Insights into your DNA could help you make better decisions about your health, family, and future — from planning a pregnancy to understanding your disease risk. But getting tested is only the beginning.
Complex reports and medical terms can raise more questions than provide answers without expert guidance. That’s where genetic counseling steps in, helping you make sense of your results and provide actionable recommendations.
GeneScreen is one of the leaders in personalized genetic counseling, with a fully virtual platform and a comprehensive list of areas of expertise.
In this review, we investigate whether GeneScreen genetic counseling lives up to the promise by exploring its offer and explaining how it works, helping you decide whether it’s the right choice for your healthcare journey.
GeneScreen at a glance
GeneScreen is a genetic counseling company founded in 2013 by Jill Chisholm, a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner with a clinical background in infertility, reproductive endocrinology, obstetrics, and gynecology.
The company provides pre- and post-testing genetic counseling services for individuals and healthcare providers, but does not offer genetic testing, so you'll need to do a DNA test elsewhere. Once you have the test report, your healthcare provider may refer you to GeneScreen for interpretation of results and guidance.
With a team of over 45 genetic counselors licensed in all 50 U.S. states and Canada, the company provides telehealth genetic counseling services across several specialties, including reproductive health issues, oncology, and pharmacogenomics.
All genetic counselors at GeneScreen are board-eligible or board-certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling and hold master’s degrees in any of the following fields:
Genetics
Human genetics
Genetic counseling
Source: GeneScreen
The company works directly with patients and healthcare providers through two dedicated portals:
GeneScreen patient portal: Allowing patients to book an appointment
GeneScreen provider portal: Allowing healthcare professionals to refer their patients
GeneScreen is independently owned and has no ties to labs or medical institutions. It highlights that counselors’ guidance is founded solely on evidence-based medicine, allowing for unbiased, clinically grounded recommendations.
Bonus read — If you are exploring your options, check out our reviews of popular DNA testing providers:
Who are genetic counselors, and why do you need one?
Genetic counselors are healthcare professionals with specialized training in medical genetics and counseling. They work with patients and healthcare providers to help you understand how genes influence health.
Your doctor might refer you to GeneScreen if they believe you could benefit from an in-depth conversation about your personal or family medical history, especially when there’s a known or suspected genetic condition in the family or when you're planning a pregnancy and want to understand potential risks.
The benefits of meeting with a GeneScreen counselor include:
Exploring your options for genetic testing, if necessary
Reviewing previous genetic test results
Identifying possible inherited conditions or risks
Making informed decisions about your health
How does GeneScreen work?
Your healthcare provider can refer you to GeneScreen genetic counseling, or you can initiate an appointment online. The GeneScreen team will contact you within 24 hours by text, email, or phone to schedule your appointment. You should have your insurance information handy while booking your consultation.
To prepare for your session, you must gather your personal and family medical history, especially information about any known genetic conditions, cancers, birth defects, or chronic illnesses, as well as any previous genetic testing results.
Source: Pavel Danilyuk
A family history questionnaire can help you organize everything, and you can submit supporting documentation through a form on the website.
The consultation includes:
Explanation of relevant genetic concepts
Review of your medical and family history
Interpretation of any existing genetic test results
Recommendation of appropriate genetic testing based on your medical history
Genetic risk assessment
Suggestions for additional specialist referrals, if necessary
Recommendation for testing options for family members, if necessary
Time for questions and clarifications
If you book a pre-testing consultation and a GeneScreen counselor refers you to a genetic test, the company recommends scheduling a follow-up consultation to review the results and implications.
After each appointment, your healthcare provider will receive a detailed report on what was discussed.
GeneScreen review: 5 key aspects to consider
Clarity, reliability, and empathy are essential in understanding genetic test reports and navigating sensitive health information. GeneScreen’s results interpretation helps you identify potential health risks and make more informed medical decisions based on your DNA.
Still, before you decide to book your appointment, it’s important to take a closer look at what GeneScreen offers. We’ll break down five key factors to help you make an informed decision:
1. GeneScreen’s areas of genetic counseling expertise
GeneScreen offers one-on-one genetic counseling tailored to diverse medical specialties, guiding you before, during, and after testing.
The table below outlines the key specialties GeneScreen focuses on:
Specialty | Focus |
Reproductive health |
|
Oncology |
|
Cardiology |
|
Neurology |
|
Primary care |
|
Pharmacogenomics |
|
Rare diseases |
|
Pro tip 💡
While GeneScreen focuses on counseling and interpreting results, it doesn't provide genetic testing — you have to get the test elsewhere. However, the quality of genetic counseling is only as valuable as the genetic data it’s based on.
Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is the most advanced genetic testing available today. This method analyzes nearly 100% of your DNA, providing a complete and accurate picture of your genetic health risks.
Nucleus offers WGS and expert genetic counseling, all in one platform. With over 900 conditions covered, you'll receive clinical-grade, in-depth reports that go beyond basic risk assessments. You can receive personalized recommendations and guidance from genetic counselors through the SteadyMD partnership.
If you're looking for more than just an explanation of your test results and want actionable insights, Nucleus is the go-to choice. Order your Nucleus Family or Nucleus Health test kits today and gain a more complete understanding of your genetic profile.
