Genetic Counseling

Genetic Counseling (Inherited Diseases)

Your genetic makeup can determine your risk of developing certain health conditions. Identifying genetic mutations (changes) and how they may affect you and your family can influence how you approach your health and disease prevention.

We offer genetic counseling close to home and backed by Mayo Clinic expertise. Our counselors provide information and support for people who have or may be at risk for genetic conditions. They break down complex genetic information to help you navigate genetic testing options and testing results. Under the guidance of a genetic counselor, you can make informed decisions about your health.

Find out more about our genetic counseling services:

Conditions and consultations
Services
Genetic specialists
Referrals
FAQ
Genetic counselors near you

Conditions and consultations

During an initial consultation, a genetic counselor will review your medical history and family health history. They use that information to determine:

Your potential risk for an inherited disease
Whether genetic testing may be appropriate

Your genetic counselor may also discuss:

Genetic testing options, outlining the tests to consider, insurance coverage and cost
Expectations to help you understand what the testing may or may not reveal
Family concerns, including what your genetic makeup may mean for your children

Genetic testing examines your DNA (the genetic information inside your cells) using a blood or saliva sample. It looks for changes in your genes that may cause illness or disease.

Genetic testing is used for many specialties, including:

Oncology (cancer)
If a specific cancer type is common in your family history, it may indicate a hereditary cancer syndrome. People with hereditary cancer syndromes have one or more inherited genetic mutations. These gene changes put them at higher risk for developing cancer during their lifetime. There are known syndromes for many types of cancer, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer.
Cardiology
Some genetic mutations increase the risk of developing a heart condition. Cardiac conditions with genetic risk factors include cardiomyopathy, high cholesterol, congenital heart disease and arrhythmias.
Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB-GYN)
Some people choose to have genetic testing before becoming pregnant. Doing so can help determine a future child's risk for inherited conditions. During pregnancy, genetic testing screens for common genetic conditions that are not inherited, such as Down syndrome. Having that information can help parents prepare medically and emotionally for a child born with a genetic condition.

Genetic testing can provide information to help diagnose, treat and prevent illness. Talking to your genetic counselor and healthcare provider about the next steps is an important part of the process.

Services

Genetic counseling consultations at are available in-person or virtually.

In-person
Genetic counseling is offered in-person at select locations. If you proceed with genetic testing, you can complete the testing on campus or at home using a mailed testing kit.
Virtually
A virtual appointment allows you to consult with a genetic counselor from home. You can meet with a genetic counselor from any location using the Mayo Clinic app or your online patient portal. They can send you a genetic testing kit that you can complete at home, if needed.

Genetic specialists

While your genetic counselor is not a physician, they are part of your healthcare team and work closely with your referring physician.

Genetic counselors have advanced training in genetics and counseling. Their background enables them to provide patients with:

Education about genetic diseases and testing
Emotional support as you process information and make decisions

Referrals

A referral is required for genetic counseling. Talk with your primary care provider to determine if genetic counseling is right for you and to arrange a referral.

If you are a provider, you can refer a patient online, by phone or by fax.

FAQ

How should I prepare for my first genetic counseling session?

Before your appointment, gather information about your family's medical history. The more closely related you are to someone, the more their health history may affect you. Focus primarily on first-degree relatives, such as parents, full siblings and children. Information about second-degree relatives, such as half-siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, is also useful.

Note whether relatives are living or deceased, as well as their current age or age when they passed away. Use this family health history form or your own method to record details about their health history and other risk factors, including:

Chronic conditions (including obesity) and age of diagnosis
Conditions requiring care from a specialist or prescription medication
Conditions present at birth or that developed at a young age
Country of origin
Exposure to radiation or chemicals
Known gene mutations in a family member
Major health events and the age at which each occurred
Substance use disorders (including alcohol and tobacco)

Does insurance cover genetic counseling and testing?

Genetic counseling does not require prior authorization. However, you may want to confirm that your insurance provider considers Mayo Clinic Health System "in network.”

Genetic testing is billed separately from genetic counseling. If you proceed with genetic testing, your genetic counselor can discuss the costs, options, insurance coverage and prior authorizations.

For more information about insurance coverage prior to a genetic counseling appointment, contact the financial navigator at 715-838-1747.

Are there risks associated with genetic tests?

Genetic tests, which are typically performed using blood and saliva, have almost no physical risk. If genetic screening tests during pregnancy suggest an increased risk for a genetic disorder, you may consider having a diagnostic test, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. These tests carry a slight risk of pregnancy loss.

Genetic testing may involve emotional, social and financial risks. Before having the test, discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider or genetic counselor.

Can genetic information affect my health insurance or employment?

No. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008 is a federal law that protects people from genetic discrimination. Your genetic information cannot be used against you when it comes to health insurance or employment. Your family health history and genetic testing results cannot be considered a pre-existing condition.