GeneScreen is dedicated to providing you, our patient, with the best possible genetic counseling experience.

Family Testing

Most cancer is not caused by inherited gene mutations and everyone is at some risk for developing cancer throughout their lifetime. Genetic testing has powerful implications for both patients AND their biological family members. When a genetic mutation is identified in a family, genetic testing of other family members can identify which relatives would be considered at an increased risk. This information can be very helpful for healthcare providers to determine when to initiate cancer screening, what types of screening would be most useful, what cancer prevention options may be available, and potential cancer treatment plans.  When a patient tests positive, appropriate adult biological relatives can be tested for the same mutation so that appropriate care can be provided to all members of the family. Knowledge and understanding specific risk are powerful tools that can help guide patients to appropriate screening protocols, prevention strategies, and cancer management. With appropriate management the goal is to identify at-risk relatives, decrease the risk of cancer and/or diagnose cancer at very early stages where it may be treatable.

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A FAMILY TEST

Family Letters

APC Family Letter.pdf APC_I1307K Family Letter.pdf ATM Family Letter.pdf AXIN2 Family Letter.pdf BARD1 Family Letter.pdf BLM Family Letter_.pdf BMPR1A Family Letter.pdf BRCA1 Family Letter.pdf BRCA2 Family Letter.pdf BRIP1 Family Letter_.pdf CDH1 Family Letter.pdf CDK4 Family Letter.pdf CDKN2A Family Letter.pdf CHEK2 Family Letter.pdf DICER1 Family Letter.pdf EPCAM Family Letter_.pdf GALNT12 Family Letter.pdf GREM1 Family Letter_.pdf HOXB13 Family Letter.pdf MLH1 Family Letter.pdf MSH2 Family Letter.pdf MSH3 Family Letter.pdf MSH6 Family Letter.pdf MUTYH Family Letter.pdf NBN Family Letter.pdf NTHL1 Family Letter.pdf PALB2 Family Letter.pdf PMS2 Family Letter.pdf POLD1 Family Letter.pdf POLE Family Letter.pdf POT1 Family Letter.pdf PTEN Family Letter.pdf RAD50 Family Letter.pdf RAD51C Family Letter.pdf RAD51D Family Letter.pdf RNF43 Family Letter.pdf RPS20 Family Letter.pdf SDHA Family Letter.pdf SMAD4 Family Letter.pdf SMARCA4 Family Letter.pdf STK11 Family Letter.pdf TP53 Family Letter.pdf VHL Family Letter.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

WHY AM I BEING REFERRED TO GENESCREEN?

GeneScreen provides independent, unbiased genetic counseling services  to help individuals and couples understand potential genetic risks based on their personal and family history and genetic testing results.

WHAT IS A GENETIC COUNSELOR?

The National Society of Genetic Counselors states “Genetic counselors are health care professionals with specialized graduate training in the areas of medical genetics and counseling. Genetic counselors usually work as members of a healthcare team, providing information and support to individuals and families with genetic disorders, birth defects, or developmental differences, as well as individuals who may be at risk of inheriting or passing on genetic disorders. Genetic counselors can also work with your physicians or other healthcare providers to make sure your genetic information is effectively considered in your overall health care.”

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEETING WITH A GENETIC COUNSELOR?

Genetic counselors help patients make informed, personal decisions related to their genetic health. As genetics professionals, they can help identify potential genetic health risks, give information about genetic conditions and inheritance patterns, discuss genetic testing options, help patients understand their genetic results, and provide support throughout the process.

WHAT ARE COMMON REASONS TO BE REFERRED FOR GENETIC COUNSELING?

Common reasons to be referred for genetic counseling can include, but are not limited to, the following: 

1. Counseling regarding risks regarding future pregnancies.

2. Review of current or previous genetic testing results.

3. A known personal or family history of certain genetic conditions.

4. Targeted counseling regarding a personal or family history concerning for a hereditary cancer syndrome or other specific genetic condition. 

WHAT DOES A GENETIC COUNSELING APPOINTMENT ENTAIL?

During your genetic counseling appointment, the genetic counselor will give you a basic overview of genetic concepts, such as genes and chromosomes, important to understanding how genetic testing may be relevant for you. The genetic counselor collects and draws out your family and personal medical histories in order to understand what genetic risks may be present and any testing that may be appropriate for you.

