Shriners Hospitals for Children is always driving innovation in health care and is committed to bringing the latest technology and advancements in care delivery to the patients it serves.

This partnership with Genome Medical is an extension of that commitment. With the combined expertise of Shriners and Genome Medical, patients have the ability to receive high-quality, personalized health care on their schedule in the comfort of their home.

Genome Medical’s national network of genetic experts includes both medical geneticists and genetic counselors. Your consultation will most likely be with a genetic counselor, who is a medical provider specially trained to understand the complexities of genetic tests and how to interpret an individual’s unique results. In certain cases, you may also work with a medical geneticist, a physician trained in general medicine, genetic diagnosis and the treatment of patients with genetic disorders. Genetic counselors start by learning what important health questions you have, assessing your risk for disorders of interest and then reviewing how genetic testing may help you answer them. Their recommendations are tailored to address the issues that are most important to you. If you have questions about your results, genetic counselors are there to explain what it means and work with you to understand best next steps and develop a care plan. You can learn more about genetic counselors here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yIW0L9dLCQ.

To learn about DNA, it helps to start with our genes. We inherit our genes from our parents. Genes contain instructions for all of our traits – such as hair color, eye color, aspects of our health – many things that make us who we are. Although we can’t see them, genes are in the millions of cells throughout our bodies. Genes are found in structures called chromosomes, which are also in our cells.

Genes are made up of chemical building blocks called DNA, abbreviated as “A,” “C,” “T” and “G,” which are spelled in a very specific order to make up a gene. Since genes have instructions for our health, small changes in the way our DNA is spelled in a gene – like a typo – can impact our health. These small changes are called DNA variants.

One type of genetic testing is called DNA sequencing, which studies the DNA within our genes to look for DNA variants. Some DNA variants cause minor traits in us, like the color of our eyes. Other DNA variants can impact our health, such as DNA variants that cause us to have an increased risk for cancer.

Genetic testing looks for DNA variants to figure out a genetic cause or risk for health problems. Knowing if you have a genetic health risk can help you and your doctors plan for any medical checks or tests you should have to maintain your health, and also about any health risks to your family members.

You can schedule a telehealth appointment at your convenience, generally within 1-2 business days. Please make sure to leave yourself enough time to complete the medical questionnaire before your appointment.

Yes. The cost per genetic session is $179 and can be billed to your insurance. If your insurance will not cover the cost of genetic services, Genome Medical and Shriners offer financial assistance programs to help with these costs. For more information, please call us at 877-688-0992.

You should weigh the risks and the benefits before agreeing to have this test. Risks include:

• Unexpected information may be uncovered by your genomic test. We will focus on what is useful to you and provide you the best health care. However, situations such as non-paternity, adoption and unexpected risks or diagnoses could be recognized when your information is viewed along with genetic information from other family members.
• Genetic testing can have emotional effects, especially when a DNA change is found that predicts a serious disease. Genetic counselors are trained to help you understand and process those emotions and your options.
• Some people are concerned about having their genetic information revealed for others to use against them. Since this test is a clinical test, the results stored in your health record are protected by health information privacy laws, especially the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• During the consent process, you will have the opportunity to discuss the risks of having your genetic information stored in your health record, the laws that currently prohibit genetic discrimination in certain businesses and their limitations.