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What is genetic counseling?

Frequently Asked Questions about Eye Conditions & Eye Ca...
Genetic counseling is a communication process which deals with the human problems associated with the occurrence, or the risk of occurrence, of a genetic disorder or birth defect in a family. As part of this process, the patient obtains information regarding diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and inheritance of the genetic condition or birth defect of concern to the family. In some cases genetic testing is available for specific genetic diseases.
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Who should consider genetic counseling?

FAQs
Family member who was born with a birth defect [i.e. congenital heart disease, cleft lip, spina bifida] Those with a family history of a genetic condition [i.e. Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis] Women with a history of two or more miscarriages. Pregnant women who will be 35 or older at the time of delivery. Individuals of certain ethnic backgrounds [i.e. Ashkenazi Jewish or French Canadian descent] This is not a complete list. For additional questions, contact us at the St.
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When Should You Consider Genetic Counseling & Prenatal Diagnoses?

FAQs
You have an ongoing medical condition such as diabetes, thrombosis, psychiatric conditions, or a seizure disorder. You have been exposed to certain medications, alcohol, street drugs, chemicals, x-rays or infections during your pregnancy. You or your partner are from an ethnic origin in which a specific genetic condition is more common (e.g. sickle cell anemia in individuals of African-American descent and Tay Sachs disease in individuals of Ashkenazic Jewish descent).
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When should genetic counseling be considered?

TARC - FAQ
Regardless of age, there is a three percent chance of delivering a baby with birth defects, and for women in their late thirties and older, an additional two percent of having a baby with Down syndrome. However, other reasons for seeking genetic counseling include: In almost every large medical center in the United States, genetic counseling and medical genetics have become an essential part of obstetrics programs.
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Yale Cancer Genetic Counseling Center | Yale Cancer Center
Genetic counseling is a communication process that includes elicitation of a detailed personal and family history, risk assessment, and a discussion of the genetic testing options. The risks, benefits and limitations of testing and personalized recommendations for cancer surveillance and risk reduction are also discussed during the counseling sessions. For more information about these sessions please see Steps of our Program.
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Angioma Alliance
Genetic counseling is the process of evaluating family history and medical records, ordering genetic tests, evaluating the results of this investigation, and helping parents understand and reach decisions about what to do next. Genetic tests don't yield easy-to-understand results. They can reveal the presence, absence, or malformation of genes or chromosomes. Deciphering what these complex tests mean is where a genetic counselor comes in.
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Hudson Valley Neurology
Hudson Valley Neurology offers education and guidance by professional advisors in order to help people make informed decisions based on genetic knowledge. Genetic counseling is intended to help a person understand the meaning of specific information about his or her genes. It also is intended to help a person decide whether to have a genetic test performed or what to do with information provided by such a test.
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When should someone consider counseling?

IU Northwest: Counseling Services
A student should consider getting an evaluation for counseling whenever a personal problem, a behavior or a mood alteration interferes significantly with normal functioning or with a significant relationship. If a personal problem prevents a student from regular class attendance, from completing assignments or from doing as well as usual on tests, then it is a good idea to have the situation assessed.
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Is preconception care the same as genetic counseling?

Armity A. Simon, M.D. & Patricia A. Grade, M.D. Obstetrics &...
Preconception care is a relatively new concept in preventive medicine that helps couples to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle before conception. Genetic counseling may be included in preconception care, but the primary areas if concern are aspects of the couple's health and lifestyle. Nutrition, exercise, and substance use and/or abuse are some of the obvious areas of concern.
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Who Needs Genetic Counseling?

Frequently Asked Questions - Carolina OB/GYN Ultrasound - De...
Individuals of ethnic groups in which particular inherited diseases are more common, including African-American, French-Canadian, Jewish, Mediterranean or Asian backgrounds. Women exposed to certain medications or drugs, significant radiation, and/or particular infections during pregnancy. Individuals who are known to be at risk for carrying genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, sickle cell disease or thalassemia.
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Can I just have genetic testing without counseling?

Yale Cancer Genetic Counseling Center | Yale Cancer Center
No. Counseling is an integral part of the testing process and is essential for accurate result interpretation and management.
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Will my insurance pay for genetic counseling?

Yale Cancer Genetic Counseling Center | Yale Cancer Center
Most insurance companies cover part, if not all, of the counseling charges (range $500-$800). Check your insurance policy to see if you generally require a referral from your primary care physician.
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What is genetic counseling and how can it help?

Informed Medical Decisions - About Hereditary Cancer and Gen...
Genetic counseling helps you understand your risk of hereditary cancer. Genetic counseling also includes information about genetic testing and cancer screening and prevention options. Here is what will happen when you talk with a genetic counselor: Review of your personal and family medical history. You and your genetic counselor will discuss your personal and family medical history.
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What actually happens during a genetic counseling session?

