Some people prefer shopping online, whether it’s a book, movie ticket or a genetic test that they’re seeking. Others would rather have more personal interaction and feel the most comfortable talking to a physician about anything even remotely related to their health.

With that in mind, Navigenics has made it much easier for consumers to find physicians who have been trained in integrating our genetic testing into their practice. We’ve just introduced a new “Find a physician” feature that enables customers to select from a growing list of physicians offering the Navigenics genetic testing services to patients.

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Genetic testing is a relatively new field, and not surprisingly, many consumers have questions about it. What are the benefits? What are the risks? And perhaps most importantly, is it right for me right now?

Dr. Eric J.Topol, director of the Scripps Translational Science Institute in San Diego, discusses these issues in a thoughtful new video blog called “Are Genome-Wide Scans Ready for Prime Time?”

Should people get a genetic test now to learn their genetic risk for many common health conditions? Should they wait until scientific research has yielded even more information about the genetic underpinnings of health before they proceed?

While naysayers have suggested that consumers should put off testing until all the pieces of our genetic puzzles are in place, “There’s no real answer to this debate,” Topol says in his video, which was posted on Medscape, a website for physicians.

Certainly, sound science will bring new advances to the field in the future. But that is no reason not to get a genetic test today.

“There is another view here, and that is by having this information that may be empowering to individuals – and that may be a good thing,” Topol says in the video.

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Here at Navigenics, some of the questions people ask us frequently relate to genetic testing and family health history. Doesn’t family history provide enough health information all on its own? How do genetic test results work with family history?

The short answer is that family history is important, but it can’t provide the whole story.

Many women who develop breast cancer, for example, have no family history of the disease. And someone who lost a grandfather and a father to heart attacks is not necessarily destined to have the same fate. Your genetic makeup is very individual in some important ways, making personal genetic information a valuable addition to family history.

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Genetic testing is a tool that can help you, and your family, take control of your health by making personalized, informed healthcare decisions. There are lots of different kinds of genetic tests: for rare conditions that only affect a small number of people, for ancestry and paternity, and now tests are available for common diseases like cancer and diabetes.

But as the number of companies offering genetic testing continues to grow, it can be confusing for many consumers to determine which service is the best, the most reliable, and the most appropriate for their needs. Not all genetic tests are created equal, and some genetic testing companies do not offer useful or even accurate services.

To help in the decision-making process, the National Society of Genetic Counselors has just released a list of questions consumers should ask when selecting a genetic testing service:

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Navigenics is pleased to announce the appointment of a new company leader. Here are some details, as described in a news release:

Navigenics, a leading personal genomics testing company, announced today that Jonathan “Jack” T. Lord, M.D., has been appointed by the Board of Directors to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the firm.

Dr. Lord brings to Navigenics a history and passion for combining robust medical science with technological innovation to improve consumers’ health and access to quality care. Dr. Lord comes to Navigenics from Louisville, Kentucky-based Humana, Inc., where as Chief Innovation Officer he was responsible for designing new products and services to enable people to navigate the healthcare system and support their health needs.  Before Humana, Dr. Lord was president of Health Dialog in Boston, where he helped pioneer e-enabled health care. He has also served as chief operating officer of the American Hospital Association in Washington, D.C.  Previously, Dr. Lord was executive vice president of Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, MD, and executive vice president of Sun Health in Charlotte, NC.

“I am excited about the prospects of leading a company that will transform healthcare. Navigenics’ leadership in science, its exceptionally committed and leading edge investors, and strong management team make this the most exciting opportunity of my career,” said Dr. Lord.  “Passion for advancing personalized medicine defines Navigenics.  I am very honored to have the privilege to lead this company as we transform healthcare for the 21st century– an era of healthcare we hope will be marked by a focus on prediction and prevention.”

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What’s a secret to possibly preventing heart disease, diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease?

There are many effective strategies for reducing your risk, ranging from getting regular exercise and watching your diet to avoiding cigarettes and controlling your cholesterol.

But another measure has been emerging as a prevention powerhouse, one that is rarely discussed – and still frequently overlooked – by many health-conscious individuals.

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