Genetic counselling is available to individuals, families, or couples. It is a way to learn about genetic or hereditary disorders and the chance that they are passed on to future generations. This information helps people make decisions about their health, their pregnancies, and their children’s health.
Genetic Counselling
You will either meet with a Genetic Counsellor or a Medical Geneticist, and sometimes both. A Genetic Counsellor is a specially trained health professional. A Medical Geneticist is a medical doctor who has special training in Genetics.
What happens at my Genetic counselling appointment?
Medical information about you and/or your child and your family will be reviewed often using a family tree drawn up from a general family history questionnaire. In some cases a physical examination may also be necessary. If an inherited disorder is found, you will then be given the medical facts of the disorder, and its symptoms, and how it is passed on in families.
For cancer genetic counselling appointments, your appointment may be a group information session. You will be with other individuals who have a family history of cancer. If you receive an appointment for a group information session, a genetic counsellor will be available fo answer questions if needed.
Please bring your provincial health card (OHIP for Ontario, RAMQ for Quebec). We will need to check the child or youth’s health card at every visit. If you have private insurance, or are covered by some other system, please bring that information.
If asked, you should bring family photos and previous medical reports.
Not every patient who comes for genetic counselling is tested. During your appointment, the Geneticist or Genetic Counsellor will talk with you about various testing options available to you and your family. Most testing is done on a blood sample.
Do I have to pay for anything?
Genetic Counselling and testing is usually covered by your provincial health care insurance. Always bring you/your child’s health cards. Exceptions may occur and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
If you live outside the Outaouais region, or do not have valid health care insurance, hospital and/or clinic visit charges may apply. Please contact our office for more information.
Appointments usually take about one hour. This gives you plenty of time to ask the doctor or genetic counsellor questions. Please try to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment so that registration can be completed first.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
If you have a high fever, muscle aches, respiratory symptoms, cough or headaches worse than normal, please call and cancel your appointment. Please call the clinic at least 24 hours before to cancel or re-schedule.
Are interpretation services available?
Yes! Interpreters are available in many languages. It is best to arrange for their services in advance. Please tell us if you will need their help, and we will make arrangements with an interpretation agency.
Where can I get more information about cancer genetic counselling?
Visit our Hereditary Cancer Clinic page for more information and to view frequently asked questions about cancer genetic counselling appointments.
Have you registered for MyChart?
MyChart is a free, secure, online patient portal that connects patients to parts of their CHEO electronic health record, anywhere, at any time.