Genetic Counseling

Our Counselors are certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.

Our board-certified genetic counselors work closely with you in a private and confidential setting to make sure you have the information you need to make the important decision of whether or not testing is appropriate for you. We take the time to help you understand how inherited diseases work and how test results may affect ongoing healthcare. If you decide to proceed with genetic testing, we will assist with the lab work and processing.

We offer genetic counseling and testing in Columbus, Marion, Delaware and Mansfield, Ohio. 

If you have any questions about cancer and cardiovascular genetic counseling and testing, please call (614) 788.4640. 

Cancer Genetic Counseling and Testing

The OhioHealth Genetic Counseling program provides comprehensive and informative risk assessment for hereditary cancer. Additionally we help determine whether the cancer in someone’s family is hereditary and, in collaboration with you and your physician, help develop the most appropriate ongoing care plan. This includes how your family history and/or genetic test results may change your cancer screening and risk reduction options, helping you to establish a preventive care plan.

Cardiovascular Disease Genetic Counseling and Testing

Our genetic counselors work with you and your family to help identify whether the heart disease in your family is hereditary. We can help you and your physician make the best choices for your ongoing care. We evaluate your risk for:

• Inherited cardiomyopathy (disease affecting the heart muscle)
• Arrhythmia (disease affecting the heart’s electrical system)
• Hypercholesterolemia (disease causing very high cholesterol)

Before you begin your hereditary risk assessment, please complete and submit either the cardiovascular disease or cancer genetic counseling and testing online questionnaire. Once received, we will call you to schedule your first counseling appointment.

After Your Appointment with a Genetic Counselor

Once available, we will discuss your results and the implications with you in detail. We'll send you and your referring physician a detailed letter that summarizes the information discussed, including results and recommendations. At your request, we will send a copy of this letter to other physicians or family members.

Frequently Asked Questions

• WHAT HAPPENS DURING A GENETIC COUNSELING SESSION?

  The goal of genetic counseling is to help patients and family members understand:

  • The likelihood that you and/or your family member’s history of cancer is hereditary.
  • Whether or not genetic testing would be helpful for you and/or your family.
  • How your family history and/or genetic test results may change your cancer screening and risk reduction options.

  GENETIC COUNSELING: IS IT COVERED BY INSURANCE?

  A genetic counseling appointment is billed as a facility fee and covered by most insurance plans. The patient’s responsibility typically is similar to a co-payment for a specialty appointment. If you have questions regarding your insurance coverage, please check with your insurance provider prior to your appointment.

  GENETIC TESTING: IS IT COVERED BY INSURANCE?

  Genetic testing is billed by an outside laboratory and covered by most insurance plans when the medical criteria are met. During your appointment, the genetic counselor will determine if you meet the criteria and if genetic testing is appropriate.

  HOW MUCH DOES GENETIC TESTING COST?

  The cost of genetic testing varies based on the type of test ordered and laboratory performing testing. This can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Each laboratory has a policy in place that ensures you will be notified if your out-of-pocket cost is greater than a certain amount and will give you the opportunity to cancel testing, if desired.

• WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE INSURANCE?

  As a not-for-profit charitable organization, OhioHealth provides a generous charity care policy and provides a risk assessment regardless of a person’s ability to pay. If testing is recommended, additional programs may be available to cover some or all of testing costs.

  CAN I BE DENIED HEALTH INSURANCE IF I'M AT RISK FOR A HEREDITARY DISEASE?

  No. There are state and federal laws in place to protect you. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) is a federal law passed in 2008. GINA applies to both group health insurance plans and self-insurance plans.

  WHAT ABOUT DISABILITY AND LIFE INSURANCE DISCRIMINATION?

  There are no laws protecting against disability and life insurance discrimination. Life insurance companies could use genetic test results to determine rates. These companies do ask for y our personal and family history information to determine your risk level. Some people consider obtaining life insurance policies before having genetic testing.

  DO YOU OFFER GENETIC COUNSELING AND TESTING FOR MATERNAL FETAL MEDICINE?

  In addition to genetic counseling and testing for cancer and heart conditions, we also have a group dedicated to maternal fetal medicine genetic counseling and testing. This team with specialized training in medical genetics and inherited disorders can help you learn about your chance of having a child with genetic disorders or birth defects. If you are interested in learning more about maternal fetal medicine genetic counseling and testing, please call (614) 566.4378.

  *We offer virtual pre-conception genetic counseling with telemedicine.