Genetics

Genetic counselors interpret genetic risks, explain testing options and test results, and help people understand and adapt to a genetic diagnosis. Genetic counselors can work with you and your physician to understand complex genetic information and help you make informed decisions.

Individuals and families can meet with a genetic counselor for counseling and testing in the areas of cancer genetics, preconception, and family history of a known or suspected genetic condition. Our board-certified genetic counselors hold master’s degrees in genetic counseling and work with many different specialists to make a customized health plan and recommendations for every person.

Genetic counseling either before or during a pregnancy is available through the Center for Maternal and Fetal Medicine at The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio.

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder that affects growth and development. The Prader-Willi Clinic at The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio provides a team approach to the evaluation and treatment of individuals diagnosed with PWS. The PWS team includes a dietitian, endocrinologist, genetic counselor, geneticist, otolaryngologist (ENT), psychologist, sleep medicine specialist, social worker, and speech therapist.

Once you have been referred to the Genetics Clinic at The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, please complete the following forms within 30 days and return them to our clinic in one of the following ways:

Mail: The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio
David Christopher Goldsbury Center for Children’s and Families
Genetics Clinic, 2nd Floor, Clinic 2C
333 North Santa Rosa Street
San Antonio, Texas 78207

Fax: 210.704.4037

Email: genetics.chofsa@christushealth.org

Once the forms are submitted, we will contact you to arrange an appointment at one of our clinic locations. If you have questions, please call 210.704.0407.

Forms for Children:

• Pediatric Patient Intake Form – English
• Family History Form – English
• Medical Records Release Form – English
• Pediatric Patient Intake Form – Español
• Family History Form – Español
• Medical Records Release Form – Español

Forms for Adults:

• Adult Patient Intake Form – English
• Family History Form – English
• Medical Records Release Form – English
• Adult Patient Intake Form – Español
• Family History Form – Español
• Medical Records Release Form – Español

Your family medical history is one of the most important aspects of your genetic health care. All patients seen for a genetics evaluation will need to provide a detailed family health history in order for our specialists to understand the conditions in your family which may be affecting you or your child’s health.

If your visit will involve a discussion about a specific genetic diagnosis or test result, please be sure to bring any documentation, including copies of records from your doctor or laboratory reports. If you have concerns about a health problem or condition that runs in your family, providing photographs of relatives can be helpful.

Please arrive 30 minutes early for your child’s appointment to allow time for registration and insurance processing. Patients arriving late will need to be rescheduled, which may result in a delay of 90 days or longer. Please bring the following to your clinic visit:

1. Your child’s insurance card
2. A photo ID
3. List of any medications your child is taking
4. Genetic testing results of your child or family members

Your child’s first appointment at the Genetics Clinic will take 1½ to 2 hours as we evaluate your child’s medical and family health history. For most patients, more than one appointment will be needed. We will do our best to be efficient with your time without compromising our quality of service.

If you are unable to keep your child’s scheduled appointment, please notify us as soon as possible. Patients missing two appointments without proper cancellation (at least 24 hours prior to appointment time) will be dismissed and not rescheduled. If you have any questions regarding your child’s appointment, or to reschedule or cancel your child’s appointment, please call 210.704.0407.

Please arrive 30 minutes early for your appointment to allow time for registration and insurance processing. Patients arriving late will need to be rescheduled, which may result in a delay of 90 days or longer. Please bring the following to your clinic visit:

1. Your insurance card
2. A photo ID
3. List of any medications you are taking
4. Genetic testing results for you or your family members

Your first appointment at the Genetics Clinic will take 1½ to 2 hours as we evaluate your medical and family health history. For most patients, more than one appointment will be needed. We will do our best to be efficient with your time without compromising our quality of service.

If you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment, please notify us as soon as possible. Patients missing two appointments without proper cancellation (at least 24 hours prior to appointment time) will be dismissed and not rescheduled. If you have any questions regarding your appointment, or to reschedule or cancel your appointment, please call 210.704.0407.

Pediatric

• Abnormal genetic test result including abnormal newborn screening
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Birth defects
• Chromosomal disorders
• Connective tissue disorders
• Developmental delay or intellectual disability
• Dysmorphic appearance
• Hearing loss or visual impairment
• Microcephaly or macrocephaly
• Neurocutaneous disorders
• Single gene disorders
• Suspected genetic condition or syndrome
• Skeletal dysplasia
• Teratogen exposure

Adult

• Cardiomyopathy
• Family history of a genetic condition
• Huntington disease
• Intellectual disability
• Long QT syndrome

Prenatal

Please send prenatal referrals to the Center for Maternal and Fetal Medicine Care at The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio.

We do not accept referrals for the following reasons:

• Adult hypermobility
• MTHFR testing or counseling
• Interpretation of direct-to-consumer genetic test kits such as 23andMe, AncestryDNA, etc.
• Pharmacogenetics testing or interpretation
• Paternity testing