Models of Care for the Implementation of Genetic Testing in Nephrology.

Genetic testing holds great potential to enhance the diagnosis and management of kidney disease, yet its integration into routine nephrology care remains limited and often delayed. Despite strong evidence supporting its clinical utility and cost effectiveness, significant barriers hinder its widespread adoption. This review examines care models designed to embed genetic testing into nephrology practice and proposes strategies to improve access for chronic kidney disease patients. Key approaches include enhancing clinical genetic services, establishing kidney genetics clinics, using technology such as virtual consultations, forming variant review boards and multidisciplinary teams, and mainstreaming genetic testing into nephrology care. For each model, the review identifies essential components for success and discusses barriers and facilitators to implementation. By focusing on practical, scalable, and patient-centered solutions, this review advocates for a paradigm shift in nephrology care. It envisions genetic testing as a standard component of kidney disease management, aiming to improve outcomes and promote equitable care for patients globally.