About our Genetic Consultations

What Can I Expect from the Genetic Consultation?

• Your concerns and questions will be discussed in detail.

• If a genetic condition is suspected, we may perform targeted evaluations to identify an underlying cause.

• If a diagnosis has already been established, we will discuss treatment options and ways to prevent or manage common complications.

• In most cases, genetic conditions cannot be cured.

• You will receive information about inheritance patterns and potential risks for your children.

• If you are planning a pregnancy, we can discuss options for prenatal testing and reproductive planning.

• If genetic conditions are known in your family, we can assess your personal risk.

What Happens Before My Appointment?

Before your appointment, the physician will review your referral and any available medical records. If necessary, additional information may be requested from your healthcare providers.

If you have information about medical conditions in your family or relevant medical records, please bring them with you to your appointment.

What Happens During the Consultation?

The consultation usually lasts 1–2 hours.

During the appointment, we will discuss:

• Your reason for seeking consultation
• Your medical history and health concerns
• Any known medical conditions in your family
• Possible diagnoses and any additional evaluations that may be recommended

A physical examination may be performed. Blood samples may also be collected if needed. In some cases, photographs may be taken for internal clinical use as part of the evaluation.

Before any genetic laboratory testing is performed, we will discuss the expected costs and timeline with you.

What Happens After the Consultation?

The results of any genetic testing will be discussed with you during a follow-up consultation. You will be invited to return for this appointment.

Afterward, a written report summarizing the results of the genetic testing and any recommended next steps will be sent to your treating physician. You will receive a copy of this report.

Please note that, by law, laboratory results cannot be sent directly to patients.

If you do not wish certain information to be shared, or if you do not want specific healthcare providers to receive the report, please let us know during your consultation.

Can I eat before my consultation?

Yes. You do not need to fast before your appointment.

Can I attend the consultation if I am taking medication?

Taking medication does not affect genetic testing. The most important thing is that you feel well enough to attend your appointment. If you are unwell, please reschedule your appointment as early as possible. Missed appointments may be subject to a charge.

Can I bring a support person to the consultation?

Yes. You are welcome to bring a family member, friend, or other support person with you. Many patients find it helpful to have someone accompany them and discuss the information afterward.

Do I have to undergo genetic testing if I attend a consultation?

No. The consultation is an initial discussion during which you can ask questions and receive information. We will discuss which genetic tests may be available and appropriate for your situation. Genetic testing is performed only if you decide to proceed. You may choose not to undergo testing, or you may decide to pursue testing at a later time.

Following the initial consultation, additional research and review may be necessary, depending on your specific situation.

• The turnaround time for genetic testing varies according to the complexity of the analysis. Simpler tests typically take 2–4 weeks, while more complex testing may take several months.
• For rare conditions, additional investigations and specialized research are often required, which may further extend the time needed to obtain results.
• In some cases, additional follow-up testing may be necessary. If this applies to you, we will discuss the reasons and next steps during your consultation.
• Once the results are available, they will be reviewed with you during a follow-up consultation. You will be invited to return for this appointment.
• Afterward, you and your healthcare providers will receive a written summary report outlining the test results and any recommended next steps.
• If the evaluation is delayed, an interim report will be sent to your treating physician describing the current status of the investigation and the planned next steps.
• If insurance preauthorization is required before testing can begin, the start of the analysis may be delayed by several months.
• If you are planning a pregnancy, we recommend completing any necessary genetic evaluations before becoming pregnant whenever possible, as testing and interpretation may take several weeks or months. In urgent situations, we will make every effort to expedite the process, although faster processing cannot be guaranteed.
• We will discuss the expected timeline for your specific evaluation during your consultation.

What Costs Should I Expect?

• The genetic consultation is billed in the same way as other physician consultations, based on the time required and according to the currently applicable Swiss medical tariff system (TARDOC). Billing is generally processed directly through your health insurance provider (tiers payant system).

• In addition to the consultation itself, charges may apply for work performed outside the appointment, such as reviewing test results and preparing the final report.

• In most cases, consultation-related costs start at approximately CHF 500. More complex cases may incur higher costs.

• The cost of diagnostic genetic testing varies considerably depending on the type and complexity of the analysis and may range from approximately CHF 300 to several thousand Swiss francs.

Which Costs Are Covered by Health Insurance?

• The medical consultation is generally covered by basic health insurance. A referral from your physician is recommended.
• If you are enrolled in a gatekeeper or primary care physician insurance model (Hausarztmodell), a referral is required.
• Many diagnostic genetic tests are also covered by basic health insurance. We will discuss with you whether coverage is likely to be available; however, the final decision rests with your health insurance provider.
• Please keep in mind when selecting your annual deductible that genetic testing and result interpretation may take several months.
• If you change your health insurance provider during the evaluation process, please inform us as early as possible.
• Disability Insurance (IV) generally does not cover these costs but may provide coverage in rare cases.

How Is Billing Processed?

• Consultation services are billed through Ärztekasse, the Swiss physicians’ billing service.
• Diagnostic genetic testing is billed through the Finance Department of the University of Zurich (UZH).
• The information required for billing purposes is transmitted securely and treated confidentially.
• In the event of non-payment, only the information necessary for debt collection procedures (contact details and the total amount due) will be shared with the responsible parties.

Information on NIPT for Fetal Trisomies and Other Chromosomal Conditions (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing)