Explore how genetics could help you and your family: Sometimes health challenges can be caused by changes in our genes. Genetics providers help families learn whether genetic changes may explain the health conditions in their family and how the family can be best cared for.

Genetics Information for Families

Genetic counseling is a process where you can learn more about genetic conditions and how they may be affecting you, your child, and your family. Meeting with a genetic specialist such as a genetic counselor or geneticist can help identify if a condition or symptom may have a genetic cause, who is at risk for inheriting these symptoms or conditions, and what genetic testing options are available. You may be interested in genetic counseling at various life stages, which includes planning for pregnancy, during pregnancy, childhood, adulthood, and late in life.

At a genetics appointment, you will often meet with a genetic counselor first. They will ask you detailed questions about your family history, you or your child’s medical history, and your child’s developmental history. Often a doctor will join the session to do a physical exam. You will likely be offered genetic testing. The genetic counselors are trained in both genetics and counseling, so they will work with you to help make the best decision for you. Of note, every session can be slightly different!

If you are attending a prenatal genetics appointment, the appointment will be very similar to the one outlined above. However, you may be offered genetic testing. The testing options typically include screening tests, such as NIPT and carrier screening, or diagnostic tests such as an amniocentesis or a CVS (chorionic villus sampling).

A genetic specialist is a medical professional that specializes in genetic conditions.

Genetic Specialists include Medical Geneticists, Genetic Counselors, Physician Assistants with specialization in Genetics, and Genetic Nurses

  • Medical Geneticists are doctors that specialize in medical conditions that are hereditary or passed down through a family.  They are trained to evaluate, diagnose, counsel manage, and treat individuals and families with genetic concerns and specific genetic conditions.
    • Medical geneticists have a medical degree and are board certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG).

  • Genetic Counselors have training in medical genetics and counseling to guide and support patients who want information about their or their family’s risk for inherited diseases and conditions. They help individuals understand their genetic testing options based on their personal and family history and explain how the results of testing can impact the health of themselves and their families.
    • Genetic counselors have a Master’s Degree in genetic counseling and are board certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC).

  • Some physician assistants and nurses will take on extra training and education to increase their knowledge in the field of genetics and genomic medicine. These healthcare workers can aid genetics and genetic counselors during sessions.

It is helpful to have your detailed family health history, especially any information on people with a similar diagnosis or symptoms. It would also be helpful to gather any questions you may have.

Why do we ask you about your family health history? Find out here Your family health history

  • Newborn screening is a set of 3 tests performed within 24-48 hours of birth.
  • These tests (blood test, hearing screening and heart screening) determine if a baby has a serious condition in which early treatment can prevent complications.
  • West Virginia currently screens for 39 conditions, many of which may not be obvious based on physical appearance alone.
  • Follow up with your provider to determine any next steps for your baby.
  • For more information about Newborn screening, visit https://nymacgenetics.org/patients-and-families/newborn-screening/

Genetics Information for Providers

Genetics Clinics in WV:

Pediatrics Clinic

Prenatal Clinic

  • Morgantown – WVU Medicine – Dept. of OBGYN
    Tel: 304-598-4878

General Genetics Clinics

  • Morgantown – WVU Medicine – Physician’s Office Center 
    Tel: 304-293-7332
  • Summersville – Summersville Regional Medical Center 
    400 Fairview Heights Rd., Summersville, WV 26651
    Tel: 304-293-7332
  • Martinsburg – Medical Center 
    309 Medical Court, Martinsburg, WV 25401
    Tel: 304-293-7332
  • Wheeling – Wheeling Hospital 
    1 Medical Park, Wheeling, WV 26003
    Tel: 304-293-7332
  • Teays Valley – Marshall Health (COMING SOON)
  • Parkersburg – Mid-Ohio Valley 
    800 Grand Central Mall, Suite 4, Vienna, WV 26105
    Tel: 304-293-7332

Cancer Clinics 

All WV Genetics Clinics: Find a Genetics Clinic | NYMAC | Regional Genetics Network (nymacgenetics.org) 

Not finding what you’re looking for?  Use this link to search our nationwide list of genetics clinics: Find a Genetics Clinic | NYMAC | Regional Genetics Network (nymacgenetics.org) 

Explore other genetics resources for patients and families: Patients & Families | NYMAC (nymacgenetics.org) 

Resources

Resources for Families and Providers

Marshall University/ Cabell Huntington Hospital/ Hoops Family Children’s Hospital NICU Developmental Followup Clinic 
Tel: 304-526-2235 

Charleston Area Medical Center Neonatal Followup Clinic
https://www.camc.org/services/neonatology  

West Virginia Perinatal Partnership
https://wvperinatal.org   

International Society of Nurses in Genetics
https://www.isong.org/  

Neurodevelopmental Center @ WVU Medicine Children’s
https://childrens.wvumedicine.org/services/specialty-care/neurodevelopmental-center  

Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED)
https://cedwvu.org

Resources for Children and Families with Genetic Conditions in WV:

WV Department of Health (DOH): The Mission of the West Virginia Department of Health is to provide “necessary and life-saving services to many WV residents”. They specifically work to protect the most vulnerable citizens, specifically children. WV Department of Health    

West Virginia Medicaid: WV Medicaid offers health care and insurance to people who have a disability and/or cannot financially support their health care. WV Medicaid   

West Virginia’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Waiver Program: This program offers services in an individual’s home and community. This is a Medicaid waiver intended for WV residents with an intellectual and/or developmental disability. West Virginia’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Waiver Program   

West Virginia Newborn Screening Program: West Virginia state law requires all infants to be screened for treatable disorders to prevent harmful effects of the disease. The screening test occurs at the hospital after 24 hours of life and it screens for 34 conditions. These conditions cover various metabolic disorders and other serious treatable conditions. WV Newborn Screening    

West Virginia Newborn Hearing Screening Project (NHS): Newborn hearing screening is part of the comprehensive WV Newborn Screening project. The goal of the WV NHS is to identify congenital hearing loss before 3 months of age and to ensure these children are getting the appropriate intervention by 6 months of age.  WV Newborn Hearing Screening  Project   

WV Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN): CSHCN offers specialized care for children with medical conditions that are chronic and disabling. Any child under the age of 21 living in WV is eligible for an evaluation to get a medical diagnosis. The program is paid for by Medicaid, CHIP, and private health insurance. For children with none of these, there is Title V funding available. Important to note, CSHCN does not cover routine pediatric care visits.  WV CSHCN   

West Virginia WIC- Food Package III: The WV WIC has a policy that will provide women, infants, and children with special formula for qualifying medical conditions. This includes inborn errors of metabolism, severe food allergies, premature birth, and many more. WV WIC Qualification   

WV CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program): WV CHIP is a service for children who do not have health insurance. They will cover your child’s doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital visits, and much more. WV CHIP   

WV Department of Education- Special Education: The West Virginia office of special education strives to support children with “exceptionalities” in an educational environment by providing leadership and financial support. WV Special Education   

West Virginia Head Start Association: The West Virginia Head Start Association strives to involve parents as decision makers, advocate for high quality services, strengthen partnerships on the local and state level, provide statewide training for early childhood programs, and circulate key information to local Head Start and Early Head Start programs. WV Head Start   

West Virginia Birth to Three (WVBTT): This organization offers services and support for families and children under 3 who are experiencing developmental delays and at risk for developmental delays. This is a free service and they offer referrals to providers and resources for families. WV Birth to Three   

WV Early Intervention Interagency Coordinating Council: This organization strives to support the WV Birth to Three organization to offer families and caregivers support and resources. They are composed of people from all disciplines and backgrounds. They are looking for members who want to participate in policy and administrative work to assist individuals and their families. WV Early Intervention Interagency Coordinating Council    

Learn the Signs. Act Early. From the CDC, the Learn the Signs, Act Early. initiative is to help educate parents on appropriate milestones for their children, guidance on what to do if you are concerned, and resources for providers. Learn the Signs, Act Early   

Mountain State Parent-Child Adolescent Network (MSP-CAN): This organization provides support for parents and/or caregivers of children and adolescents who have emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges.  MSP-CAN   

West Virginia Parent Training and Information (WVPTI): This organization supports parents and families of children with special needs. They want to support children with disabilities by providing tools and resources for parents and families. WV Parent Training and Information   

West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS): The WVATS’s mission is to provide West Virginians of all ages and abilities the services and resources they need to make a decision about assistive technology. This service is available to individuals with disabilities and their support networks. WV Assistive Technology System    

WV Student Success Project: The WV student success project is a website that highlights children with disabilities that have been successful in all aspects of life. They value full involvement in the community and provide many resources and connections to other families. WV Student Success Project   

WVABLE: WVABLE provides accounts for people with special needs to help them achieve more independence and financial security. They offer tax-free savings plans for disability-related expenses and an opportunity to save and invest without losing federal needs-base benefits. WVABLE   

West Virginia Children with Disabilities Community Service Program (CDCSP): The CDCSP offers medically necessary services that are community based. These services and benefits are for disabled children and typically cost less than an institutional service.  WV CDCSP Brochure   

Down Syndrome Network of WV:  Their mission is to provide information, resources, and support to families. They strive to raise awareness and acceptance of Down syndrome by partnering with different professionals and organizations. Down Syndrome Network of WV   

Explore other genetics resources for patients and families: Patients & Families | NYMAC (nymacgenetics.org) 

Meet the NYMAC WV Team

Genetics Clinics in WV

Find A Genetics Clinic