Imagine receiving a message in your online patient account about genetic testing for cancer. Would you open it? A new study suggests that your past habits with your healthcare system answer that question. Researchers followed 3,073 patients at University of Utah Health and NYU Langone Health who met family history criteria for genetic evaluation. They sent these patients messages about genetic services and watched who responded.
The results were clear but revealing. Patients who had logged into their portal before, saw their primary care doctor frequently, or had a provider recorded in their file were much more likely to open the message and begin genetic services. The connection was strong and consistent across both hospital systems.
This is not a test of a new drug or a new chatbot; it is a look at real-world access. The study did not report any safety issues because no new treatment was given. The main lesson is that people already engaged with their healthcare system are the ones who respond to these messages. If you or someone you know has trouble using online tools or does not see a regular doctor, they may need extra help to access these life-saving genetic services.