Genetic counseling is a medical specialty that focuses on an individual’s or family’s risk for hereditary disease. A certified genetic counselor from Genome Medical has advanced training to help you recognize and address genetic health risks that you or your family members may have. After taking an expert look at your personal and family health histories, a genetic counselor can assess your risk for genetic conditions, help you decide if genetic testing is right for you, guide you through your test results and help you put those results into action with personalized medical recommendations for you and your doctor. View More
What is Genetic
Counseling?
Family Planning
Looking to start a family?
Shawna and Khalid want to know about genetic health risks they could pass on to a future child. Genetic counseling is recommended because it would include a discussion of their personal and family health histories, genetic health risks and relevant genetic testing options. View More
Family History of
a Genetic Condition
Do certain diseases or conditions run in your family?
Elsa has a cousin with cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic condition that impacts the lungs and other organs. She wants to have a child and know her child’s risk to have CF. Genetic counseling is recommended because it would include a discussion of Elsa’s personal and family health histories, View More
Signs or Symptoms of
a Genetic Condition
Looking to confirm a diagnosis?
Marco is a 2-month-old boy with heart problems caused by Down syndrome, a genetic condition caused by a difference in his chromosomes. His parents have his test results and want to learn about his diagnosis. Genetic counseling is recommended because it would include a supportive View More
Family History of Cancer
Does cancer run in your family?
Laurel has a history of colon, uterine and ovarian cancer on her dad’s side of the family. She has heard cancer can be genetic and wants to learn her risk for cancer. Genetic counseling is recommended because it would include an expert review of Laurel’s personal and family View More
Proactive Health
Are you a healthy individual wanting to know more about your genetic risks?
Aadesh wants to learn about his genetics to be proactive about his health. A certified genetic counselor would review Aadesh’s personal and family health histories, carefully looking for patterns of birth defects, diseases or other signs of a genetic condition. View More
Family History of Heart Disease
Does heart disease run in your family?
Matthew had an uncle on his dad’s side of the family who died suddenly while playing soccer during high school. Matthew has heard of other more distant relatives who are suspected to have died from heart-related causes, and he wants to learn if his family may be at risk for a genetic cause of heart disease. View More
Previous Genetic Testing
Have questions about genetic test results?
Judith received a genetic testing kit as a birthday gift from her sister. Judith and her sister had talked about doing this testing together due to their mutual concerns related to a family history of breast cancer. Judith was relieved when her results came back negative, but she wants to better understand View More
Schedule Your Genetic
Counseling Session
With Genome Medical, you can simply schedule your consultation online with a certified genetic counselor and attend from the comfort of your own home. Secure video sessions are flexible and available to suit your schedule.
This cost does not include genetic testing. Any genetic testing will need to be paid for separately. Learn more about insurance coverage for genetic counseling and genetic testing.
Which Genetic Counseling Programs Are Right for You?
Genetic counseling is not one-size-fits-all. The program you need depends upon your own health, your family’s health and your personal situation. For this reason, Genome Medical offers different genetic counseling programs to meet your needs.
Proactive
Genomic Exploration
Proactive Genomic Exploration helps you explore your genetic risks to improve your health. It’s best for people who don’t necessarily have a strong family or personal health history of a genetic condition, but want the guidance of a genetic expert to make an informed decision about genetic testing. Learn more
Advanced
Genomic Care
This genetic counseling program helps you understand your symptoms, diagnosis or family history of a genetic disorder. Advanced Genetic Care is right for people who want the guidance of a genetic expert for individualized information and medical recommendations about their genetic disorder or family history. Learn more
Family Variant
Insight Program
This genetic counseling program helps you understand your family member’s genetic risks or test results and what it all means for you. The Family Variant Insight Program is right for people who want expert help navigating next steps related to a family member’s genetic test results or diagnosis. Learn more
Four Key Steps of Genetic Counseling
How Does Genetic Counseling Work?
Genetic counseling often includes a discussion about genetic testing, but it is a common myth that it is only valuable after you have a genetic test. Speaking with a certified genetic counselor from Genome Medical is actually just as valuable before you have genetic testing, at the beginning of your genetic journey. A genetic counselor can be your partner to help you navigate this journey. Genetic counseling usually follows four key steps:
STEP ONE
Initial Consultation
A genetic counselor will carefully review your personal and family health history and any risk factors. This helps determine if genetic testing is right for you and ensures you are being offered the most appropriate test. Genetic counselors also help you explore if you’d like to proceed with genetic testing. It is useful if you can come to your first appointment with any information you know about your biological family, focusing on the health of your close relatives (such as your parents, siblings, children, grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins). Specifically, write down details about anyone with:
- A genetic disorder, such as cystic fibrosis or Down syndrome
- Cancer, including the age they were first diagnosed with it
- Birth defects, such as cleft lip or palate, or a hole in their heart
- Intellectual or learning disabilities
- Inherited blood disorders, such as sickle-cell anemia or thalassemia
- More than three miscarriages or babies that were stillborn
- A blood relationship to their reproductive partner, such as first cousins
Don’t worry if you don’t know this information, such as if you are adopted or just not aware of your family’s health history. Your genetic counselor will still be able to help you.
This appointment will usually take 30 minutes and is scheduled within 1-2 business days.
STEP TWO
Genetic Testing
If genetic testing is right for you, your genetic counselor will discuss your options with you, including the pros and cons. They can also help you learn if your insurance will cover the cost of your testing. Depending on the test, genetic testing is usually done with a saliva sample or blood sample. If you need to give a saliva sample, you will be sent a collection kit that you can return directly to the testing laboratory. If you need to give a blood sample, you will be scheduled to have your blood drawn at a time and place convenient to you. The wait time for results varies, depending on the test. When your results are back, you may schedule a follow-up consultation to go over your results with your genetic counselor.
STEP THREE
Results Consultation
After your results are back, you may schedule a follow-up consultation with your genetic counselor. At this appointment, your genetic counselor will discuss and interpret your test results, uncovering unique insights for you. Your genetic counselor will take your results and all your other medical information to develop a personalized care plan for you. For example, you may be recommended to have mammograms or colonoscopies more often, based upon your family history and your test results. Or you may be recommended to see a heart specialist for additional checks. All the information will be tailored to you and your situation, and may also be relevant to your family members.
STEP FOUR
Integration
Your genetic counselor wants to leave you with actionable next steps to take with your doctor. They will work with your primary care provider to incorporate your genetic information and recommendations into your regular health care. The Genome Medical team is able to refer to specialists where needed as well.
Schedule Your
Genetic Counseling Consultation
With Genome Medical, you can simply schedule your consultation with a certified genetic counselor online and attend from the comfort of your own home. Secure video sessions are flexible and available to suit your schedule.
This cost does not include genetic testing. Any genetic testing will need to be paid for separately. Learn more about insurance coverage for genetic counseling and genetic testing.
