A Service of the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine

Patient Consultations

Our certified genetic counselors in the Consultagene Clinic will provide counseling in the following areas:

Couple holding hands on sofa

Preconception

  • IVF and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) options
  • Abnormal PGT results
  • Abnormal carrier screening results
  • Multiple miscarriages
  • Patient’s personal or family history of genetic disease
  • Gamete (eggs/sperm) donor genetic assessment
pregnant woman with laptop during an online genetic counseling appointment

Prenatal

  • Patients who will be 35 years or older at time of delivery
  • Abnormal genetic results before or during pregnancy
  • Abnormal ultrasounds
  • Personal or family history of genetic disease
  • Carrier screening to predict future risk
  • Multiple miscarriages
Cancer patient sitting on sofa with family

Cancer

  • Patient’s personal or family history of cancer
  • Abnormal hereditary cancer test results
older couple attending a neurogenetics counseling appointment online

Neurology

  • Patient's personal or family history of neurological conditions including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, atypical dementias, atypical parkinsonian conditions, and cerebellar ataxia
  • Genetic testing options for certain neurogenetic conditions including Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease


couple at computer attending a telegenetic counseling appointment

Appointments

State licensure laws regulate where genetic counselors can provide services. States with licensure require that genetic counselors be licensed in that state to provide genetic counseling to a person located in that state at the time of their appointment. Please call the Consultagene Clinic at 713-798-5054 or email us at consultageneclinic@bcm.edu to check if we can help you at your location. Additionally, you may also refer to the map on the website of the National Society of Genetic Counselors, to see if your state requires licensure. If you need a local counselor, the website can also help you search for one.

When booking an appointment with our clinic, the patient will have access to the the Consultagene platform for educational videos and resources specific to the reason for their genetic counseling. Additionally, the patient can upload any records or results they would like the genetic counselor to review prior to their appointment. The platform also allows the patient to communicate with your genetic counselor before and after the genetic counseling appointment.

Appointment Types

Pre-test Counseling
Counseling prior to pursuing genetic testing to determine whether genetic testing is necessary and which genetic testing option is the most appropriate.
Post-test Counseling
Individuals can create an account and make a self-referral request to our Consultagene Clinic see Patient Consultations for more information

What to Expect from a Visit with a Counselor

The consultation will typically last between 30-60 minutes. A genetic counselor will discuss the reason for the appointment, go over the family’s medical history, and review any previous test results.

Our Genetic counselors will explain information about genetic risks the individual or family member may have based on the personal/family history given before or during the appointment and the results of any previous genetic testing, as well as what those risks might mean and how they might manage their health or their reproductive decision making. Our counselor will explain any additional testing options that might be appropriate for the individual, including what the results might mean and how they might influence their future medical plans.

How Much Does an Appointment Cost?

Our Genetic counselors will explain information about genetic risks the individual or family member may have based on the personal/family history given before or during the appointment. Consultagene is a self-pay clinic, meaning insurance is not accepted and our clinic does not submit insurance claims for the appointment. We can provide you with the information needed to submit directly to your insurance for reimbursement if desired. Prices vary according to the reason for the referral and length of appointment. Contact the clinic at 713-798-5054 or email us at consultageneclinic@bcm.edu for more information on pricing.