Questions to Ask a Genetic Counselor
Important questions to ask when meeting with a genetic counselor to understand genetic testing, family history, and what results mean for you and your family.
1What genetic tests are available for my specific situation?
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What genetic tests are available for my specific situation?
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Why this works
Understanding available tests helps you learn about the options for your specific health concerns or family history.
2What can genetic testing tell us about my health risks?
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What can genetic testing tell us about my health risks?
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Why this works
Learning about health risk information helps you understand what genetic testing can and cannot reveal about your future health.
3How do I interpret my genetic test results?
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How do I interpret my genetic test results?
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Why this works
Understanding result interpretation helps you make sense of complex genetic information and its implications for your health.
4What are the limitations of genetic testing?
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What are the limitations of genetic testing?
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Why this works
Learning about limitations helps you have realistic expectations about what genetic testing can and cannot tell you.
5How do my results affect my family members?
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How do my results affect my family members?
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Why this works
Understanding family implications helps you know what information to share with relatives and how it might affect them.
6What lifestyle changes might be recommended based on my results?
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What lifestyle changes might be recommended based on my results?
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Why this works
Learning about lifestyle recommendations helps you understand what actions you can take to manage your genetic risks.
7How often should I be retested or monitored?
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How often should I be retested or monitored?
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Why this works
Understanding monitoring schedules helps you plan for ongoing care and know when to follow up on your genetic status.
8What are the privacy and confidentiality protections for my genetic information?
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What are the privacy and confidentiality protections for my genetic information?
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Why this works
Learning about privacy protections helps you understand how your genetic information is protected and who has access to it.
9How do I decide whether to share my results with family?
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How do I decide whether to share my results with family?
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Why this works
Understanding family communication helps you navigate the complex decision of when and how to share genetic information.
10What support resources are available for dealing with genetic information?
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What support resources are available for dealing with genetic information?
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Why this works
Learning about support resources helps you access help for processing and coping with genetic test results.
11How do genetic results affect insurance and employment?
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How do genetic results affect insurance and employment?
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Why this works
Understanding legal implications helps you know how genetic information might affect your insurance coverage and employment opportunities.
12What are the costs of genetic testing and what does insurance cover?
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What are the costs of genetic testing and what does insurance cover?
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Why this works
Learning about costs helps you understand the financial commitment and what insurance benefits you can expect.
13How do I prepare for genetic testing?
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How do I prepare for genetic testing?
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Why this works
Understanding preparation requirements helps you know what to expect and how to prepare for the testing process.
14What happens if I test positive for a genetic condition?
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What happens if I test positive for a genetic condition?
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Why this works
Learning about positive results helps you understand the next steps and support available if you have a genetic condition.
15How do I understand the difference between carrier status and having a condition?
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How do I understand the difference between carrier status and having a condition?
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Why this works
Understanding genetic status helps you interpret your results correctly and understand what they mean for your health.
16What are the implications for family planning?
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What are the implications for family planning?
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Why this works
Learning about family planning implications helps you understand how genetic information affects decisions about having children.
17How do I find specialists if I need follow-up care?
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How do I find specialists if I need follow-up care?
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Why this works
Understanding specialist referrals helps you access appropriate medical care based on your genetic test results.
18What research opportunities might be available based on my results?
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What research opportunities might be available based on my results?
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Why this works
Learning about research opportunities helps you understand how you might contribute to scientific knowledge about genetic conditions.
19How do I stay updated on new developments in genetic medicine?
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How do I stay updated on new developments in genetic medicine?
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Why this works
Understanding how to stay informed helps you keep up with advances in genetic medicine that might affect your care.
20What emotional support is available for processing genetic information?
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What emotional support is available for processing genetic information?
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Why this works
Learning about emotional support helps you access resources for coping with the psychological aspects of genetic testing.
Working with a Genetic Counselor
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Effective Consultation
Be Honest About Family History
Provide complete information about your family's health history to help the counselor understand your genetic risks.
Ask About Implications
Don't just ask what the tests show - ask what the results mean for your health, lifestyle, and family planning decisions.
Understand Your Options
Ask about all available testing options and what each can tell you before deciding which tests to pursue.