Frequently Asked Questions
What is genetic counselling?
Genetic counselling is an OHIP covered health care service, which provides information to families and individuals who are affected by or at-risk for inherited and/or genetic conditions.
Who provides genetic counselling?
Geneticists and genetic counsellors provide genetic counselling. Geneticists are medical doctors with special training in medical genetics. Genetic counsellors have a Masters degree in genetic counselling.
Is genetic counselling right for me?
Some reasons for a genetics referral may be:
- Preconception/Prenatal
- Maternal age of 40 years or older at the time of delivery
- Multiple miscarriages (3 or more)
- Exposure to potentially harmful medicines, drugs, chemicals, etc. during pregnancy
- Family history of a genetic condition, chromosome abnormality or birth defect
- Positive prenatal screen
- Abnormal findings on prenatal ultrasound
- Paediatric
- Birth defect(s) (e.g. cleft lip/palate, heart defects, spina bifida)
- Developmental delay or learning disabilities of unknown cause
- Sensory impairments (e.g. vision, hearing)
- Metabolic disorders (e.g. PKU, galactosemia)
- Confirmed or suspected genetic conditions (e.g. Down Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy)
- Adult
- Family history and/or a suspected or confirmed personal history of a genetic adult onset of condition (e.g. Huntington Disease, Polycystic Kidney Disease, Hereditary Cardiomyopathy, Muscular Dystrophies)
- Hereditary Cancer
- Cancers that run in a family, called hereditary cancers, make up 5-10% of all cancers. A genetic counsellor and/or geneticist can provide information to those at risk of having hereditary cancer.
Is there a cost for genetic counselling services?
Genetic services are covered by OHIP for those who meet our referral guidelines.
How do I make an appointment?
We do not accept self-referrals. Referrals can be made through a health care provider.
For Health Care Providers
Referral forms can be found here.
