Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling and testing at the Providence Cancer Partnership can help determine your and your family members' risks for developing hereditary cancers including (but not limited to) breast, colon, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, uterine, stomach, melanoma and history of colon polyps. Patients and family members meet with a trained genetics provider who will review medical and family histories to determine which genetic tests are appropriate, as well as the risks, advantages and costs of genetic testing for hereditary cancers.
By assessing your personal and familial health history, your genetic test results can help determine if you have a high risk of developing cancers and other life-threatening illnesses.
Genetics consultations allow us to create a personalized and customized risk reduction plan suited uniquely for you. Our plans include enhanced screenings, lifestyle and wellness programs, medications and surgery options, as well as specialized cancer genetics programs.
We are located on the first floor of the Providence Cancer Partnership building. Parking is offered in the parking garage attached to the Cancer Partnership at a minimal charge based on time. Street parking is also available for 90 minutes at no cost.
The genetic specialists will provide information that patients can use for cancer prevention and early detecting including:
- Your personal cancer risk factors based on medical history and lifestyle factors
- How your family history of cancer influences risk
- Whether genetic testing is likely to benefit you
- Personalized set of cancer screening tests
- Strategies to reduce your cancer risk
Services include:
- Cancer genetic testing
- BRCA testing
- Lynch Syndrome Testing
- PALB2
- ATM
- Cancer prevention
- Cancer risk assessment
- Cancer risk reduction
- Family history cancer
During your visit, we will:
- Document your personal and family cancer history, and construct an illustrated medical family tree (also known as a pedigree)
- Address your specific questions and concerns
- Provide a personalized cancer risk assessment based on the information provided
- Review the risks, benefits and limitations of genetic testing options to determine if testing is right for you
For individuals who elect to move forward with genetic testing, it can typically be ordered at the time of the initial consult visit. We will meet with you a few weeks later to discuss the results, and revise your risk assessment and recommendations.
Health insurance typically covers a consultation appointment, which is independent of any genetic testing cost or authorizations. Most insurance companies also cover the cost of genetic testing for individuals considered at high risk of disease. Financial assistance may be available and patient out-of-pocket options are available for $250.
Patients can call to schedule an appointment. If a referral is required from your insurance company we will request you contact your primary care provider's office to place referral.
A questionnaire will be sent to you via email to fill out your personal and family history. The program used for this questionnaire is called CRA. Keep in mind that it can take time to get appropriate details from family members; therefore, we recommend you start gathering the information as soon as possible. Both in person and virtual office visits are offered.
At your scheduled appointment your genetics provider will review your personal and family history, provide education regarding cancer genetics and review advantages and disadvantages of genetics testing. You will have any opportunity to ask questions and decide if cancer genetic testing is appropriate for you.
The cost of testing depends on her personal/family history and insurance. An out-of-pocket option is available for $250 if you do not meet your insurance criteria.