FAQs
A genetic counselor will review your medical family history and possibly look at your family tree, called a pedigree. The counselor may explain prenatal and genetic testing options, discuss benefits and limitations of testing, facilitate decision making and provide other genetic information as requested.
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If I am not planning any more children, what would be the benefit of genetic counseling?

FAQs
Since we do not have control over what genes we inherit, counseling allows individuals to gain as much control as possible over management of their health and other significant life choices. We continue to learn more about genetic conditions that may affect an individual from birth to adulthood. Some conditions do not occur until later in life. New discoveries frequently allow for earlier detection and better treatment and management, which ultimately improve the lives of children and adults.
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How would I use the results of genetic counseling and testing?

Yale Cancer Genetic Counseling Center | Yale Cancer Center
This information will help to estimate a person's true risks of developing cancer, and to develop a personalized plan for surveillance and management based on those risks. It can also be very useful to the entire family. We discuss these issues, in depth, in the counseling sessions.
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Do I need a referral from my physician for genetic counseling?

Yale Cancer Genetic Counseling Center | Yale Cancer Center
Our program does not require a referral, but your insurance may. Please check with your particular carrier and policy on this issue.
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Should I consider credit counseling?

Methner and Associates : Colorado Bankruptcy Lawyers : FAQ
If you have the ability to pay off your debt, we encourage you to consider credit counseling. Beware of distant online firms that claim to pay your bills if you send them a monthly payment. Many will hold your money and ignore your creditors. Creditors can still sue you and garnish your wages. If you are going to try to pay off your debt, we suggest you contact Consumer Credit Counseling Services.
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Should I consider credit counseling as an alternative?

Bankruptcy.org - Bankruptcy Resources: FAQs
It is wise to research all of your options. Call Money Management International to speak with a trained credit counselor that can help you to discover a solution to your debt problem. It may be possible to establish a repayment plan that is agreeable to both you and the lender. Some of the benefits include a lower, consolidated monthly payment and ceased collection efforts. A notation that you filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy would remain on your credit bureau file for up to ten years.
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How is genetic testing and/or genetic counseling covered?

ConnectiCare - Provider Frequently Asked Questions
Genetic testing for the following carrier status: carrier screening for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, Factor V (Leiden) deficiency, and cystic fibrosis; or
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I want genetic testing. Do I need to have genetic counseling?

Cancer Genetics
Yes. Genetic counseling by an experienced healthcare professional is an integral part of the genetic testing process. During the genetic counseling process the risks, benefits and limitations of genetic testing are discussed. Medical management options and accurate interpretation of genetic test results are also important parts of a genetic counseling session.
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Why consider genetic testing?

Q&A / Focus on Fertility - Fertility Centers of Illinois
Your age and his severe male factor problem are major obstacles to a successful pregnancy. Unfortunately, for women ages 40-44, 50 -100% of their eggs may be genetically abnormal, causing infertility but also significantly increasing the risks for miscarriages and genetic birth defects.
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What is genetic susceptibility?

Vitiligo Support International - Frequently Asked Questions
This is the theory that the susceptibility or predisposition to vitiligo is genetic, and that some defect in the genetic structure, makes people more susceptible to vitiligo. While we do see vitiligo in more than one family member about 20% of the time, about 80% of patients report no other family members with vitiligo. Many experts agree that not everyone who is susceptible to vitiligo will necessarily develop it.
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Is epilepsy genetic?

Penn Comprehensive Neuroscience Center: Services and Program...
Some types of epilepsy run in families. If you have generalized epilepsy, your first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, and children) have about a four-fold increased risk for epilepsy. First-degree relatives of people with partial seizures have twice the risk of developing epilepsy as the general population. Although there is some increased risk, it is important to remember that the overall risk of epilepsy in other family members is still low.
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How is the genetic test done?

Iron Disorders Institute - Frequently Asked Questions
A tissue sample can be obtained by taking blood or by doing a cheek swab. Both ways are reliable. About 15% of those with iron overload do not have mutations of HFE. Genetic testing does not provide information about tissue iron levels.
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What is genetic testing?

Frequently Asked Questions about Eye Conditions & Eye Ca...
Genetic tests, also called DNA-based tests, are some of the newest and most sophisticated techniques that we can use to test for genetic diseases. Most tests involve looking directly at the DNA in a specific disease-associated gene. The actual information of each gene is carried within the DNA itself. The DNA can be taken from cells in a sample of blood or, occasionally, from other body fluids or tissues.
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What else should I consider?

Organ Transplant, SVCMC; New York NY
You may be worried about having an organ transplant, being in a transplant center or hospital, or being around medical equipment or doctors. You may have concerns that you will not survive the surgery. All are normal concerns. Most people who have undergone an organ transplant say it was a good decision, and that the surgery and lifelong use of medications and lifestyle changes are worth it. The quality of your life can greatly improve. You should have more energy soon after your transplant.
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