Frequently Asked Questions about the Hereditary Cancer Program
How much will my appointment cost?
This will depend on your insurance and whether or not they will cover our services. The first genetic counseling appointment is typically covered by most insurance companies.
How much will genetic testing cost?
Cost of genetic testing can vary depending on the testing ordered, which cannot be determined until we meet with you at your appointment. Of note, we do not perform prior authorization with your insurance company prior to the appointment. We work with laboratories that perform prior authorization after we send in your sample. Details about the cost of testing will be answered at your appointment.
How long will the appointment last?
The appointment can last anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour. We recommend that you arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to allow for registration.
What should I do to prepare for the appointment?
- We recommend talking to your family members to obtain information about types of cancer diagnoses, ages at diagnosis and screening practices for your close family members.
- Ask your family members if they have had genetic testing in the past. If a family member has had testing, try to bring a copy of the results to the appointment.
Do I have to have a referral for the appointment?
Although recommended, you do not have to have a referral for the appointment. If you do not have a referral, we recommend that you contact the Hereditary Cancer Program at 513-636-4760, option 1.
What is genetic counseling?
Genetic counseling is the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. This process integrates:
- Interpretation of family and medical histories to assess the chance of disease occurrence or recurrence
- Education about inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources and research
- Counseling to promote informed choices and adaptation to the risk or condition
What is a genetic counselor?
Genetic counselors are health professionals with specialized graduate degrees and experience in the areas of medical genetics and counseling. Most enter the field from a variety of disciplines, including biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health and social work.
Genetic counselors work as members of a health care team, providing information and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. They identify families at risk, investigate the problem present in the family, interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence and review available options with the family.
Genetic counselors also:
- Provide supportive counseling to families
- Serve as patient advocates and refer individuals and families to community or state support services
- Serve as educators and resource people for other health care professionals and for the general public
Some counselors also work in administrative capacities. Many engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics and genetic counseling.
