Our Clinical Genetics program provides care and counseling for people with, or at risk of, hereditary conditions. We see both pediatric and adult patients. Our goal is always to help you to live as normal a life as possible.
Pediatric Genetic Counseling
Many childhood disorders have an inherited or genetic cause, and the expert genetics team at Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital is here to help families understand all aspects of such disorders.
Pediatric genetics consultations are usually recommended for:
- Birth defects
- Known or suspected genetic disorders
- Mental retardation of unknown cause
- Family history of genetic condition
Our genetics team provides the following services:
- Diagnosis, management and treatment of patients with genetic disorders
- Evaluation of individual and family medical histories
- Genetic risk assessments
- Interpretation of clinical and laboratory information
- Counseling for patients and families
- Explanation of causes and typical course of genetic disorders
Pediatric genetic counseling requires a physician referral. Our pediatric geneticists will review all available medical records and take a three-generation family history, including both sides of the family, which is the cornerstone of a genetic evaluation.
Adult Genetic Counseling
We provide genetic counseling for people over the age of 18 years who have, or are at riskof having, a genetic disorder. Examples of the care we provide include:
- Continuing care for individuals who have been diagnosed with a genetic condition in childhood
- Genetic testing and counseling for people with a family history of problems such as Huntington’s disease and polycystickidney disease
- Genetic testing and counseling for adult-onset diseases such as hemochromatosis and alpha1-antitrypsindeficiency.
Initial Consultation and Insurance
When a referral to our geneticist is made, all available medical records are reviewed. A three-generation family history, including both sides of the family, is the cornerstone of a genetic evaluation. This helps provide answers to the referring physician’s questions, and it may reveal other genetic issues within the family tree.
Most health insurers cover outpatient genetics consultations with referral and/or pre-certification. For purposes of care coordination, we routinely request a referral from your/your child’s primary care physician. Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact their insurance companies to discuss requirements and payments for genetics consultations.
Location Information
Carilion Clinic Clinical Genetics
Roanoke, VA
Provider Information
Dr. Emily Doherty
Clinical Genetics
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