Medical Genetics

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If you or your family has questions about inherited conditions, cancer risk, heart health or a child’s development, our medical genetics team is here to help you make confident decisions and schedule an appointment without delay.

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Call: (866) 520-2510 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Who should consider a genetics appointment

Adults and heart health

Schedule if you have a personal or family history of any of the following:

  • Adult onset genetic condition (e.g., Huntington’s disease)
  • Inherited cardiac risks: cardiomyopathies, arrhythmias, aortic aneurysm (dissection)
  • Genetic conditions linked to cardiovascular complications: Marfan, Turner, Loeys-Dietz syndromes

Cancer risk

About 5–10% of cancers are caused by hereditary syndromes (inherited genetic changes). Knowing this risk can personalize screening, prevention and treatment. Consider evaluation if you have:

  • Cancer diagnosed under the age of 50 (breast, uterine, colon)
  • Multiple close relatives with cancer on the same side of the family
  • More than one primary cancer (e.g., bilateral breast, colon and stomach)
  • Rare cancers (ovarian, male breast, metastatic prostate) or tumor pathology suggesting a syndrome
  • A known familial mutation or hereditary syndrome 

Pediatrics and prenatal

Your child may benefit from a genetics appointment if they have developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, multiple health problems or birth defects, seizures or muscle concerns, or abnormal physical features or a family history of a suspected genetic condition.

You and your child may benefit from a genetics appointment during pregnancy or planning if you’ve had: 

  • Family history of a genetic condition
  • Abnormal ultrasound finding
  • Carrier screening (including ethnicity-based)
  • Multiple pregnancy losses
  • Discussion of screening/diagnostic test results or advanced maternal age
  • Concerns about exposures that may increase birth-defect risk  

Specialty clinics

Genetics can be part of coordinated care for conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, and cleft lip and palate.

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What is medical genetics?

Medical genetics evaluates how your DNA and family health history may impact your health, explains testing options, and guides next steps for you and your relatives. You’ll meet with geneticists (physicians who diagnose conditions with a genetic basis) and genetic counselors (master’s-trained specialists in human genetics) who work together to provide clear, compassionate care.

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Why a genetic evaluation?

A genetics visit can:

  • Clarify your genetic risks and whether testing makes sense for you or your family
  • Provide a diagnosis for unexplained symptoms
  • Inform care plans and identify specialized services or clinical trials
  • Guide relatives on who else may benefit from evaluation or testing

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What to expect

Before your visit
Bring your family health history (ideally three generations) including diagnoses, ages at diagnosis, birth defects, and exposures (e.g., tobacco, chemicals). Include healthy relatives and countries of origin. Update it yearly and share with your care team.  

During your visit
Your genetic counselor will review your personal and family history, discuss testing options, benefits, limitations and help you decide what’s right for you. Testing is always voluntary and not required to receive counseling.  

Insurance and costs
Many plans cover genetics evaluations when medically necessary; testing coverage is separate and reviewed during or after your appointment. Benefits vary by insurer.

Privacy and discrimination
State and national laws protect against genetic discrimination in health insurance and employment and your counselor can address specific questions during your visit.

Already tested?
You can meet even if you’ve already had testing to interpret results and discuss additional options if needed.

Clinical vs. direct-to-consumer testing
Clinical tests ordered through your care team are regulated for accuracy and utility. Direct-to-consumer tests don’t meet the same standards and can lead to inaccurate results or misinterpretation, please discuss concerns with your counselor before testing.

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Frequently asked questions

Is testing required?

No. Genetic counseling does not require testing. Your counselor explains options and supports your decision, either way.

Is there an age limit?

No. Patients of any age can have genetics counseling or testing.

What about genetic discrimination?

State and national laws protect against genetic discrimination in health insurance and employment. Discuss specifics with your counselor if you have concerns.

I already had testing. Can you help?

Yes. We can interpret results and discuss additional testing if appropriate.

Is clinical testing different from tests I can order online?

Yes. Clinically ordered testing is regulated for accuracy and clinical utility while direct-to-consumer tests are not, and may be inaccurate or misinterpreted. Please consult us before testing.