Determine your risk of developing certain diseases, and get recommendations for screenings and preventive treatment. Genetic counselors in Fairmont, Minnesota, work with you from start to finish, navigating the complexity of genetic testing by recommending testing that's right for you to understanding your results — empowering you to live your best life.

A gene is like an instruction manual for your body that tells it how to function, develop and stay healthy. Some health conditions are almost completely determined by your genes, while others you may develop because of your environment.

Although genetic testing can provide important information for diagnosing, treating and preventing illness, there are limitations. For example, if you're a healthy person, a positive result from genetic testing doesn't always mean you will develop a disease. However, a negative result doesn't guarantee that you won't have a certain disorder.

Genetic counseling is available for these specialties:

• Cardiology
• OB-GYN
• Oncology

Making a genetic counseling appointment

Talk to your primary care provider about specific family health history concerns. If further discussion is recommended, you may be referred to meet with a genetic counselor.

External health care professionals can call 1-855-392-8400 to refer a patient.

Genetic counseling is available via:

• Video appointment from any location for Mayo Clinic Health System patients
• In-person appointment in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, or Mankato, Minnesota

If genetic testing is right for you, your genetic counselor will place an order for the test to be completed on-site or mailed to your home, based on your preference. Testing is available for Cardiology, OB-GYN and Oncology. Medication testing, or pharmacogenomics, is a separate service provided by Mayo Clinic.

Get more details about genetic counseling.