National Society of Genetic Counselors : Blogs : How often should you keep in touch with your genetic counselor?

National Society of Genetic Counselors : Blogs : How often should you keep in touch with your genetic counselor?

How often should you keep in touch with your genetic counselor?

Rebekah Moore, MS, CGC

When I explain my job as a genetic counselor to family members or people I talk with while traveling, they are always surprised to learn that I meet with patients only one or two times. Some patients may have annual follow-up visits with their genetic counselor and geneticist, but for the majority of patients, their relationship with their genetic counselor consists of a couple appointments and a few phone calls.

Still, I encourage patients to follow up every year or so either by phone or email. We can touch base about any advances in the field of genetics that may impact them or their family, as well as just discuss how their screening or treatment has been going since our last meeting.

If you’ve met with a genetic counselor, here are three reasons to stay in touch:

1. Your personal or family history has changed.