Compare 45 genetic counselors in Palo Alto, CA. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
45
Genetic Counselors
100%
Accepting patients
22%
Most common: MS
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Palo Alto has 45 genetic counselors. The most common credential is MS (22%). 100% are currently accepting new patients.
Nearby hospitals include Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, and UCSF Medical Center. Local training programs run through UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and UCSF School of Medicine.
A session lasts 30 to 60 minutes. The counselor will draw and analyze your family health history (pedigree), explain the genetic basis of the condition in question, discuss the benefits, limitations, and risks of genetic testing, and help you decide whether testing is right for you. If you have already been tested, the counselor will explain the results in plain language and discuss what they mean for you and your family. Genetic counselors provide emotional support and connect you with resources. They do not pressure you toward any particular decision about testing or treatment.
See a genetic counselor if you are pregnant and want to understand prenatal screening or diagnostic test options, have a family history of cancer (especially breast, ovarian, or colon cancer diagnosed young or in multiple relatives), have a child with a developmental delay or birth defect, are planning a pregnancy and want to understand carrier screening (especially if you and your partner share ancestry from a group with higher rates of certain conditions), received an unexpected result on a direct-to-consumer genetic test, or have a family history of a known genetic condition and want to understand your risk.
Genetic counseling session: $100-400 (often covered by insurance) · Genetic testing: $250-2,000+ (usually covered when medically indicated) · With insurance copay: $20-75 · Direct-to-consumer test: $100-300 (not covered)
Palo Alto, CA has 45 licensed genetic counselors. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of genetic counselors in Palo Alto, CA are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
The most commonly accepted carriers among genetic counselors in Palo Alto, CA include unitedhealthcare, centene, qhp-17091, and qhp-14002. Coverage and in-network status vary by provider, so it is worth confirming directly with the office before scheduling. FindClarity shows accepted insurance for each provider.
A genetic counseling session costs $100 to $400 (often covered by insurance). Genetic testing costs $250 to $2,000+ (usually covered when medically indicated). With insurance copay: $20 to $75. Actual costs in Palo Alto, CA depend on the provider and your insurance plan. Many genetic testing labs offer reduced self-pay pricing ($250 or less) if insurance denies coverage. The genetic counselor will help with pre-authorization and can advise on the most cost-effective testing approach. GINA protects against health insurance discrimination based on genetic results.
Look for a board-certified provider who accepts your insurance and practices near you. Palo Alto, CA has 45 genetic counselors. Reading patient reviews and checking hospital affiliations can help narrow your choice. FindClarity lets you compare providers by credentials, insurance, and location.
MS stands for Master of Science in Genetic Counseling and CGC stands for Certified Genetic Counselor. Both are equivalent qualifications. In Palo Alto, CA, 22% hold the MS credential and 22% hold CGC. The difference is in training pathway, not quality of care.
Some genetic counselors in Palo Alto, CA accept Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid covers genetic counseling and testing for prenatal and cancer indications in most states. Coverage varies for other indications. Contact the provider's office directly to confirm Medi-Cal participation before scheduling.
Top accepted carriers in Palo Alto, CA include unitedhealthcare, centene, qhp-17091, and qhp-14002.
Genetic counseling sessions are covered by most insurance plans when medically indicated. Medicare covers genetic counseling for hereditary cancer syndromes and prenatal indications. Medicaid coverage varies by state. Genetic testing is covered when ordered based on medical necessity criteria (family history, clinical findings). Pre-authorization is often required for both the counseling visit and the test. If insurance denies coverage for testing, many labs offer reduced self-pay rates or financial assistance programs. The genetic counselor can help navigate coverage and appeals.