Genetic counseling and testing at The Christ Hospital


Many health conditions are hereditary. This means they are passed on from one generation to another through our genes. But just because your mother had colon cancer or your dad had high cholesterol, it doesn't necessarily mean you will. You may not have inherited the gene mutation present in your parent, and genetics is only one factor when it comes to your health. 

At The Christ Hospital, our board-certified genetic counselors can help you understand how your family's medical history could potentially affect you and your relatives. Their goal is to partner with you and your family in your healthcare journey to provide clear information in a confidential, emotionally supportive and educational way. If you are interested,  your counselor can help arrange proactive genetic testing to help you and your family better understand your risk.

Who Should Have Genetic Counseling?

The Christ Hospital offers genetic counseling for people with:

  • Cancer or a strong family history of cancer

  • Cardiovascular disease or a strong family history of heart and vascular conditions

  • Are pregnant or considering pregnancy or reproductive options 

Your primary care doctor or another healthcare professional can help you decide whether genetic counseling is right for you.
 
What to Expect at a Genetic Counseling Appointment

The genetic counselor will ask questions about your personal and family medical history to look for any risk factors. Then the counselor will talk about:

  • Whether genetic testing could be helpful to you and your family

  • The limitations of genetic testing

  • What testing costs are typically covered by insurance

Together, you can decide if testing is right for you. If you choose to have genetic testing, the counselor will talk to you about what's involved. You may be asked to provide a blood or saliva sample at the end of your appointment or return at a later time to do it. We also offer a convenient at-home saliva test option.

What Will the Genetic Test Results Tell Me?

When the test results are available, the counselor will explain them to you and help you and your family make informed healthcare choices based on those results. Our genetic counselors are trained to help with the potential emotional and social outcomes of testing as well, and can walk you and your family through your test results and any questions you may have. This can happen on the phone, via telehealth or in person, depending on your preference. You also can access your test results through your patient portal.

Genetic testing is not always conclusive, and the results don't predict your future. Just because you have a particular genetic mutation doesn't necessarily mean you will get that disease. On the other hand, a negative result doesn't always guarantee that you won't develop a particular disease.

Genetic test results can be helpful to delay or prevent some conditions. For example, if test results say you are at higher risk for a specific type of cancer, your doctor or genetic counselor may talk to you about developing a plan for prevention and early detection.

What Does Genetic Counseling Cost?

Genetic counseling is available with or without a referral, and genetic counseling and/or genetic testing may be covered by insurance. Please contact your insurance carrier about your specific coverage.

Additional testing for your family

If your genetic testing reveals you have a potentially harmful gene mutation, it is possible some members of your family may have inherited that same mutation. To better understand their risk, the lab that performed your testing offers free testing for everyone who is related to you by blood if ordered within three months of receiving your test results. 

If a family member is interested in being tested for the gene mutation and would like a consultation with our genetic counselors, please schedule an appointment in one of the following ways:

  • Call our genetic counseling office 513-585-3275

  • Schedule online

  • Contact your primary care physician 

While genetic testing is free of charge, there is a cost for the genetic counseling visit. If cost is a concern, please reach out to one of our schedulers to discuss financial options. 

It is important that genetic testing for family members be ordered within three months of your test report date, and that your sample be sent to the same lab that performed your testing. It is highly recommended that you bring a copy of your relative’s test report to your appointment if outside The Christ Hospital Health Network.

For More Information or to Make an Appointment

For more information about genetic counseling at The Christ Hospital or to schedule an appointment, call 513-585-3275. Or you may schedule your appointment online by selecting one of the options below: 

I have not been seen by one of the genetic counselors before and need to schedule a new patient visit:

I have been seen by one of the genetic counselors before and need to schedule a follow-up visit:


Meet our Genetic Counselors 

4.9 of of 5 Stars
58 Ratings
Janet S. Basil, LGC Clinical Genetics
The Christ Hospital Physicians - Genetic Counseling

Primary Location

The Christ Hospital Medical Office Building

2123 Auburn Ave, Suite 723 Cincinnati, OH 45219 (513) 585-3275
39.1211546 -84.510667

Areas of Interest

Hereditary Cancer, Cytogenetics, Genetic Testing, Genetic Screening See all
View Profile
View Locations (1)
Practice Details
Schedule Online
Accepting New Patients
Offers Online Scheduling
4.9 of of 5 Stars
53 Ratings
Corrie N. Fabelo, LGC Clinical Genetics
The Christ Hospital Physicians - Genetic Counseling

Primary Location

The Christ Hospital Medical Office Building

2123 Auburn Ave, Suite 723 Cincinnati, OH 45219 (513) 585-3275
39.1211546 -84.510667

Areas of Interest

Cancer Genetics, Hereditary Cancer, Cytogenetics, Genetic Screening See all
View Profile
View Locations (3)
Practice Details
Schedule Online
Accepting New Patients
Offers Online Scheduling
Courtney L. Hannum, LGC Clinical Genetics The Christ Hospital Physicians - Genetic Counseling

Primary Location

The Christ Hospital Medical Office Building

2123 Auburn Ave, Suite 723 Cincinnati, OH 45219 (513) 585-3275
39.1211546 -84.510667

Areas of Interest

Hereditary Cancer, Cytogenetics, Genetic Testing, Genetic Screening See all
View Profile
View Locations (2)
5 of of 5 Stars
33 Ratings
MacKenzie K. Spencer-Hintze, LGC Clinical Genetics The Christ Hospital Physicians - Genetic Counseling

Primary Location

The Christ Hospital Medical Office Building

2123 Auburn Ave, Suite 723 Cincinnati, OH 45219 (513) 585-3275
39.1212062 -84.5103696

Areas of Interest

Cancer Genetics, Hereditary Cancer, Cytogenetics, Genetic Screening See all
View Profile
View Locations (2)