Everything you need to know before your first appointment — how visits work, what they cost, and answers to common questions.
Appointments are held by secure, HIPAA-compliant video. You will need a private space, a device with a camera, and a reliable internet connection.
I can see patients from the states of Maryland, Washington DC, New York, Texas, Alaska, Colorado, Kansas, Maine, Missouri, North Carolina, Vermont, and Wyoming. Patients need to be physically located at these states at the time of the appointment.
Initial genetic counseling consultation (45–60 minutes): please contact the practice for current rates.
Follow-up / results visit (30 minutes): please contact the practice for current rates.
Payment is due at the time of service by credit card. On request, I can provide a superbill (itemized receipt) that you may submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Genetic counseling is a covered benefit under many plans; reimbursement varies.
The cost of any genetic testing is separate and is billed by the laboratory. Most labs offer insurance billing, self-pay pricing, and financial-assistance programs; we will review the expected cost together before any test is ordered.
Cancellation: please give at least 24 hours’ notice to reschedule or cancel. Late cancellations and missed appointments may be charged a fee.
Privacy: your health information is protected under HIPAA. Genetic test results are shared only with you and, with your permission, with the healthcare providers you designate.
Genetic counseling does not replace care from your physician. I am happy to coordinate with your doctors and to provide a written summary of our visit for your medical record.
Genetic counselors are healthcare professionals with specialized graduate training in medical genetics and counseling. We help people understand how genetic conditions may affect them and their families, decide whether genetic testing is right for them, and interpret results. Genetic counselors are certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling and, in Maryland, licensed by the state.
No. You can schedule directly. If a genetic test is ordered, I will coordinate with the laboratory, and I can share a summary with your physician so your care stays connected.
Not at all. Many patients meet simply to understand their family history or to think through options. Testing is only pursued if you decide it is right for you.
Yes. Where laboratory policy and state regulations allow, genetic counselors can order tests directly or in collaboration with a physician. Most tests use a saliva or blood sample collected at home or at a local draw site.
Yes — family members are welcome to join the video visit, and I can hold the session in whichever language works best for everyone, including a mix of English and Mandarin.
In the United States, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) prohibits health insurers and most employers from using genetic information against you. GINA does not cover life, disability, or long-term care insurance; we can discuss these considerations before testing.
Licensure is state-specific. Please contact me to discuss your situation — I can often point you to a qualified bilingual counselor in your state.
Book an appointment online or send a message with your questions. I typically respond within two business days.