Compare 64 genetic counselors in Madison, WI. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
64
Genetic Counselors
100%
Accepting patients
34%
Most common: CGC
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Madison is a college town with academic medical center resources that punch well above its size. UW Health dominates the local market, and the population is younger, more educated, and more health-engaged than most comparably sized cities. The result is a healthcare environment where preventive care and wellness are the norm, not the exception.
Madison has 64 genetic counselors. The most common credential is CGC (34%). 100% are currently accepting new patients. Practitioners see patients in neighborhoods including Downtown (Capitol Square), Williamson Street (Willy Street), Monroe Street, and Hilldale.
UW Health University Hospital sits on the west side of the isthmus near the UW-Madison campus. SSM Health St. Mary's is on the south side, and Meriter Hospital (UnityPoint) is centrally located near the Capitol. Most medical offices cluster along University Avenue, the Beltline Highway corridor, and the west side near the hospital. Parking at UW Hospital can be tight, so use the shuttle from the garage on Highland Avenue.
Nearby hospitals include UW Health University Hospital, SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital, and Meriter Hospital (UnityPoint Health). Local training programs run through University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and University of Wisconsin-Madison. Madison is consistently ranked among the healthiest cities in the US due to high physical activity rates and healthcare access.
Quartz (formerly Physicians Plus), affiliated with UW Health, and Dean Health Plan are the dominant local carriers. Group Health Cooperative also serves the Madison market. National carriers like UnitedHealthcare and Anthem have less market share here than in Milwaukee. BadgerCare Plus enrollment is lower in Dane County than in most Wisconsin counties, reflecting the area's higher employment and income levels.
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)
Madison, WI has 64 licensed genetic counselors. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of genetic counselors in Madison, WI are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
Wisconsin residents enroll through HealthCare.gov for ACA marketplace plans. In Dane County, options include Quartz (affiliated with UW Health), Dean Health Plan, and Group Health Cooperative. BadgerCare Plus covers Medicaid-eligible residents. Many Madison employers offer Quartz or Dean plans that include the UW Health network.
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 Madison, WI 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.
UW Health is the dominant system in Madison, operating the university hospital, dozens of clinics, and the American Family Children's Hospital. SSM Health and UnityPoint (Meriter) offer alternatives. For most specialty care, UW Health will be the primary option. If your insurance does not include UW Health, SSM and Meriter cover a wide range of primary and acute care needs.
CGC stands for Certified Genetic Counselor and MS stands for Master of Science in Genetic Counseling. Both are equivalent qualifications. In Madison, WI, 34% hold the CGC credential and 20% hold MS. The difference is in training pathway, not quality of care.
Some genetic counselors in Madison, WI accept BadgerCare Plus, 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 BadgerCare Plus participation before scheduling.
UW Health is the largest and most comprehensive system, but SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital and UnityPoint Health-Meriter both operate in Madison. For complex specialty care, oncology, and transplants, UW Health is typically the referral destination. Primary care and many surgical procedures are available at all three systems.
Madison has a relatively strong supply of therapists compared to most cities its size. UW Health Behavioral Health, Journey Mental Health Center, and many private practices accept new patients. Check whether your plan includes Quartz or Dean network providers, as that will determine your in-network options.
Top accepted carriers in Madison, WI include unitedhealthcare, qhp-44228, qhp-81413, centene, and qhp-98185.
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.