Genetic Counseling

Genetic Counseling- What is genetic counseling?

Genetic counseling is a meeting with a trained health professional (geneticist or genetic counselor) about:

  • Genetic or chromosomal disorders.
  • Your risks for health conditions that are passed down through families (inherited).

This information is kept private and confidential. Genetic counseling can:

  • Explain the diagnosis of a condition.
  • Tell you about your risk of developing certain conditions, such as cancer.
  • Help you understand patterns of disease in your family.
  • Help you find resources for coping with a diagnosis.
  • Help you plan for your next steps. This may include referrals to specialists.

Who does genetic counseling?

People who do genetic counseling are health professionals, including:

  • Medical doctors.
  • Nurses.
  • Social workers.
  • Researchers with training in genetic conditions.

Some genetic counselors specialize in specific conditions, age groups, or groups of people. Sometimes counselors will also refer you to a physician who specializes in a particular condition.

Who should get genetic counseling?

You may benefit from genetic counseling if:

  • You have a condition that is:
    • Genetic.
    • Chromosomal.
    • Inherited.
  • You have a child with a genetic or chromosomal condition.
  • You want to know more about your risk for inherited conditions. These include:
    • Heart disease.
    • Cancer.
    • Blood disorders.
    • Mental illness.
  • You want to know how your genetic risk might be affected by lifestyle choices.
  • You are worried about passing on an inherited condition to your child.
  • You want to understand or respond to the results of genetic testing.
  • You have had two or more miscarriages or stillbirths and you want to become pregnant.
  • You are pregnant and you are 35 years of age or older. This is when the risk of genetic abnormalities increases.
  • You want to know more about the risk of conditions that are common among your ethnic group.

How can I find a genetic counselor?

  • Ask your health care provider to suggest a genetic counselor in your area.
  • Search online on the website of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. The website is: http://nsgc.org/p/cm/ld/fid=164  

How should I prepare for my genetic counseling session?

  • Find out if counseling and testing are covered under your health insurance plan.
  • Make sure you have all recommended screenings or tests.
  • Gather your personal medical records.
  • Bring information about your family’s medical history.
  • Write down any questions you may have.

What can I expect during my genetic counseling session?

Plan to talk about:

  • Your family and personal medical history.
  • Possible patterns of inherited conditions.
  • Genetic testing options or the results of genetic tests.
  • The results of tests for genetic conditions.
  • The meaning of a diagnosis, if your health care provider says it is genetic, inherited, or chromosomal.
  • Strategies for preventing, identifying, or managing genetic conditions.
  • Resources for further information, support, or care.

What happens after genetic counseling?

  • You should receive a letter summarizing the information you discussed with your genetic counselor.
  • You may want to follow up with specialists or other resources for support and information.
  • You can talk to your genetic counselor again for more information or support.
15585

Sign up to receive the trending updates and tons of Health Tips

Join SeekhealthZ and never miss the latest health information

15856