Compare 200 genetic counselors in Philadelphia, PA. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
200
Genetic Counselors
100%
Accepting patients
32%
Most common: MS
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Philadelphia is a medical city in its bones. Five medical schools, more than 30 hospitals, and CHOP (the oldest children's hospital in the nation) give Philly a density of medical talent that rivals New York and Boston. The Penn and Jefferson systems anchor most of the city's care, but Temple and Einstein (now Jefferson North) serve the neighborhoods that the academic flagships sometimes overlook.
Philadelphia has 200 genetic counselors. The most common credential is MS (32%). 100% are currently accepting new patients.
Center City is the medical epicenter, with Jefferson, Penn, and multiple specialty offices all within a few blocks. University City, across the Schuylkill River, is home to HUP, CHOP, and Penn Presbyterian. SEPTA's Broad Street Line and Market-Frankford Line connect most neighborhoods to one of these hubs within 30 minutes. North Philly relies on Temple University Hospital, while Germantown and Chestnut Hill are served by Jefferson-affiliated community hospitals.
Providers practice throughout Philadelphia. Center City is the heart of Philadelphia's medical corridor, with Jefferson, Hahnemann, and Penn campuses all within reach. Rittenhouse Square is an upscale neighborhood with specialty practices and proximity to Jefferson and Penn hospitals. Old City is a historic neighborhood near Jefferson Hospital and several walk-in clinics along Market Street. University City is home to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, CHOP, and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.
Nearby hospitals include Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Local training programs run through University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and Thomas Jefferson University (Sidney Kimmel Medical College). Philadelphia has five medical schools and more than 30 hospitals, making it one of the most medically dense cities in the US.
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)
Philadelphia, PA has 200 licensed genetic counselors. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of genetic counselors in Philadelphia, PA are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
Independence Blue Cross (IBX) is the dominant carrier in the Philadelphia region for employer plans. On the ACA marketplace, Ambetter, Oscar, and IBX compete. Medicaid in Philadelphia is administered through managed care organizations including Keystone First, Health Partners Plans, and Aetna Better Health.
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 Philadelphia, PA 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.
Philadelphia healthcare is dominated by Penn Medicine (HUP, Penn Presbyterian, Lancaster General) and Jefferson Health (Thomas Jefferson, Einstein, Abington). Temple Health serves North Philadelphia, and Main Line Health covers the western suburbs. Most physicians are affiliated with one system. Picking a PCP inside the system with the hospital closest to you simplifies specialist referrals.
MS stands for Master of Science in Genetic Counseling and CGC stands for Certified Genetic Counselor. Both are equivalent qualifications. In Philadelphia, PA, 32% hold the MS credential and 21% hold CGC. The difference is in training pathway, not quality of care.
Some genetic counselors in Philadelphia, PA accept Pennsylvania Medicaid (MA), 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 Pennsylvania Medicaid (MA) participation before scheduling.
Hahnemann University Hospital in Center City closed in 2019 after its owner filed for bankruptcy. Its closure reduced inpatient capacity in the city and shifted patients to nearby Jefferson, Temple, and Penn hospitals. Drexel University College of Medicine, which used Hahnemann for clinical training, has since partnered with Tower Health and other systems.
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) primarily serves patients from birth through age 21. Some specialty programs continue care into young adulthood for conditions diagnosed in childhood. CHOP has its main campus in University City and satellite locations throughout the region.
Top accepted carriers in Philadelphia, PA include unitedhealthcare, qhp-72760, centene, qhp-76168, and qhp-17091.
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.