Genetic counseling and testing at The Christ Hospital
Your healthcare journey is unique to you and your DNA, but you don’t have to make that journey alone. The genetic counselors at
The Christ Hospital Precision Health provide much more than genetic testing and sharing the results. They help you understand all aspects of genetic testing, including the impact of your family’s medical history and your own inherited risk for certain diseases. They can also help you and your family make informed decisions on screening and treatment plans tailored just for you.
When you meet with your genetic counselor, they will ask questions about your personal and family medical history to look for any risk factors. They will also explain the benefits and limitations of genetic testing and what tests are typically covered by insurance. Sometimes gaining knowledge of your genetic risks can be scary, so they will also help you to understand and navigate the psychosocial implications of genetic testing and the information gained from it.
If you determine that testing is right for you, the counselor will further explain what’s involved. You may be asked to provide a blood or saliva sample at that time or at a later time. In some cases we also offer a convenient at-home saliva test option.
When your results are available, your counselor will explain them to you, answer any questions, and help you and your family make informed healthcare choices based on the results. They are also trained to provide emotional and social support.
While genetic test results can identify risk factors that in some cases can help you delay or prevent some conditions; testing is not always conclusive. For example, having a particular genetic mutation does not mean you will necessarily develop that disease, and a negative result doesn’t always mean you won’t develop a particular disease.
Start your personalized healthcare journey by talking to one our Precision Health genetic counselors. No physician referral required.
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 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. Your genetic counselor will discuss insurance and billing for genetic testing at your first appointment. If you’d like to know about your coverage before your visit, please contact your insurance carrier about your specific coverage.
Additional testing for your family
Your genetic testing results may be important for your blood relatives. In cases where an inherited risk is present, we offer additional services to blood relatives, some at no additional cost. Your genetic counselor can guide you on sharing your results with them and options for them to be tested as well, through The Christ Hospital Precision Health.
Learn more about:
Prenatal and Preconception Genetic Counseling
Learn More
Meet our Genetic Counselors