Genetic Counseling: What to Expect

 

What is Genetic Counseling?

Genetic counseling involves working with you and your family, or those who may be at risk for an inherited condition or birth defect. It requires good communication to help you and your family understand how inheritance works, and what causes genetic conditions.

Specially trained doctors and nurses provide counseling.

What will take place at my first genetic counseling appointment?

During your first visit to the Genetics Clinic, the doctor will attempt to give you a diagnosis. This will involve a detailed family and medical history. It is also important for you to find out some information from the father of your child regarding family history. The doctor may conduct a physical exam and it may be necessary to do some laboratory testing.

You may find it helpful to bring a parent with you; they can help answer difficult questions regarding family history. The initial appointment will last about 1 ½ hours. It is important for you to arrive on time to your appointment. If you need to cancel your appointment, you need to call the Riverside Medical Outpatient scheduling at (815) 935-7531.

What happens next?

Once a diagnosis has been made, you will be given information and education regarding the diagnosis. It is important to know how this condition will affect you and your family. The doctor will discuss options for treatment and management of the conditions. This information will be shared with your primary doctor.

It is important to ask questions to help you understand the condition, possible treatment and the affect on you and your family. Some possible questions are:

  • What causes this condition?
  • Are there any long-term affects?
  • Is there a cure for this condition?
  • Can this condition be passed on to my children?
  • Is there financial assistance available for people with this condition?

Once you have been given information and education regarding the condition, the Genetic Clinic will help you find support groups, and further educational opportunities. It will be important for you to talk with other parents affected by the same condition.

Follow up information will be sent to the primary doctor. Any additional testing will be conducted through that office.

What if I already know that a genetic condition is in my family history?

If you already know that there is a family history of a specific genetic condition or birth defect, the doctor at the Genetics Clinic will help you with educational opportunities, information and access to a support group. The doctor can also help determine if the genetic condition will affect you or your children.

What if I cannot afford to pay for genetic services?

For most genetic services, the medical card or KidCare card will cover the cost. If the services are not covered, there are agencies that will provide the funding for some of the genetic services.

Who benefits from Genetic Counseling?

  • Pregnant women who are at risk for complications or birth defects because of age, blood tests, ultrasound or family history.
  • Pregnant women who have had two or more miscarriages, stillbirths, or a baby who died.
  • Couples who are, or couples who would like to become pregnant and would like prenatal testing regarding certain genetic conditions.
  • Parents who have a child that was diagnosed related to family history or ethnic group.
  • Couples who are blood relatives, with a genetic disease on a newborn screening test.
  • Parents who are concerned about their child because of mental retardation or birth defect.
  • Adults who are concerned about their risk for disease based on lifestyle, occupational hazards, medical or family history.
  • Adults who are concerned about their risk of developing cancer based on personal or family history.

Helpful Definitions:

Birth Defect
An abnormality of body structure, function or metabolism, which results in physical or mental handicap. It can shorten life span, or be fatal. It either is inherited or is caused by an environmental factor.
Diagnosis
A medical term given by a doctor to label the condition or symptoms in a patient.
Genetics
The study of heredity, or the traits that are passed through a family.
Primary Doctor
The doctor that you or your child sees on a regular basis.
Support Group
A group of people with problems or situations in common that meet on a regular basis to discuss coping with their situations.

For More Information

Please contact:

Kankakee County Health Department
2390 W Station St
Kankakee, Illinois 60901
(815) 802-9320

Genetic Services are provided by Riverside Medical Center Genetics.