Patient Letter (Genetic Counseling Summary)

Clinic/Health System: [Clinic or health system name], [Full mailing address], [Main phone number]

Genetic Counselor: [Counselor full name], [Credentials]

Date: [Full date in unambiguous format]

Patient: [Patient full name], [Date of birth in unambiguous format]

Dear [Patient name],

[One clear sentence stating the purpose of this letter: to summarize your visit, review any test results, and outline next steps.]

(Use plain language, short sentences, and a supportive tone throughout. Use "you" and "your." Avoid clinical jargon. When first using genetic terms, briefly define them in simple words.)

Summary at a Glance

• [Reason for your visit in simple words] (Include only if applicable.)
• [Testing status: ordered / completed / pending / not done]
• [Top-line result in plain language] (Include only if results are available.)
• [Main meaning for your health right now]
• [Most important next step and timeframe]
• [What this may mean for family members] (Include only if applicable.)

(Omit any bullets that do not apply rather than leaving them blank.)

What We Discussed

On [visit date], we met [in-person / via telehealth]. [List who was present, such as you, parent/guardian, or partner.]

We reviewed: [Key personal health history relevant to genetics], [family history highlights by relationship and side of family], [any prior test results if relevant], and [your goals or questions]. (Include only items that were explicitly discussed.)

We talked about testing options: [type(s) of test discussed]. You [decided to proceed with / decided to wait on / declined] testing. [If testing was ordered, note the lab and expected turnaround time. If not, state why or what information is needed.]

[Referrals or screening recommendations made] (If family history was incomplete, state this and note what additional information would help, such as diagnoses and ages in relatives.)

Your Genetic Test Results

(Include this section only if results were reviewed or are being communicated.)

[Result headline: pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant identified / no clinically significant variant identified / variant(s) of uncertain significance identified / carrier finding identified]

[Plain-language explanation of what this result means for you.] (Define terms like gene, variant, carrier, or VUS briefly when first used—for example: a gene is an instruction in your DNA; a variant is a change in a gene.)

[What the result does not mean.] (For example: a negative result does not rule out all genetic causes; a VUS should not by itself change medical care. Include only statements relevant to the actual result.)

[Implications for relatives by relationship and who may benefit from testing or screening] (Explain cascade testing simply and offer support with family letters if appropriate.)

For Your Records: [Test name and laboratory], [report date], [gene(s) and variant(s) with standard nomenclature]. (The full lab report is attached or available upon request.)

[Secondary findings status: not analyzed / analyzed with no findings / findings identified with brief summary] (Include only if secondary findings analysis was part of the test.)

Recommendations and Next Steps

• [Highest-priority action with timeframe]
• [Screening or risk-reduction steps and who will manage them]
• [Referrals placed and how to schedule]
• [Additional genetic testing for you and/or relatives]
• [Follow-up genetics appointment timing]
• [Triggers to contact us sooner: new diagnoses, pregnancy planning, updated family history]

(Include only applicable items. If no changes to care are recommended, state this explicitly and omit other action items.)

Questions and Contact Information

If you have questions, please reach out. You can contact us by [phone number], [secure patient portal], or [other method]. Our hours are [hours] and we aim to respond within [usual response time].

[If results are pending: We will share results by [phone / portal / in-person visit] as soon as they are ready.]

Please keep your contact information up to date and let us know about key life changes such as planning a pregnancy or new diagnoses in your family. Genetic knowledge evolves over time—the meaning of a variant can change, so periodic check-ins may be helpful.

Sincerely,

[Genetic counselor full name], [Credentials]
[Title/Department], [Clinic or health system]
[Phone], [Secure portal or email if applicable]

[Supervising physician name and credentials] (Include if applicable.)

CC: [Names and roles of other providers] (Include only with patient authorization.)