Your next doctor visit may include genetic testing: One Chicago-area health system is checking 10,000 patients for free

Anyone who's ever had an annual physical exam knows the routine.

Step on the scale to check your weight. Watch the blood pressure cuff inflate. Breathe deeply as a cold stethoscope is pressed to your back and chest.

Now, at least one local health system wants to add another component to many standard visits: genetic testing.

Starting in April, NorthShore University HealthSystem, based in Evanston, Ill., will offer extensive genetic testing to 10,000 primary care patients to determine whether they're at higher risk of developing conditions such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer and heart disease. The tests could also help steer patients toward the most effective pain and depression medications based on their genetics.

It's a glimpse into what some say could be the future of primary care - a way to keep patients healthier and hold down costs by catching treatable diseases earlier. It's also a way for health systems to