Health Watch

Tele-genetics project increases access to genetic counseling for patients in region

Posted: Dec 16, 2010 11:04 PM by Becky Hillier - Q2 HealthWatch
Updated: Dec 16, 2010 11:05 PM

BILLINGS - Billings Clinic already uses the tele-health network for more than 20 areas of specialty, and now it offers genetic counseling through telemedicine - for patients in Central and Eastern Montana, as well as Western North and South Dakota and Northern Wyoming.

It's hoped the program, which is part of the Eastern Montana Telemedicine Network, will increase access to genetic counseling, while cutting down on the need for patients to travel great distances for face to face consultation.

Working as part of a healthcare team, genetic counselors provide information and support to families with members who have birth defects or genetic disorders and for people who may be at risk for an inherited condition.

Susan Landgren is a genetic counselor for Billings Clinic and says using the tele-health network provides a better way for her to evaluate and consult with a patient long distance, rather than over the phone.

She says, "I can't see the body language, and understand, is this patient getting what I'm saying, are they scared, are they worried, are they bored and the only way I can really do that is visually. So to me, the tele-medicine or tele-health network really provides that advantage."

The tele-genetics project will offer education seminars to providers and the general public in the spring, via tele-medicine.

Topics: Tele-genetics, genetic counseling, Billings Clinic