetic counseling community for her passionate work growing the genetic counseling workforce in underserved areas and advocacy work. She led the successful Iowa legislative effort to license genetic counselors and is actively involved with H.R. 3876/ S.2323 the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act, to improve patient access to genetic counseling services. Some highlights of her presidential term include leading the development of the 2025-2027 NSGC Strategic Plan, convening the global genetic counseling community in conversations about the global genetic counselor workforce, and leading the development of a four-prong approach to improve reimbursement for genetic counselor services. As a result of her work, she was awarded the 2018 National Society of Genetic Counselors Strategic Leader Award, 2020 Sarah Lawrence College Joan H. Marks Graduate Program in Human Genetics Distinguished Alumna Award, and 2024 Saint Mary’s College Distinguished Alumnae Award.   Brian Reys, M.S., CGC, joined UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Cancer Genetics Program in 2015. He sees patients at multiple UT Southwestern clinics. He completed his Master of Science degree in medical genetics and genetic counseling at the University of Cincinnati Genetic Counseling Program in 2013.  During his training, he completed a specialized internship in cancer genetics with the Cedars Sinai, GenRISK program in Los Angeles. Prior to moving to Texas, he worked as a genetic counselor in Southern California in the areas of prenatal, pediatric, and cancer genetic counseling. In addition to being a manager with the UT Southwestern Cancer Genetics Program, Reys is a panel member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Prostate Cancer Early Detection panel and a CPT Coding Advisor to the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC). He is committed to bridging patient and provider understanding of somatic and germline genetic testing. He has a particular interest in the genetic contribution to prostate, kidney, and bladder cancers. Reys believes that UT Southwestern’s experience in developing leading software in the field of genetic counseling risk assessment is key to increasing the accessibility of genetic counseling and testing for all patients and their families.   The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) created the 2025 Changes to CPT® Billing Code page as a hub for resources relating to the new 96041 code. This includes the recordings for two presentations: one from the annual conference that took place in New Orleans in September, “Goodbye 96040, Hello 9x100: A Genetic Counseling CPT® Code Update for all Genetic Counselors”. And more recently, “CPT Billing Code Updates Webinar: Preparing for 2025” that was live streamed on November 19th, 2024 that was presented by the NSGC Access and Service Delivery (ASD) Committee. There is also a helpful 9 page PDF that answers frequently asked questions (FAQs). These resources require a NSGC membership login.   Any additional questions can be submitted to [email protected] with the subject line “CPT/PAYER QUESTION.”   Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today next Friday! New episodes are released every Friday. In the meantime, you can binge over 300 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. Episodes since 2021 are also recorded with video which you can watch on our YouTube channel, this includes some episodes recorded at NBC Universal Stamford Studios.    DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our social media lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.    See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected].