The Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare’s (CPGH) is committed to providing comprehensive clinical genetic services, education and support to patients and family members. Our team of genetic experts will work with other Cleveland Clinic primary care providers and specialists to personalized your care by incorporating your genetic information into your overall health care plan.
Clinical Geneticist
Genetic Counselors
- Rebecca Cook, MS
- Brandie Heald Leach, MS, CGC
- Jessica Mester, MS, CGC, LGC
- Jessica Moline, MS, CGC
- Jill Polk, MS, CGC
Genetics Specialist
Megan Doer, MS, CGC
At Your Visit
We will provide personalized expert genetic counseling and education to you and your family. During your visit, you will see a genetics expert (genetic counselor and/or clinical geneticist) for a genetics evaluation. You may also be scheduled with other Cleveland Clinic providers during your visit depending on your medical needs and physician availability.
Our comprehensive method for genetic counseling involves:
- Diagnosis of a genetic condition through review of family and medical history, examination by a clinical geneticist, and if appropriate, genetic testing
- Education about your specific diagnosis and any associated health risks if known
- Suggestions for future medical care to optimize your health
- Discussion of health risks to family members
- Recommendations regarding genetic testing for at-risk family members and coordination of testing, if desired
If genetic testing is indicated, blood can usually be drawn on the same day following your appointment.
Following Your Visit
After your visit, it may take anywhere from a few days up to two weeks for your clinical appointment notes to reach the healthcare providers that you requested to receive a copy. We are also glad to communicate with your healthcare providers about your case as needed. You are always welcome to follow up with us with questions regarding your visit.
Physician Referral
Prior to requesting an appointment, you will need to obtain a physician referral. If you are a patient outside the Cleveland Clinic health system, please have your physician complete a physician referral form and fax to 216.445.6935.
Collect Your Medical Records
If you are a patient outside the Cleveland Clinic health system, you should send an authorization for the release of medical records form to each external facility. You may arrange to have medical records faxed (30 pages or less) to our department at 216.445.6935 or sent postal mail.
Cleveland Clinic
Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare
Attn: Cancer Genetics
9500 Euclid Ave. NE50
Cleveland, OH 44195
Collect Your Family Health History
To make the most out of your visit, you should gather family health history information prior to your appointment. It may be helpful for you to talk with your relatives about cancers running in your family. Specifically, you will want to discuss the following:
- Who in the family has been diagnosed with cancer, and how are they related to you?
- What type of cancer did each affected relative have, e.g., breast, ovarian, colon, pancreatic?
- At what age was each individual diagnosed with cancer? (If a precise age is not known, it can be helpful to determine the approximate decade in which they were diagnosed, e.g., diagnosed in their 40's, or 70's.)
- At what age did relatives pass away? What was the cause?
- Has anyone in the family had genetic testing?
Genetic counseling and testing are billed as two separate services.
Genetic Counseling Services
Many insurance companies will cover 96040, which is the CPT code for genetic counseling. However, we do ask that you check with your insurance company to verify that your plan does cover the cost. If your plan does not cover 96040, please contact us at 216.636.1768 and we can discuss the proper payment arrangements with you.
Genetic Testing
If genetic testing is indicated, your genetic counselor will discuss costs and insurance coverage during your appointment.
Some patients are concern that their genetic information may be used against them. To learn about your patient rights and protections in place to prevent genetic discrimination, read our article on GINA.
To learn more about billing options and financial assistance, review our billing and insurance information.
The Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare (CPGH) is expanding rapidly. Patients can be evaluated at various main campus clinics, family health centers and community hospitals. Same day appointments are available.
To schedule an appointment, please call 216.636.1768 or 800.998.4785.
Main Campus Locations
Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare
Lerner Research Institute
Desk NE50 (5th Floor)
Digestive Disease Institute
A Building (Crile)
Desk A30 (3rd Floor)
Endocrine Surgery
F Building
Desk F20 (2nd Floor)
Gynecologic Oncology
A Building (Crile)
Desk A81 (8th Floor)
Taussig Cancer Institute
R Building (Taussig)
Desk R20 (2nd Floor)
Family Health & Surgical Centers
Beachwood Family Health & Surgery Center
(Room 307-S, 3rd Floor)
26900 Cedar Road
Beachwood, OH 44122
Independence Cancer Center
(Main entrance)
6100 West Creek Rd
Independence, OH 44131
Community Hospitals
Fairview Park Moll Cancer Pavilion
(2nd Floor)
18101 Lorain Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44111
Hillcrest Hospital
6780 Mayfield Road
Mayfield Heights, OH 44124