UnityPoint Health — Grinnell Clinics offer hereditary genetic testing

GRINNELL — Grinnell Family Practice Clinic, Internal Medicine Clinic and Montezuma Medical Clinic are offering hereditary genetic testing for patients who have a family history of certain forms of cancer.

  Buy Photo

Genetic testing can help inform a patient of individual risk factors, how family members may be affected and guide any potential interventions, said UnityPoint Health-Grinnell in a press release this week.

Breast, ovarian, colorectal, uterine, skin, pancreatic, gastric, prostate, renal, lung and endocrine cancers are common types of hereditary cancers that are genetically assessed.

Patients will receive an electronic family history questionnaire to complete prior to their appointment. If the patient scores as a candidate for testing, the provider will discuss next steps to see if it’s the right path for the patient.

Patients who choose to proceed will have blood drawn in the clinic, which will be sent for testing. About four weeks later, patients will have follow-up appointments with their providers to discuss the results and possible care management plans.

Patients also have access to tele-geneticist experts for additional guidance.

“Knowing your risk of developing certain cancers can be life altering for many people,” says Heidi Klingelhofer in the press release.

Most insurance companies cover part or all of genetic testing, but a cash option is available for $249.

To find a primary care provider, visit unitypoint.org/grinnell or call 641-236-2323 to schedule an appointment.