Genetic counselors are healthcare professionals with education focused on medical genetics and counseling. Genetic counselors are specifically trained to:
- Help you understand how your personal and family medical history may impact your health
- Discuss genetic testing options that may be appropriate for you
- Explain what genetic test results mean for you and your family members
- Address any questions or concerns you have about genetic testing
- Provide recommendations for you and your healthcare provider to make medical decisions that may lower your risk
- Gather your personal and family health history. Talk to family members about any health conditions in the family, as well as the age that relatives were diagnosed.
- A copy of your family member’s genetic test result is required. Please upload the results to the Genome Medical patient portal before your appointment. You will receive access to the portal once you schedule your appointment. This is very important to ensure your genetic counselor can prepare for your appointment.
- Think about questions you may have for your genetic counselor.
You will receive a phone call from your genetic counselor at the time of your scheduled appointment. Appointments are typically 30-60 minutes.
During the appointment, your genetic counselor will review your personal and family medical history, assess your risk for inherited genetic conditions, and may discuss the benefits and limitations of genetic testing. Your genetic counselor will also address your concerns or questions about genetic testing. If genetic testing is performed, your genetic counselor can explain what your results mean for you and your family.
Genetic testing involves looking at blood, saliva or other tissues to find changes in an individual's genes. These genetic changes may cause an increased chance of certain medical conditions.
Genetic testing is typically done at a specialized laboratory.
Genome Medical does not perform genetic testing. As a medical practice, Genome Medical’s providers can order genetic testing, when medically appropriate, for U.S.- based patients.
Genetic testing is useful in many areas of medicine and may change the medical care you or your family members receive. For example, genetic testing may help to diagnose a medical condition. Genetic test results may help you and your care providers make more informed decisions on how to prevent or treat a medical condition.
There are thousands of genetic tests available today. A genetic counselor can help you to understand what testing may be most appropriate for you. Genetic counselors can also help to explain what genetic test results may mean for you and your family.
In most cases, genetic testing can be performed on a blood or saliva sample.
If testing is done on a saliva sample, a collection kit can be sent to you in the mail and you can collect the sample from the convenience of your home. If a blood sample is needed, you may be directed to a location near you that can perform blood draws to have a sample collected. In either case, the sample then is mailed to the lab for the testing to be completed.
The wait time to receive test results depends on the test that is ordered. In many cases, test results will be available in 2-4 weeks.
The cost of the genetic counseling session will be up to $250*, depending on if you pay out-of-pocket or choose to bill insurance.
We are an in-network provider with most commercial health insurance plans. See a list at GenomeMedical.com/insurance-coverage. Coverage and pricing may vary. Please contact your insurance provider for your exact coverage and payment responsibility. Reference insurance CPT codes 96040 and S0265 and our NPI number 1407389695.
If you use insurance, and we are in-network with your health plan, we will submit a claim on your behalf. You may get a bill for any outstanding balance depending on your coverage. Please note: the cost of genetic counseling does not include the cost of any genetic testing that may be recommended. You may receive a separate bill from the lab for genetic testing.
At this time, we do not accept government-affiliated insurance providers including Medicaid, Medicare and/or Tricare as a primary or secondary insurance (including Managed Medicare and Medicaid plans).
*Pricing subject to change
After your appointment, your genetic counselor will create an easy-to-understand summary of your discussion. Your visit summary may include medical recommendations based on your personal/family history and any genetic test results. Your test results can be shared with your healthcare team.
Genome Medical is a virtual medical practice. All of the platforms we use are HIPAA compliant. Your personal medical information will not be shared with any third party without your direct consent.
Genome Medical is the country’s leading telehealth genetics care delivery company, enabling a world where everyone’s health is informed by genetics. We partner with health systems, genetic testing labs and biopharma organizations, and have delivered more than 200,000 genetic counseling sessions across a wide range of clinical specialties.
Yes, a copy of your family member’s genetic test result is required. Please upload the results to the Genome Medical patient portal before your appointment. You’ll receive access to the portal once you schedule your appointment.