Northeast Health Genetic Services
Providing practical information to individuals and families with genetic concerns.
The expanding role of genetics and genetic testing means that more and more individuals are asking the question -- "what does my family history mean for me?"
In response, we're pleased to introduce Northeast Health Genetic Services -- a comprehensive genetic counseling service in upstate New York's Albany/Capital Region area.
What is Genetic Counseling?
Quite simply, genetic counseling helps explore and address the concerns individuals may have about predisposition to certain genetic conditions. The genetic counselor, working in collaboration with the referring physician, helps translate technical and complicated information about genetic risk into practical information so that patients and families can better --
- Understand the medical aspects of a genetic disorder
- Adjust to the personal and family issues relating to a genetic disorder
- Understand the chance for children or family members to have the disorder
- Learn about current genetic testing, screening options and research
Personalized services are tailored to the needs, concerns and values of each individual and family, and may include:
- Review of medical and family history
- Explanation of the science involved in the inheritance of disorders
- Supportive counseling, including referrals to community resources and medical providers
- Coordination and consent for genetic testing, as needed
- Referral to appropriate physicians for genetic diagnosis, when indicated
- Follow-up counseling
- Written summary of genetic counseling for patient, family and medical providers
Who Should Have Genetic Counseling?
- Genetic counseling can benefit individuals and/or couples with:Concerns about a family history of cancer (breast, colon, other)
- A personal or family history of a birth defect or genetic disorder, such as cleft lip/palate, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome or Tay Sachs disease
- An interest in predisposition or presymptomatic testing for neurologic conditions, such as Huntington's disease
- A family history of mental retardation
- An interest in pre-pregnancy counseling in cases of advanced maternal age, family history of inherited disease, or at-risk ethnic groups
- Issues relating to marriage between blood relatives
About Our Staff
Services are provided by S. Bonnie Liebers, MS, a senior genetic counselor who is board certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics. Certification requires a master's degree in genetic counseling, as well as extensive clinical experience at an approved training site(s). Our genetic counselor works as a member of a team with other healthcare professionals, including referring physicians and specialists, psychologists and social workers.
Referrals and Insurance
Genetic counseling services require a physician referral. Our genetic counselor helps coordinate appropriate testing as ordered by the referring physician and maintains ongoing communication with the physician throughout the counseling process.
More and more third party insurers are covering genetic services. Currently, most CDPHP and MVP plans provide coverage, and other health insurance plans provide coverage on a limited basis. We are dedicated to working with patients to obtain coverage and/or to structure affordable private payment options.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call us at 270-2172.
35 Lower Hudson Avenue, Green Island, NY 12183