A recent study from Washington University’s School of Medicine reveals significant disparities in genetic testing for Black pediatric patients with neurological conditions. The study found that only half of Black children completed the necessary genetic tests for diagnosis and treatment, compared to 75% of white children. Dr. Christina Gurnett, who heads the Division of Pediatric and Developmental Neurology at WashU, expressed surprise at the low completion rates across all children but noted the stark racial differences.
The study highlights several barriers contributing to these disparities, including higher insurance denial rates for Black patients and other unmeasured issues such as transportation and access to providers. Dr. Gurnett emphasized the importance of genetic testing in unlocking treatment options, noting that it is often more cost-effective than other diagnostic methods. Despite this, 41% of patients with public health insurance are less likely to complete genetic testing than those with private insurance.
The findings underscore the urgent need for equitable healthcare practices to ensure that all children, regardless of race, have access to essential diagnostic tools. Dr. Gurnett and her team are using this information to advocate for more resources and support in their clinics to address these disparities and improve outcomes for Black pediatric patients.
See: “WashU study: Disparities in genetic testing for Black children” (March 4, 2025)
