Genetic counseling
Genetic counseling provides information and support about certain hereditary conditions. Your counselor will collect your family history, determine your level of risk and recommend further testing as needed.
Genetic counselors in Dallas, Texas
Some health risks, including certain cancers and heart conditions, can run in families. Understanding your inherited risk can help you make informed decisions about your health.
Medical City Dallas’ genetic counselors help patients and families identify possible genetic predispositions and understand what those results may mean. They work closely with your care team to support personalized recommendations for prevention, screening and early detection.
Genetic counseling services at Medical City Dallas
Genetic counseling provides guidance and support before, during, and after genetic testing. Our board-certified genetic counselors will help you understand what testing can — and cannot — tell you, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
The goal is to help you feel informed, supported, and prepared for your next steps.
What to expect during genetic counseling
During your appointment, you and your genetic counselor will talk through your personal and family health history, what genetic testing may mean for you and your family, and which testing options may be appropriate.
If genetic testing is recommended, it usually involves a blood or saliva sample. Results are typically available within two to three weeks. Your genetic counselor will review them with you by phone or at a follow-up visit. Your results will also be shared with your referring provider.
Hereditary cancer genetic counseling and testing
Hereditary cancer genetic testing looks for inherited changes in certain genes that may increase your risk of developing cancer. These results can help you and your family members better understand your cancer risk, and guide personalized recommendations for screening, prevention, and care.
Hereditary cancer genetic counseling and testing may be recommended if you have a personal or family history of:
- Breast, ovarian, pancreatic, colon, endometrial or stomach cancer at any age
- Cancer diagnosed before age 50
- A rare cancer or tumor, such as ovarian cancer, male breast cancer or pancreatic cancer
- The same type of cancer across multiple generations
- A family pattern of certain cancers, such as breast, ovarian, colon, pancreatic or prostate cancer
- A known hereditary cancer risk or gene mutation in the family
- More than one primary cancer diagnosis
- Ten or more colon polyps
- Metastatic or aggressive prostate cancer
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with a personal or family history of breast or prostate cancer
Cardiovascular genetic counseling and testing
Your family history can offer important clues about your heart health. Cardiovascular genetic counseling and testing can help you better understand your inherited risk for heart disease and whether genetic testing may be helpful for you.
Cardiovascular genetic counseling may be recommended if you have a personal or family history of:
- Heart disease diagnosed before age 60
- Heart disease across multiple generations
- Sudden cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac death
- Three or more family members with heart disease on the same side of the family
- A known genetic change linked to inherited heart disease
Testing may be recommended when there is a personal or family history of certain heart or blood vessel conditions, including:
- Cardiomyopathy, such as hypertrophic, dilated, restrictive or arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy
- Heart rhythm disorders, such as long QT syndrome or Brugada syndrome
- Thoracic aortic aneurysms or dissections
- Inherited lipid disorders, such as familial hypercholesterolemia
- Transthyretin amyloidosis, also known as TTR amyloidosis
- Personal history of sudden cardiac arrest
- Family history of sudden cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac death
If an inherited cardiovascular risk is found, we will use that information to create a personalized treatment plan, which may include medications, more frequent cardiac screening, implanted cardiac devices, surgery or avoiding certain triggers that may increase your risk.
Insurance and cost information
Genetic counseling and genetic testing may be billed separately. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your insurance plan, deductible, copays and coinsurance.
Many insurance plans cover genetic counseling and testing when personal or family history meets the plan’s criteria. Your genetic counselor can talk with you about potential testing costs, insurance coverage and financial assistance options. If testing is not covered, self-pay options are available.
Schedule a genetic counseling appointment
Phone: (972) 566-3955
Fax: (469) 484-2261
Email Medical City Dallas Genetics
7777 Forest Ln.
Building A, Suite 204A
Dallas, TX 75230