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 If you are a health care provider and wish to make a referral for one of your clients, please use the genetic referral form and mail or fax us a copy of the completed form. Any additional client information would be helpful to send along with this referral. You can also call us at (807) 625-5924 or toll free at 1-888-294-6630 with any questions or concerns you may have.
What is Genetic Counselling?
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 Genetic Counselling helps individuals and families understand genetic factors in diseases, disabilities and birth defects. People who get the facts about testing, treatment and available choices are able to make decisions which are best for them, their pregnancy, or their child's health..
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The genetic counselling program offers several services:
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· Assessment and diagnosis of genetic disorders
· Provision of medical information and advice about genetic disease or condition to people at risk of a disorder that might be hereditary
· Discussion of the chance of developing and passing the disorder on
· Information about the ways in which it may be prevented or helped
· Arranging and interpreting genetic laboratory test results
· Participation in education and research with regular involvement in the school curriculum. Teachers are welcome to call us to book educational talks for their students. Genetic talks are tailor made for the teachers' and students' needs. |
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How Do You Obtain It?
Referrals are commonly made through family doctors, specialists such as pediatricians or obstetricians/gynecologists, nurse practitioners, midwives, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and social workers. Genetic counselling is covered by OHIP.
Referrals
We encourage you to discuss your concerns with your health care provider. They can make the referral on your behalf, but you may also contact the Genetic Counselling Program directly at (807)625-5924. You can also try us toll-free at 1-888-294-6630.
Genetics Clinics
Four full-time and one part-time genetics nurse staff the Genetics Department. There is also one full-time and one part-time program support staff. The Genetic Clinics are held five times per year when two consulting geneticists from medical teaching centres in either Southern or Eastern Ontario visit Thunder Bay.
Who Provides It?
Genetics nurses and geneticists are a team of health care professionals who provide genetic services to residents of Northwestern Ontario. Genetic nurses compile and analyze family histories and draw family trees (pedigrees). They also explain the medical information about a disease, whether heredity is a factor in a particular disease and, if it is, how it is passed on from one generation to the next and the chances of a particular disease affecting you or your children
Geneticists are medical doctors who have special training in the area of inherited diseases. They analyze and interpret the information, order certain genetic testing, establish the genetic diagnosis and determine the risk to family members and future children. |