Genetics Clinic

Genetic counseling is a professional healthcare service designed to help you understand how the genes you were born with, and your family history, may affect your future health. For example, you may have a higher risk of developing colon cancer than the average person because of your genetic test results and/or family history.

Genetic counseling gives you an empowered understanding of your family history and genetic test results. Our genetic counselors also offer ongoing support and updates on personalized disease prevention and treatment plans tailored to your life.

Information from genetic testing can be highly valuable in optimizing your health and wellness. Here’s how you can use it effectively:

• Determine if you have an increased risk of developing certain diseases, including various types of cancer
• Develop a personalized risk reduction plan, which may include earlier and more frequent screenings, medications, lifestyle modifications, wellness programs and preventive surgical options
• Share the information with your family to expand the benefits of your genetic testing to your children, siblings and other relatives

Health insurance typically covers genetic counseling consultations. The cost of genetic testing for people who qualify based on the pattern of cancer in their personal and/or family history also tends to be covered. If you have healthcare coverage through an insurance exchange, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes provisions for genetic testing. If genetic counseling and/or genetic testing aren’t covered by your health insurance, there are low-cost options and you may be eligible.

Yes. All your personal and family history information, along with genetic test results, remain confidential. Only you, your referring physician and any healthcare providers or relatives you authorize will receive copies of genetic counseling reports and test results.

We adhere to healthcare privacy laws and won't release your information without your written or verbal consent.

No. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) prevents health insurers from using your genetic information to deny coverage, set rates or influence any form of underwriting for health insurance. However, GINA doesn’t cover other types of insurance such as life, disability or long-term care.

GINA also protects against the use of other family members’ genetic test results or medical history for health insurance discrimination. The act also protects against discrimination by employers. Questions and concerns about privacy relating to genetic test results are reviewed during a genetic counseling visit.

During your visit, we’ll review your personal and family health history. It’s helpful to gather this information in advance of your appointment. You may be asked to complete paperwork and provide medical records, including past genetic test results.

If testing is recommended, we’ll collect a blood or saliva sample and send it to a lab to look for differences in your DNA. When results are ready, we’ll review them with you by phone or in person and discuss next steps.

Genetic test results can affect not only you but also your family. We can help you decide how to share this information.

Testing may or may not change your medical care but can provide helpful insights about your health. Learning about a genetic condition can be difficult, our team is here to support you.

You always have the option to decline any recommended genetic testing.