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For Patients and Healthcare Professionals |
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Written by Administrator
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Saturday, 07 November 2009 05:32 |
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WHAT DO GENETIC COUNSELORS PROVIDE FOR TEXAS HEALTH CARE CONSUMERS?
Three key specialized services provided by genetic counselors include: evaluating risk, communicating information, and assessing psychosocial and cultural impact related to genetic disease.
- Evaluating risk for genetic disease requires obtaining and interpreting individual and family histories, evaluating existing medical records, and identifying and facilitating appropriate diagnostic studies and tests.
- Communicating information regarding inheritance, natural history, diagnosis and management of genetic disease is achieved at the client’s level of education and knowledge, in a manner that facilitates decision-making. This communication includes providing clear documentation to clients and medical providers.
- Assessing psychological and cultural impact requires providing supportive, client centered counseling, utilizing appropriate resources to enhance adaptation, and tracking and evaluating the client’s response to genetic information.
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