Genetic Testing

Advanced Primary Care

Our primary care services have extended to include advanced genomics as a part of your care plan. These state-of-the-art screenings allow our primary care providers to use your DNA to detect illnesses and identify risk factors earlier, when they are most treatable. Talk with your primary care physician to find out if it's right for you.

More info available in the downloadable PDF files below: 

• Genetic Testing
• Pruebas Genéticas
• Xét Nghiệm Di Truyền
• 유전자 검사
• Badania Genetyczne
• الفحص الجیني

Personalized primary care is part of a comprehensive genomic research and technology program via the Mark R. Neaman Center for Personalized Medicine, NorthShore's Division of Genetics. .

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Request Genetic Testing?


You will have the opportunity to request genetic testing when you complete your Genetic and Wellness Assessment (GWA) via NorthShoreConnect, prior to your annual physical.

What is the GWA?


The GWA is a questionnaire that asks you about your personal and family medical history. Your answers to these questions, in addition to national guidelines, will help your provider determine if additional screening is appropriate for you. 

Am I Required to Complete the GWA/Request Genetic Testing?


No, you are not required to complete the GWA and you have the right to refuse genetic testing. You must complete the GWA to request medical DNA testing.

Why Should I Complete the GWA?


Genetic testing allows your primary care provider to anticipate diseases as early as possible, identify risk factors indicated by your genetics and tailor your care to your personal and family medical history.

Who is Eligible?


All patients 18 years and older, including Medicare and Medicaid patients, with a NorthShoreConnect account are eligible to request genetic screening. Your primary care provider will determine if genetic testing is appropriate for you based on your GWA and national guidelines.

What Locations Offer This Service?


All NorthShore Medical Group and Swedish Hospital primary care locations offer the GWA. If your physician is not at one of these locations, you can schedule a genetic testing appointment with the Neaman Center for Personalized Medicine, Medical Genetics at 847-570-GENE (4363).

Where Can I See the Results?


Your results will be available in your NorthShoreConnect patient portal. 

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Patient Protections and Privacy

Patients are protected against discrimination based upon their genetic test results via the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). These federal regulations safeguard results and prevent discrimination using genetic information for health and life insurance as well as employment status. More info on GINA can be found at GinaHelp.org.

NorthShore rigorously follows all applicable standards established in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Only patients and their care team will have access to genetic testing results unless a patient consents to share their information elsewhere.