Genetics Clinic

Your child has been referred to the Genetics Clinic because of their unique symptoms and medical history. At the visit, we will determine if there may be a genetic cause for your child’s features.

During your child’s visit, we will provide:

• Information and support if your child has a genetic condition or if they may be at risk for a genetic condition
• Recommendations for genetic testing that may guide your child’s care
• Genetic counseling before your child has any genetic testing

• Genetic counselor – A genetic specialist trained in counseling who will review family health history, genetic testing options and results, and the risk to other family members.
• Genetic doctor, physician associate or nurse practitioner – A medical specialist trained in the identification and diagnosis of genetic conditions.

1. You will meet with the genetic counselor to share your concerns about your child and ask any questions about the genetic evaluation.
2. The genetic counselor will ask you questions about your family’s health history.
3. You will meet with the genetic doctor, physician associate or nurse practitioner to talk about your child’s health and developmental history.
4. The provider may do a physical exam of your child.
5. The team may recommend genetic testing and additional tests like ultrasounds or X-rays.

Your child and their parents or caregivers should attend the visit, if possible.

The visit usually lasts about 2 hours.

Be prepared to talk about the health history of your child and family. To learn more about how to prepare for a clinic visit, hospital amenities and family support services, visit seattlechildrens.org/patients-families.

Insurance coverage for genetic testing is different for each insurance plan.

Insurance plans want to know if the genetic test is medically necessary and how it could affect your child’s medical care before they approve coverage. This process is called pre-authorization. Without pre-authorization, you may have to pay for the cost of genetic testing.

We typically do not collect samples for genetic testing at the time of the clinic visit. This is coordinated after pre-authorization and is often done on blood or saliva samples.

Scan the QR code or visit seattlechildrens.org/pdf/PE2051.pdf to read about insurance coverage for genetic testing.