2. Accessibility and convenience
GeneScreen makes accessing genetic counseling services easier by offering remote appointments you can attend from home. It claims to contact patients promptly to schedule their appointments so they can be seen as soon as possible.
The company offers flexible scheduling seven days a week to accommodate the patients. Sessions last about 45 minutes, and you can choose between a phone call or a video call.
Regardless of your choice, GeneScreen claims its HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform keeps your information secure and confidential.
Source: Kaboompics
3. Cooperation with healthcare providers and testing labs
Although GeneScreen doesn’t offer genetic testing, it partners with healthcare providers and testing labs that do. The system is designed to streamline communication, but the process still relies on coordination between multiple parties. That means that timelines may vary depending on how responsive your provider and testing lab are.
Here’s what GeneScreen ensures:
Direct provider access and real-time updates: Your doctor can refer you through the GeneScreen provider portal, which integrates with their existing EMR system.
Seamless lab integration: GeneScreen connects directly with major testing labs. Once your results are ready, they are shared with your healthcare provider.
Centralized documentation and communication: Your healthcare provider can upload your documents and receive consultation reports through the same platform.
4. GeneScreen cost and transparency
GeneScreen is in-network with most major insurance carriers, so you may access their services with little to no out-of-pocket expenses.
Note that the following providers do not currently cover genetic counseling:
Medicare
Medicare Advantage
Medicaid
Tricare
If you don't have insurance coverage or your claim is denied, GeneScreen offers a flat self-pay rate of $149 per session. There is a secure online payment portal, and you can pay using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, or Venmo.
The company keeps highlighting that you should dial the GeneScreen phone number to discuss the fees due to insurance coverage variations.
Pricing transparency doesn’t appear to be the company's strongest suit, and many users report billing issues:
5. GeneScreen reviews and reputation
GeneScreen reviews are scarce, and many seem overly generic or suspiciously positive. Still, forums and third-party sites provide a more nuanced picture.
Some users report positive experiences, particularly regarding scheduling and communication. One patient praised the company for quick appointment availability and professional support, describing their counselor as “knowledgeable, friendly, and thorough.”
Many others expressed frustration with the overall value of the service. A recurring concern is that GeneScreen’s results interpretations are required, although patients feel those sessions add little to no insight. One reviewer reported that the counselor merely read the results aloud without deeper analysis.
The issue with all these Google reviews is that they are no longer available as GeneScreen’s Google Business profile has been deleted.
Another red flag is that GeneScreen is not BBB-accredited, and the company holds a C+ rating on the Better Business Bureau website.
Bonus read — Explore our side-by-side comparisons of the most popular DNA testing providers:
Is GeneScreen genetic counseling worth it?
GeneScreen can help you understand genetic test reports and provide some guidance, but many users report limited insights during sessions and unexpected billing issues, raising concerns about the platform's overall value.
Here’s a quick look at the key pros and cons:
Pros | Cons |
|
|
GeneScreen’s focus is on genetic counseling and doesn't include actual genetic testing. You’ll need to undergo testing separately, adding time, complexity, and potentially more costs to the process.
Nucleus offers a more comprehensive solution — a clinical-grade whole-genome sequencing DNA test for a deep picture of your genetic makeup and access to board-certified genetic counselors through SteadyMD.
One-time test you can do at home examines your entire genome and offers insights into genetic predisposition for over 900 diseases, including cancer, heart issues, and developmental delays, with 99.9% accuracy.
Nucleus DNA test: Comprehensive, actionable, and easy to understand
If you’re looking for more than a conversation about your genes, Nucleus offers solutions that combine medical-grade DNA testing with easy-to-understand, actionable health insights. Using cutting-edge whole-genome sequencing technology, Nucleus analyzes nearly 100% of your genome to provide a comprehensive look at your long-term health risks.
The platform detects rare, high-impact mutations (often overlooked by other consumer-grade tests) and common variants that influence your risk over time. It also includes carrier screening that reveals whether you carry genetic variations that, while not affecting your health, could be passed on to your children. This is especially valuable for those exploring family planning.
Beyond your genes, Nucleus considers your lifestyle, environment, and other non-genetic factors that may impact your health.
You'll receive clear, user-friendly reports that include common genetic scores and break down your risk for common and rare conditions such as:
Hereditary cancer
Heart disease
Diabetes
Neurological issues
Mental health problems
Nucleus also partners with SteadyMD, giving you access to licensed genetic consultants who can walk you through your results and offer personalized guidance. You’ll also receive AI-generated health tips tailored to your genetic profile and lifestyle, so you can take informed steps toward long-term well-being.
Tests are physician-ordered and processed in CLIA- and CAP-accredited U.S. labs, ensuring clinical accuracy. Nucleus is also HIPAA-compliant, so your genetic data stays safe and private.
How to get started with Nucleus
Getting started with Nucleus is quick and easy:
Sign up for Nucleus Health
Provide the necessary information
Place your order and receive your kit by mail
The test only requires a cheek swab sample. Use the pre-labeled envelope to send your sample back to the lab, and expect your results within six to eight weeks.
For [PRICE.KIT_SOLO.ONE], you’ll receive the Nucleus DNA kit and access to a wealth of insights and all current and future reports. As new research emerges and your lifestyle evolves, Nucleus will update your health risk assessments, so they stay accurate and useful.
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Featured image source: Google DeepMind
