GENASSIST, Incorporated, a woman owned and operated genetics company, was created like so many companies...out of necessity. Prior to GENASSIST, the number of patients who had access to genetic information was severely limited. In addition, test results took weeks to return so that the information that the patient received was not timely. With a background in hospital administration, in 1983, Hildegarde S. Wexler, the founder and owner, created GENASSIST to ensure that any and all pregnant women would be able to receive the necessary genetic services that they required in a reliable, cost-effective, and timely manner. Since 1983, GENASSIST has been an integral part of the Denver medical community. As the program grew in numbers and in acceptance, Hilde was joined by her husband, Paul Wexler, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., as Medical Director, who was already Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as having just completed post-Doctoral work in genetics. GENASSIST provides a service, using Your Genetic Profile, that is designed to assist the patient and the health care provider to research, record, and review the patient's family history for inherited conditions. Under Dr. Wexler's direct supervision, GENASSIST staff has access to specialists in all aspects of genetics. This approach allows the patient and the health care provider access to the latest genetic information and testing. GENASSIST works with hundreds of physicians and most hospitals throughout Colorado, as well as hospitals, labs and physicians from other parts of the U.S. and internationally. To help make genetic technology available to all patients, GENASSIST has secured insurance contracts with thousands of companies nationwide, including most EPO's,HMO's, PPO's, Point of Service plans as well as traditional insurance plans.(See insurance list). GENASSIST provides a type of "one-stop" shopping for genetic services that patients can use and be referred back to his or her healthcare provider.