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What is a genetic consultation?
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Consult

What is a genetic consultation?

A genetic consultation is a health service that provides information and support to people who have, or may be at risk for, genetic conditions, delivered by qualified genetics professionals in a variety of settings, including in-person and telemedicine.

Overview

A genetic consultation is a health service that provides information and support to people who have, or may be at risk for, genetic conditions. During a consultation, a genetics professional meets with an individual or family to discuss genetic risks or to diagnose, confirm, or rule out a genetic condition.

Who Provides Genetic Consultations?

Genetics professionals include medical geneticists (doctors who specialize in genetics) and genetic counselors (certified healthcare workers with experience in medical genetics and counseling). Other healthcare professionals such as nurses, psychologists, and social workers trained in genetics can also provide genetic consultations.

Where and How Consultations Take Place

Consultations usually take place in a doctor’s office, hospital, genetics center, or other type of medical center. These meetings are most often in-person visits with individuals or families, but they are occasionally conducted in a group. Additionally, genetic consultations may be carried out using telemedicine (also known as telehealth), in which the meeting is done from a distance using computers, cameras, videoconferencing tools, or the telephone.

Additional Resources

For more information about genetic consultations:

  • MedlinePlus offers a list of links to information about genetic counseling.
  • MedlinePlus also offers information about telehealth.
  • The National Society of Genetic Counselors discuss what happens during an appointment, what genetic counselors do, and how meeting with a genetic counselor can be helpful.

Topics Covered in the Genetic Consultation Chapter

  • What is a genetic consultation?
  • Why might someone have a genetic consultation?
  • What happens during a genetic consultation?
  • How can I find a genetics professional in my area?
  • What is the prognosis of a genetic condition?
  • How are genetic conditions diagnosed?
  • How are genetic conditions treated or managed?

Other Chapters in Help Me Understand Genetics

Other chapters in Help Me Understand Genetics

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a family history of a genetic disorder, have symptoms that could be related to a genetic condition, or have had a positive screening test, it is wise to schedule a consultation as soon as possible. Early assessment can help clarify risks, guide testing, and inform family planning decisions.
Bring a detailed family health history (including any known genetic conditions in relatives), a list of current medications and allergies, any previous medical or genetic test results, and a record of your own medical history. If you have a specific concern, write down questions or symptoms you want to discuss.
Most health plans cover genetic counseling when it is medically indicated, such as for a known family history or a positive screening test. Contact your insurer to confirm coverage, ask for the provider’s billing codes, and request a pre‑authorization if needed. Some plans may require a referral from a primary care provider.===
Yes, many genetics professionals offer telemedicine appointments using video or phone. This can be convenient if you live far from a genetics center. However, some aspects—such as a physical exam, collection of a blood sample, or detailed family pedigree drawing—may still require an in‑person visit. Ask your provider what can be done remotely and what will need to be done in person.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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