Genetic Counseling is a consultative service that helps patients sort through complex information about the chances for a genetic disorder or birth defect as well as available testing and treatment options. Genetic counselors are specially trained professionals that are able to help your patient understand and process the available information so that they may make the best decision for themselves and their family.

During a genetic counseling session detailed medical, pregnancy and family histories will be obtained for risk assessment. Relavent test results will be reviewed. Options for screening and testing will be presented. The risks, benefits and limitations of each option will be discussed with careful attention to patient comprehension in a nonjudgemental manner.

Kadlec Regional Medical Center has developed as a comprehensive service to include preconception, prenatal, pediatric and adult genetic counseling. Some common indications for referral include:

• Breast and colon cancer risk assesment
• Counseling for adult onset conditions such as hereditary cancer, hemochromatosis, hereditary thrombophilia and huntington disease to name a few
• Individuals with a family history of a developmental delay, birth defects or known genetic conditions
• Infants or children suspected of having developmental delay, a birth defect or genetic condition
• Pregnant women who have concerns arising from abnormal test results (e.g. ultrasound and blood screening).

Please contact your primary care provider and request a referral to be faxed to 509-942-2013 or call Sarah Hall, MS, CGC directly at 509-942-2821.