Knowing what to expect on your visit to the Genetics Center may help relieve concerns. Here's some general information to help you plan.
What to Expect
1. Appointments generally lasts 1-2 hours.
2. You may first meet with a genetic counselor who will ask questions about pregnancy and birth history, developmental history (such as the ages at which sitting, walking and talking occurred), medical history and family history.
3. You will then meet with a medical geneticist, a physician with special training in genetics. This may include a detailed physical examination and, if necessary, laboratory tests.
Items to Bring to Your Appointment
Please bring the following materials with you when you come for your appointment.
1. A list of your questions about the condition
2. All available medical records including lab reports, x-rays, developmental evaluations and other physician consultations. (your physicians can help you gather these materials)
3. Family records, such as baby books and other records of birth, growth and development
4. Photographs of the individual being evaluated, at different ages, and videos if you have them
5. Photographs of family members, at different ages, and videos if you have them (in many cases, pictures of parents as infants or children are helpful)
6. Information about other family members who may be affected. It is best if they can come to the evaluation; if they cannot attend, please bring their names, addresses and any other information such as medical records, photographs, etc.
7. Financial information, such as your insurance card(s), Medicaid card, North Carolina Health Choice card, and social security number*
*If you are enrolled in a managed care plan, such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield Personal Care Plan, Healthsource or any other HMO, you will need an authorization number prior to your visit. Please obtain this preauthorization through your primary care physician before your appointment.
Report and Recommendations
During your evaluation, we will discuss our findings with you. We may be able to provide you with some information and recommendations at the time of your appointment. If testing is done, we may need to wait for the results in order to further discuss and assess your situation. Whatever the case, we will give you as much information as possible so you and your family can make the best decisions.
Both you and your regular physician will receive a written report about your visit. In some cases, follow-up appointments may be suggested since advances in genetics are being made daily and certain genetic conditions become more apparent with time.
For more information, please call the Genetics Center at 828-213-0022
or toll free at 1-888-810-2800.
