Often, genetic counseling can be done immediately after the information is gathered. In other cases information about relatives is needed. This may require a second visit to the counselor. Sometimes, it is necessary to wait until medical records can be reviewed. A healthcare provider or counselor also may need time to determine the risk.
Genetic counseling starts with a talk about the diagnosis.
Next, the outcome for people with the disease is discussed. The prospects for everyone in the family are covered. Then, the talk moves on to risk factors. The counselor should first discuss the size of the risk for the affected individual. This will be compared to risk is for anyone in the population.