Patient Letter (Genetic Counseling Summary)

[Clinic name]
[Clinic address]
Phone: [Clinic phone] | Fax: [Clinic fax]

[Date of letter]

[Patient full name]
Date of birth: [DOB]

Dear [Patient preferred name / Parent or Guardian name],

This letter summarizes [your / your child's] genetic counseling visit on [Visit date]. [A copy of the laboratory report is attached. / The report is available in [patient portal / your medical chart]. / Testing is in progress and results will be available in approximately [turnaround time]; we will contact you to discuss them.]

Key Takeaways

• [Testing ordered or reviewed in plain language] (Define abbreviations at first use.)
• [Headline result or status: negative/normal / positive/abnormal / uncertain] — [One sentence explaining what this means in everyday terms]
• [Main implication for health and care]
• [Family implications if discussed] (Use relationship terms like "your mother," "maternal aunt." Omit if not applicable.)
• [Primary next steps and timeframe]

Summary

[Reason for referral and main questions addressed] (1–2 sentences in plain language.)

[Relevant personal and family history] (Summarize key details that informed the assessment. Use relationship terms rather than names. Distinguish sources: "You shared that…" for patient-reported information; "Records show…" for confirmed items. Omit if history was not a significant factor.)

[Testing details and results] (If testing was ordered: describe test type, laboratory, sample collected, and expected turnaround. If results are available: state the finding clearly, pair with the laboratory's classification, and explain in plain language. For uncertain results, state that the meaning is unclear and that medical decisions are based on history rather than the uncertain finding. Include implications for health, screening, and family members or reproductive planning as discussed.)

Next Steps

• [Action item with timeframe] — [Patient / Clinic]
• [Additional action items as needed]
• [Referrals placed and what to expect] (Include how scheduling will occur. Omit if none.)
• [Follow-up plan or when to recontact clinic] (If no routine follow-up is needed, advise when to reach out: new family diagnosis, history changes, pregnancy planning.)

Questions and Contact

If you have questions, please call us at [Clinic phone] or send a message through [Patient portal name]. We typically respond within [response timeframe].

[Guidance on seeking emergency care if symptoms occur] (Only include if clinically appropriate.)

Sincerely,

[Genetic counselor name], [Credentials]
[Title], [Clinic/Program]
[Supervising clinician name and credentials] (Include if applicable.)

CC: [Recipients] (Only include if discussed with and expected by the patient.)

Attachments: [Laboratory report / