Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare

Introduction
Your personal genetics can reveal your risk for certain diseases. This new level of information can be life saving…for you, for your children, and even for your grandchildren.

The Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare (CPGH) at the Cleveland Clinic is among the nation’s leading authorities on genetic health and staffs one of the largest teams of genetic experts.

Working closely with a patient’s physician and other distinguished departments within the Cleveland Clinic, the CPGH team addresses healthcare issues with patients who have, or are at risk to have, inherited conditions.

The CPGH takes healthcare to a new, personalized level. Our recommendations are tailored specifically to an individual’s situation, using their unique family characteristics to provide them with the best care available.

Genetic Testing
The decision to pursue genetic testing is personal. Patients at the CPGH have access to genetics professionals, who can help guide your decision. Geneticists and genetic counselors can explain the details of genetic testing, provide you with accurate, up-to-date information about your specific genetic condition, and inform you of your medical management options, while providing supportive counseling. The need and appropriateness of genetic testing is normally determined during the genetic counseling appointment.

We welcome patient self-referrals, as well as physician referrals. Your appointment requests can be quickly accommodated, including same day appointment options. Genetic services are generally covered benefits with most commercial insurance plans.

A genetics appointment typically involves:
• Review of family history and construction of a family tree
• Review of medical history
• Physical examination performed by a geneticist, if necessary
• Genetic testing, if appropriate
• Education about a patient’s specific diagnosis and any associated health risks
• Health planning for the future that details appropriate medical management
• Discussion of the health risks to family members
• Recommendations and help with genetic testing for at-risk family members

Our services are now available in multiple areas of the Cleveland Clinic Health System, including:

Adult and Pediatric General Genetics services now available at:
• Main Campus
Cancer Genetics services now available at:
• Main Campus (Genomic Medicine Institute and Breast Center)
• Cleveland Clinic Beachwood Family Health and Surgery Center
• Digestive Disease Institute and Colorectal Surgery (DDI/CORS)
• Fairview Hospital’s Moll Pavilion
Preconception/Prenatal Genetic Counseling services now available at:
• Main Campus
• Beachwood Family Health Center
• Hillcrest Hospital
Cardiovascular Genetic services now available at:
• Main Campus

*Additional satellite locations are being developed

Contact Information
Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare
Desk NE50
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44195
Appointments and Genetic Counselors:
Phone: 216/445-5686 or 800/998-4785 (toll-free)
Fax: 216/445-6935

A Genetics in Health and Disease informational kick off event was held on August 1, 2008. Stay posted for additional educational events that are being planned.

Download our fact sheet on the new federal law that prohibits genetic discrimination.

Our History
In 2005, Dr. Charis Eng came to the Cleveland Clinic and launched the Genomic Medicine Institute (GMI). GMI serves as the expert base for investigation and practice of genomic medicine by being a single platform for research, clinical care and outreach/education ultimately directed at genomic-based personalized genetic healthcare. The clinical branch of the GMI is the Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare (CPGH). Presently, the CPGH is staffed by five geneticists and eleven genetic counselors, with plans for further expansion.
Mission Statement

Mission Statement
The CPGH Program strives to achieve excellence in all areas of medical genetics including:

• Providing world-class care to all who need and desire a medical genetics consultation
• Acting as a resource for the community and other health professionals through educational speaking engagements
• Advancing knowledge of medical genetics through continued learning and contributing to knowledge in the field by participation in research
• Preparing all students who receive education through the program to care for those with genetic conditions as well as their families