Genetic Counseling
The University of Pennsylvania HD Center has a board-certified and experienced Genetic Counselor who meets with patients and their families to discuss genetic testing and provide support throughout the process.
What is a Genetic Counselor?
- Genetic counselors have specialized graduate training in areas of medical genetics and counseling. They work in tandem with a patient's doctors and healthcare team in order to ensure they receive the best and most effective care possible. Genetic counselors can discuss technical questions about the genetic test, the potential benefits of genetic testing, limitations of genetic testing, the process of genetic testing, & what the results could mean for an individual and their family. Genetic counselors also provide emotional support and resources as people adjust to living with a diagnosis or living at risk for a condition.
How does the Genetic Counselor help patients and their families?
- Our genetic counselor discusses a patient's individual situation and helps the patient and their families make informed decisions concerning their genetic health.
Does a patient have to meet with a Genetic Counselor to get tested?
Yes, all individuals considering genetic testing must meet with a genetic counselor in-person at the HD Center.
It is imperative that patients meet with a genetic counselor in order to make sure that a multitude of factors and actions have been considered before an informed decision is made. The process at our center follows guidelines from the HD Society of America.
Genetic counselors will also meet with patients following their testing in order to continue a line of communication and support, and to help provide the patient and their family information for the next step, if necessary.
For more information on genetic testing, click here
Does a patient have to plan to get tested to meet with a Genetic Counselor?
No, an individual does not have to plan to get tested to meet with a genetic counselor. After speaking with a genetic counselor, individuals may decide that they would like to get tested, or they may decide to not get tested at that time.
Speaking with a genetic counselor does NOT mean that an individual has to undergo the genetic testing process. Genetic counseling will ensure that an individual has accurate and up-to-date information on which to base their decision.
What else can be discussed with the Genetic Counselor?
If an individual decides to proceed with genetic testing, the genetic counselor will also discuss the plan for result disclosure. At our center, due to the sensitive nature of this test result, we offer to HOLD the results from auto-releasing in the portal. With this, we can arrange that the results are disclosed and discussed in detail during a scheduled follow-up visit at our center. This can be discussed in more detail with the team.