If you’re getting ready to go to your first genetic counseling session you might have a few questions — what should you bring with you, and what should you ask the counselor to understand the diagnostics better?
Genetic counseling is generally conducted by highly trained individuals who can give you detailed information about your genetics and educate you about the risk of developing certain diseases. To get the most out of your genetic counseling appointment it’s important to bring all of your medical documentation with you as well as a list of questions that will help you understand the findings of the test better.
Genetic testing technology can probe into the farthest corners of your genome. However, this means that you will need to know more than just your own medical past. It’s important to try to get as much information on the medical histories of your entire family (including both primary and secondary family members) as possible. This should include any history of diseases like cancer and other medical conditions.
You’ll also want to be sure to make a list of all deceased family members and include such details like their current age or their age when they passed, as well as the ages at which they were diagnosed with a particular medical condition. This will help your genetic counselor better tailor their feedback and interpretation of the test results with greater accuracy.
If you recently underwent prenatal genetic screening, you might also want to include the pregnancy history of you and your partner. This includes any miscarriages, previous live births, and other notable health issues that you might have experienced during your pregnancy. Medications, drug, and other substance abuse must also be taken into account when sharing your medical history with a genetic counselor, as this can provide them with a greater insight to your risk.
It’s essential to be forthright with your counselor when discussing any history of genetic disorders. This can allow them to evaluate your case accurately and come up with a better analysis of your genetic testing results. They are likely to ask you questions about your general health, reproductive history, any cancer diagnosis in the past, as well as the results of past genetic screenings.
Your genetic counselor will also likely build a family tree based on your genetic screening results and the information you have provided them. This technique lets them analyze the risk of cancerous growth in your body by studying various patterns in your family’s medical history. They may use digital tools to help better predict the likelihood of you developing a cancer-related mutation, as well.
It’s always in your best interest to share your personal thoughts, as well as anything else that may be causing anxiety with your genetic counselor. A risk assessment is necessary for some patients if they are not prepared to take the next steps. It would also help your counselor to know how the results of your genetic screenings can help you and your family.
Undergoing genetic counseling can help give you improved guidance on how to use the results of your genetic screenings. For instance, if your tests indicate a risk of cancer-related mutations, your counselor can help guide you on how to improve your diagnostic screenings, educate you about medications that may reduce the risk of cancer, and provide you with other precautionary measures.
Your counselor will clarify any uncertainties in your tests so you can be prepared for every scenario, both mentally and financially. Their goal is to help you take the next step after being tested. Much like any other medical diagnosis, the more information your counselor has, the better their evaluation and guidance will be. It is in your best interest to be candid with them and ask plenty of questions. In turn, they can help shed light on any areas of uncertainty.
Labs will contact your insurance provider to check whether the cost of genetic testing is covered under your plan. Your genetic counselor will also address any concerns relating to health insurance coverage so that you can plan your next steps with greater confidence. They can also provide advice on suitable testing and treatment options based on your health insurance policy.
The decision to undergo genetic testing and counseling is always a personal one. That said, knowing what to expect and how to prepare your family for a counseling session can give you the tools to understand the complexity of the process. Empowering yourself with this information you need can ultimately be a valuable resource for you and your family in the long run.
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