How do I get an appointment with medical genetics?
Patients are seen with a referral only. This can be from any doctor, nurse practitioner, or midwife. If you do not have a primary care provider, walk-in clinic providers can make referrals. Once a referral is received, the team reviews the referral to see if a genetics consultation is appropriate for your care.
I was referred to medical genetics by my healthcare provider. How long will it be until I get an appointment?
The provider who made your referral will receive a communication from us within 14 days indicating whether your referral was accepted, any tests or information we might need in the meantime, and an approximate wait time. Wait times vary depending on several factors and can be anywhere from 1 week to over 6 months. If you have questions regarding the status of your referral, please contact your referring provider.
When should I contact the medical genetics team?
Please contact the office if:
- Your contact information or address changes.
- Your family physician changes.
- You have an updated health card.
- You become pregnant.
- You are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.
- It has been more than 1 year since receipt of your referral, and you have not been contacted to arrange a consultation.
Our office can be reached at 613-549-6666 ext. 2800.
What does genetic testing involve?
Most genetic testing is done using a blood sample. In some cases, a saliva, buccal (cheek swab), or skin sample may be used depending on the type of test needed. Your genetics care provider will tell you which type of sample is available, depending on the tests recommended for you.
Is there a cost for genetic testing?
Genetic testing is covered for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) insured individuals.
Will genetic testing have an impact on my insurance?
Genetic test results will not impact your OHIP status. Third party insurance companies cannot legally ask if you have had genetic testing or what the results are, however, they can inquire about your health history and family history. Depending on your circumstance, this information may influence your ability to obtain additional insurance.
My referral was “mainstreamed.” What does this mean?
For certain medical concerns and to help us see you sooner, we’ve asked your healthcare provider to order specific genetic tests relevant to your care before your first appointment. This means that we can see you with results at your initial consultation.
Testing requires a blood draw and results can take up to six months to come back.. Once we have received the results, we will book an expedited appointment to review the results with you.
If your referral has been mainstreamed, but you prefer to speak with us before completing testing, please contact us at 613-549-6666 extension2800 to discuss options.
I have received a family history questionnaire in the mail. What do I do with it?
Our family history questionnaire is designed to provide our team with necessary personal and family history to best prepare for your consultation. Please complete the form to the best of your ability and return it to us before your appointment.
Please include the requested information (gender, age, etc.) for all healthy and symptomatic/affected individuals (for example, if you are seeing us because of a personal or family history of cancer, please also include relatives who have not had cancer and their current age).
If you have family members that have a known genetic condition, please ask them if they are willing to share their test result or have a copy of the result that they are willing to provide.
I have completed my family history questionnaire. Where do I send it to?
There are many different ways to submit your questionnaire.
• Email a scanned copy to @email,
• Fax it to 613-548-1348, or,
• Mail to the Division of Medical Genetics (address is directly on the form)
If you prefer to fill out the form electronically, a fillable PDF version can be found here and can be sent to the email address above.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel your appointment, please call us at 613-549-6666 x2800 to discuss options as soon as possible. If you miss your scheduled appointment without prior notice you may be discharged. If you are discharged, and your healthcare provider will need to re-refer you and you will be placed back on our wait list.
How do I reschedule an appointment?
If you need to reschedule your appointment, please call us at 613-549-6666 x2800 as soon as possible. If you do not attend your scheduled appointment, you may be discharged. . If you are discharged, your healthcare provider will need to re-refer you and you will be placed back on our wait list.
What do I do if I have not received a link for my virtual genetics appointment?
Please email us at @email as soon as possible. A member of our team will provide you with the link. If your appointment is the same day, please call us at 613-549-6666 x2800.
Why may I be asked to bring other family members to my appointment?
It is not uncommon for families to be seen together when appropriate. Depending on the indication or results, we may ask if you are willing to have an appointment with a family member. It is your choice if you wish to pursue this option.
My testing requires approval from the Ministry of Health. Will this delay my results?
Some testing is not done in Ontario and requires approval from the Ministry of Health. On a non-urgent basis, this approval process can take 8-12 weeks. Once approval is received, we can send your sample for testing. Testing takes 3-4 months from the time the sample is sent.
How long will my genetic testing results take?
Non-urgent genetic testing can take longer than other tests. Depending on the type of test(s) you have had, results may take between several months up to a year. Timing may depend on the complexity of the test, the laboratory the test is sent to and/or whether Ministry of Health approval is required to proceed. A team member will arrange an appointment to discuss the results when they are ready.
Who will contact me with my results?
It depends on the, test, reason for testing, and result. You could receive your results either by letter (mail or, if consented, email), a telephone call, or with a follow up appointment booked by our secretary. The secretary cannot give results over the phone. A booked follow-up appointment does not necessarily mean you have a positive result, but that further discussion and/or testing may be required or available to you. Results will be relayed to you by a genetics care provider.
How can my family members be tested?
Depending on the circumstances, you might have family members who are eligible for genetic testing. If your family members wish to be tested, they will need to be referred to their local genetics clinic. Most genetics clinics will ask for information about your results so that they know what to look for in your family member. Often during the results appointment, your genetics care provider will inquire whether you’d like to sign a Release of Information (ROI) form to share your results with any of your family members, should they be referred to a genetics clinic. Alternatively, we sometimes will provide a letter with the relevant information or a copy of the test report.
I have a clinical question. Who do I contact?
Please call us at 613-549-6666 ext. 2800 and ask to speak with the genetic counsellor on-call (Monday-Friday 8:30 to 4:00).
