- Hereditary bleeding disorders (for example, hemophilia)
- Hereditary blood clotting disorders (for example, Factor V Leiden)
- Hereditary diseases of the skin, kidney, lung and eye
- Hemochromatosis
- Adults with Down syndrome
- Other known genetic conditions, such as neurofibromatosis
Depending upon the condition and your concerns, genetic testing can provide peace of mind and a course or proactive treatment and, in some cases, even prevention or delay of the onset. With the resources of the Division of Human Genetics at their fingertips, genetic counselors and physicians have access to the latest and most up-to-date tests, as well as clinical and translational research available throughout The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and the world.
Before your appointment
If you are being seen in our Medical Genetics Clinic, please complete our family history questionnaire online before your appointment. If you are unable to complete family history questionnaire online, please complete and return the following form:
Genetics Clinic Family History Form (PDF)
Submit completed family history forms to:
Email: genetics.clinic@osumc.edu
Fax: 614-293-2314
Mail: Genetics
2012 Kenny Rd., Room 261
Columbus, OH 43221
For assistance with appointment forms, please call Monday through Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm EST.
Please bring your insurance card/information and photo identification with you to your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
The Medical Genetics Program will work closely with your physicians, providing them with detailed summaries of our risk assessment and recommendations for risk reduction and disease prevention based on your family history and genetic test results.
You may have a diagnosis with a condition that is suspected of being hereditary or be someone who:
- Wants to know more about the role of heredity for a condition that has affected themselves or family member(s)
- Is concerned about both their risk and their children’s risk based on their family history
- Has been diagnosed with a condition at an unusually young age
- Has been diagnosed with a condition when there are no obvious risk factors
- Has both parents affected by the same condition
- Has two or more close relatives on the same side of the family with the same condition
- Has at least one close relative diagnosed with a condition at an unusually young age
During your visit, you will find out about:
- The level of risk to you and family members
- The medical implications of the potentially hereditary condition
- Genetic testing, including its benefits and limitations
- Options for prevention, screening or treatment for the potentially hereditary condition
The initial appointment usually lasts approximately one to two hours. You will meet with both a genetic counselor and a doctor who specializes in genetics. We will discuss your medical history as well as construct a detailed family history, asking questions about your children, siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents and other extended relatives. Depending on what condition runs in your family, the physician may perform a physical exam as part of the risk assessment.
We will help you understand the role heredity (genetics) plays in the condition as well as the chances that you and other family members could develop it. We will also discuss whether genetic testing is available and appropriate for you and family members.
You and your family will learn ways to reduce your risk of getting the condition, to detect the condition early or treat the condition if you develop it. We also will offer you and your family psychosocial support and education.
Most genetic testing is done by having your blood drawn and generally begins with a family member who has the condition in question. Testing can be done the day of your appointment if you wish. There will also usually be a follow-up appointment to discuss your test results.
We will assist you and your family in making the decision by discussing advantages, disadvantages and feasibility. We will address any concerns, such as cost and insurance coverage, as well as the possible benefits for you and your family.
We participate with most health insurance companies. Our services are often covered like any other specialist's services. However, every insurance plan is different. Some insurance plans require a referral from your doctor.
If you wish, we can work with your insurance company to help determine your coverage. We can also assist you in enrolling in research studies, if there is not yet a genetic test available for the condition in your family.