Medical Genetics

Genetics is the story of our genes — how information is passed down from one generation to the next and how it shapes a person’s health, growth and development.

In rare cases, problems with our genetic makeup can lead to serious medical conditions. When this happens, it’s critical to have health care professionals familiar with these rare conditions on your side.

MultiCare Genetics Services provides care at multiple Mary Bridge Children’s locations for both children and adults. People turn to us because we offer:

Personalized support from a multispecialty team. We know you have questions — What’s causing this condition? Could it happen again? Does it run in my family? What can we do about it? Our team consists of geneticists, genetic counselors, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, medical assistants, social workers and clinical nutritionists who will answer your questions, help you understand the effects of a genetic condition or trait, and collaborate with you to create a plan moving forward.

A robust array of services. Our goal is to provide the expertise, information and advocacy you need in a compassionate and caring environment. Our services include diagnostic evaluation, genetic testing, genetic counseling, disease monitoring, recurrence risk counseling, treatment, condition-specific referrals and more.

Care and treatment for metabolic conditions. Our Biochemical Genetics Clinic specializes in evaluating, diagnosing and treating inherited metabolic conditions in children and adults. Metabolic conditions affect the body’s metabolism, how it uses food and how it produces energy. Visit our Biochemical Genetics page to learn more.

Convenient access to virtual care. Your child may be able to get the care they need without having to leave the comfort of home. Contact us to find out if a virtual care appointment may be appropriate for your situation.

We serve adults and children on a referral basis. Your provider may consider a referral to our team if you or your child meet certain criteria.

We do not provide prenatal genetic testing or counseling, or adult cancer genetic testing or counseling. However, we do work closely with MultiCare Maternal Fetal Medicine and MultiCare Cancer Genetics services. The following information can help you plan for a clinic visit.

Initial and follow-up appointments

Initial appointments are approximately an hour long. Please plan additional time for parking, checking in and getting any recommended laboratory tests. During an initial appointment, the patient must be present. Please bring entertainment and snacks for young patients.

Lab results

Genetic testing results may take several weeks or longer. Due to the specialized nature of genetic tests, most of them will require pre-authorization from your insurance company. For such tests, your child will not have blood drawn the same day as the initial appointment. Recommended tests will be discussed, and we will contact you once the test has been approved or denied with further instructions. We will also contact you once your test results have been received and reviewed to advise on any further plans of care.