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What to Expect at Your Child’s Genetic Counseling Visit
Who will you meet?
You and your child will meet with one of our genetic counselors. A genetic counselor is a health care provider trained to:
- Explain how genes impact health and development
- Discuss options for genetic testing
- Help you understand test results
What will happen at the visit?
The genetic counselor will:
- Ask questions about your child’s health and development
- Ask about your family’s health history
If your child does not have a diagnosis, the genetic counselor might recommend genetic testing to determine the cause of the health or developmental concerns.
If your child already has a diagnosis, the genetic counselor will explain the condition and discuss the chances that others in your family may have it, too.
Where is the visit?
You can meet with our genetic counselors in person or virtually:
- In person at the Phalen Clinic: 435 Phalen Boulevard, 2nd Floor, Saint Paul, MN 55130
- Virtually (online video visit)
How do I schedule?
Your child’s provider sent a referral to see a genetic counselor. You will get a message within 3-7 days to schedule the appointment by:
- Calling 651-290-8707, or
- Using the Gillette patient portal
Visit our website for more information: https://www.gillettechildrens.org/conditions-care/genetics
Questions Caregivers Often Ask
Genetic testing looks at your child’s genes or chromosomes to find changes (often called genetic change or variant). Our genes act like instructions for how our body grows, develops, and works. Some variants can lead to health or developmental changes. Genetic testing can help us find a variant that causes a genetic condition or tell us that your child does not have a specific genetic condition. Testing may involve:
- A blood sample
- A cheek swab
Genetic testing can provide helpful information for your family. It can:
- Give a name or diagnosis that helps explain your child’s symptoms
- Offer insights into other health needs now or in the future
- Clarify whether other family members (including future children) may share similar symptoms
- Support personalized care or treatment options for your child
- Help your child’s care team understand your child’s needs better
- Connect you with other families who have similar experiences
No. The genetics team will give you information to help you decide what is best for your family.
Most insurance plans do cover genetic testing. Our team will help you understand the process and cost of testing based on your child’s insurance.
Maybe. Depending on the genetic testing recommended by your child’s provider or our genetics team, your child might get their blood drawn or their cheek swabbed. We will try to get your child’s blood drawn or cheek swab done on the same day as the in-person visit, but this may not happen because of insurance coverage.
Your child does not have to be present for a virtual visit, but we would recommend they come in for an in-person visit so we can collect samples that day, if possible.
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your health care providers. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor or others on your health care team.
If you are a Gillette patient with urgent questions or concerns, please contact the Nurse Help Line at 651-229-3890.
The information on this page is reviewed by Gillette Children's medical editors for general educational purposes.
