About HealthyGene
HealthyGene is a digital genetic counseling company on a mission to improve health and better treat disease through the use of personalized medicine. We seek to empower individuals and their healthcare providers to individualize their healthcare by arming them with information about their genetic risk for disease, medically actionable genetic test results, and a clinical action plan to move forward. By embracing technology and developing digital solutions, HealthyGene aims to improve everyone's access to genetic services and follow-up care. We are dedicated to the patients and families that we serve, and keep them at the heart of everything we do.
The HealthyGene Difference
We understand you have many choices when it comes to your healthcare. What sets HealthyGene apart from the rest?
HealthyGene genetic counselors are experts in medical genetics.
By working with a HealthyGene genetic counselor, you can rest assured knowing that the correct genetic test is being ordered for you. We take the time to do an in-depth review of your personal and family health history, and to understand your preferences and goals for genetic testing - all of which are important components of the ordering process. While physicians are able to order genetic tests, only 13% report regularly ordering genetic tests. Additionally, studies show that the majority of doctors do not feel they have the expertise to know when to order or interpret the genetic test results themselves. In fact, up to 80% of individuals for whom genetic testing is clinically indicated are not referred for genetic counseling or testing. With HealthyGene, you have access to an experienced genetic counselor who can guide you through the genetic testing process, results, and next steps for your healthcare.
HealthyGene genetic counselors have longer appointment times.
The average primary care visit is only 18 minutes. That is simply not enough time for your primary care doctor to get into the same level of detail about genetic testing as a HealthyGene genetic counselor. With HealthyGene, our 60 minute appointments allow plenty of time to answer all your questions, so you don't have to rush an important decision.
HealthyGene is not affiliated with a genetic testing company.
Your HealthyGene genetic counselor will independently review your personal and family health history to determine what genetic test, if any, is recommended for you - we are not beholden to use a specific laboratory and are not under pressure to order any testing at all. You are always our first priority. If initiating testing through a laboratory yourself, you may have the option to meet with a genetic counselor before testing, but typically only general information is discussed - not anything specific to your case.
HealthyGene only orders medical-grade genetic testing.
This means all genetic test results can be used to guide your healthcare decisions. Many other at-home (or direct to consumer) genetic tests should not be used to make healthcare decisions and would require confirmatory testing. Click here to learn more about direct to consumer vs medical-grade genetic testing.
HealthyGene will ensure you are having genetic testing from a reputable company.
A quick internet search will show you - there are a lot of genetic testing companies out there. Some are more reputable than others. It is difficult for most consumers to know if a genetic testing company is reputable and if they can trust the results. Your HealthyGene genetic counselor will steer you in the right direction.
HealthyGene will provide you with personalized clinical action plan.
HealthyGene will help you to integrate your genetic test results into your healthcare with a clinical action plan to discuss with your doctor. Genetic testing is only a part of the puzzle. Regardless of your results, they must be interpreted in the context of your personal and family history. If no gene mutations are found or if you choose not to have genetic testing, we still provide you with screening recommendations based on your personal and family history.
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HealthyGene is currently serving the following states
Arizona
California
Colorado
Florida
Hawaii
Illinois
Kansas
Maine
Michigan
Missouri
Nevada
New York
North Carolina
Oregon
Texas
Vermont
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
HealthyGene not in your state yet? Click here to be notified when we are.
About the Founder
Jennifer Thompson, MS, CGC is a board certified genetic counselor and the founder of HealthyGene. She earned her undergraduate degree in genetics at the University of California, Irvine. She graduated from the Graduate Program for Genetic Counseling at Northwestern University in 2017 and was certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling the same year. Jennifer has broad experience as a genetic counselor, having worked in the clinical, research, and laboratory settings. As a clinical genetic counselor, she specialized in cancer genetics at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL. While at Rush, she also participated in multidisciplinary clinics for breast and colorectal cancer. She then worked at NorthShore University HealthSystem in Evanston, IL as a research genetic counselor focusing on the implementation of genetic testing into primary care. She also lead the effort to return genetic results to individuals who participated in a biobank. Additionally, Jennifer has in-depth experience curating genetic variants for hereditary cancer, carrier screening, neurodevelopmental conditions, and exome genetic testing gained while working for a genetic testing laboratory. Jennifer is passionate about increasing access to genetic counseling and testing and assisting individuals with genetic conditions in receiving the personalized medical care they need.
Jennifer is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) and the Illinois Society of Genetics Professionals (ISGP). She is an active volunteer with ISGP's genomics educational conference planning committee and the Northwestern University Graduate Program for Genetic Counseling. She currently lives in Chicago, Illinois with her partner and their dog.