Counseling before genetic testing

If your doctor orders genetic testing for you, Priority Health suggests that you have genetic counseling first. It can help prepare you if the test results show that you carry the gene for a disease, or that you may pass the gene on to your children.

Genetic counseling is covered for all plans without pre-approval from Priority Health or a referral from your primary care doctor. You will be charged a copay, and if you have a deductible, your deductible applies to the charges.

What is genetic testing for?

Our genes carry our DNA, the material that determines everything from our eye and hair color to whether we're likely to develop a serious disease. We inherit one set of genes from our mother and one set from our father. Genetic testing can tell us if we have a disorder caused by a problem with our genes. Your doctor may recommend that you be tested when:

• Cancer or other diseases "run in the family," to find out if you carry the gene for that disease
• Planning a family, when you want to know if your baby is at increased risk for a genetic condition

How genetic counseling can help you

It's a good idea to prepare yourself for the results of your tests by talking to a professional. After counseling, you'll be better able to talk with your doctor and make the right decisions about your health and your family.

• This service isn't a substitute for talking with your doctor.
• Your counselor will be board-certified in genetic counseling, trained in genetic testing and genetic problems, and experienced in answering your questions about genetic disorders.
• Your information will be kept private and confidential.

Counseling by phone

To make counseling easier for you, Priority Health has a contract with Informed Medical Decisions, a genetic counseling service. You can talk to their counselors by phone.

The counselors at Informed Medical Decisions will give you details about the disorder you are being tested for, including:

• What it is and what problems it can cause for you
• How likely you are to get the disease or give it to your children
• Your options to prevent, avoid or lessen its effects

How to contact a certified genetics counselor

See the list of counselors and choose one near you, or one you can contact by phone.
Go to the list of genetic counselors

What you will need when you call:

• Your Priority Health contract number, which you can find on your ID card
• The name of the doctor referring you for genetic testing
• Helpful but not required: Your doctor's address, phone number and fax number
• The name of the test you are thinking about having