Genetic counseling is a guidance service offered to prospective parents who are concerned about whether they might pass on a family disease, defect, or trait to their future children. It is also for parents who already have one child with an illness or disability, who want to know their risks of having a second child with the condition. Genetic counselors also work with parents who are closely related, or who have had a previous miscarriage or infant death. They deal with parents who have had multiples (twins or triplets, etc.), or those who have been exposed to an environmental hazard where a pregnancy might be put at risk.
What is a genetic counselor?
Genetic counselors enter their practice from a variety of different backgrounds, including nursing, social work, psychology, biology, and medicine. They have specific training in medical genetics and understand how genetic inheritance plays a role in particular disorders and traits. A genetic counselor will often work as one member of a medical health team who can provide various services including educating and offering support.
What kinds of things will happen in a genetic consultation?
A genetic counselor will typically start by helping the couple prepare a pedigree, which is a lot like a medical family tree. The counselor will note any genetic disorders that have occurred in either of the couple’s families and the inheritance patterns for those disorders. Sometimes the counselor can arrange for chromosomal testing to be done to help identify abnormalities which could affect a future birth. He or she might explore environmental influences which may have contributed to a defect or abnormality, such as exposure to radiation, drugs, injury, or malnutrition. A genetic counselor can also advise a couple on the available genetic screening methods available by which a fetus can be tested to see if it has inherited the disorder. Couples will need to prepare themselves for this kind of information and what they would do with the knowledge that their child may be born with special needs. In some cases counselors can also discuss alternative parenting options such as adoption, artificial insemination with donor sperm, or surrogate motherhood.
Is there any occasion when a genetic consultation would not be recommended?
A genetic consultation can be a tremendous resource for parents. However, if the couple has a child with an undiagnosed condition and is concerned about the health of future children, the counselor will be limited in what help he or she can provide. Certain genetic disorders are X-linked (passed from the mother), some are dominant, recessive, unifactorial, etc. But without knowledge about the disorder in question, genetic patterns are nearly impossible to accurately predict. Still, there may be some resources for testing, or methods for analysis that a genetic counselor might be aware of which a typical pediatrician would not.
Are genetic consultations covered by insurance?
In most cases, yes. However it’s important to contact your insurance company in advance and ask them what specific coverage is provided. Your out-of-pocket expense for a genetic counseling session, without insurance, is likely to cost $150.00 per hour or more.
How to find a genetic counselor:
Contact the National Society of Genetic Counselors, and find one by location. You can also try the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
Kristyn Crow is the author of this blog. Visit her website by clicking here. Some links on this blog may have been generated by outside sources are not necessarily endorsed by Kristyn Crow.
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