If during your consult any genetic test results are available for review, the genetic counselor will discuss those results with you in detail and answer any questions so that you have a full understanding of the implications of the results and potential impact for yourself and your family. If you have not had genetic testing ordered, the genetic counselor will recommend any appropriate testing based on your personal and family medical history and discuss possible outcomes. If you have had genetic testing ordered that does not yet have results, the genetic counselor will take the time to discuss the purpose, benefits, and limitations of the testing ordered as well as potential results so that you are better prepared.

Based on family and personal histories, along with any genetic testing results and other factors, the genetic counselor will be able to provide you with an accurate risk assessment. The genetic counselor will also be able to recommend any referral to specialists that may be appropriate. During your genetic counseling appointment, the genetic counselor will also discuss testing and counseling for other family members determined to be at risk.

By the end of your genetic counseling appointment, you will have gained a better understanding about genetics and how your personal genetics and your testing results can have an impact on your personal health management.

What is GeneScreen's data privacy policy?

GeneScreen’s Privacy Policy can be viewed here: https://www.gene-screen.com/privacy-policy

HOW CAN I BEST PREPARE FOR MY GENETIC COUNSELING APPOINTMENT?

Please gather your family history for any known genetic conditions, cancers, birth defects and/or chronic illnesses.  This includes aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. We also ask that you send us any previous genetic testing results for yourself or a family member so that we may review these before your appointment.  

You can email us at genescreen@gene-screen.com for more information on how to send us previous test results or other clinical records. 

WHAT TYPES OF APPOINTMENTS DOES GENESCREEN OFFER?

GeneScreen offers secure teleconferences with video capabilities via a dedicated US-based HIPAA-compliant Zoom session. These meetings can be accessed through an application on your cell phone or through a computer.

HOW LONG IS A TYPICAL APPOINTMENT?

Depending on the type and amount of information being reviewed we ask that you plan on your appointment taking up to 45 minutes.  

HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?

You can call our direct line at 908-335-9555 or 888-435-1229 or use the personalized online scheduling link you may have received via text message and/or email.  Since we will be reviewing sensitive health related information it is preferred that you schedule your consult when you are available in a private place with no distractions (for example not in your car). 

Please have your insurance information available at the time of scheduling. 

Hereditary Cancer Pre-Test Counseling Information

During your appointment with a GeneScreen genetic counselor, the counselor will review the following: hereditary cancer genetics, inheritance patterns, your personal and family medical histories and the genetic testing ordered by your physician and the possible results of this testing.

After our appointment you should fully understand the testing ordered and the possible implications of each type of test result (i.e. positive, negative and variant of uncertain clinical significance).

Our counselors also discuss how certain results can impact your cancer risks and medical management along with the health of your family members. We also recommend that once your results are complete that you follow up with one of our genetic counselors to review the results and understand how they may impact you and your family.

Billing Information

WHAT TYPE OF INSURANCE DOES GENESCREEN ACCEPT?

GeneScreen is in network with most major insurance carriers.  Genetic counseling is NOT covered by Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans, any Medicaid plans, or Tricare.

If you have specific questions about your insurance, you can reach our billing department at 908-766-2800.

IF GENESCREEN IS IN-NETWORK WITH MY INSURANCE CARRIER WHAT FEES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH MY VISIT?

For patients who have in-network benefits, GeneScreen bills the visit to the insurance carrier directly. If the patient has a deductible or co-insurance, they will be billed accordingly. If insurance declines to cover the visit for any reason, the self-pay price for a visit is $149.

IF GENESCREEN IS OUT-OF-NETWORK WITH MY INSURANCE CARRIER WHAT FEES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH MY VISIT?

Patients with out-of-network insurance are responsible for the full cost of the visit.  Our self-pay rate is $149.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DOES GENESCREEN ACCEPT?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.  

We do offer online bill pay. If you want to pay an invoice, please visit our secure online payment portal.

HOW DOES GENESCREEN RECEIVE MY INFORMATION?

GeneScreen will e-mail you a patient portal link (patient online registration) and/ or you can click on the below webpage link to register all your information.  It is very important that you provide us with all information required (i.e. valid insurance information) so we can submit your GeneScreen consultation accurately.  

Pay Your Invoice Online

Please note, if you choose the Paypal option ABOVE, you will receive an automated email from Paypal Checkout once GeneScreen confirms receipt of your payment.   Please disregard any references to a shipment in that email.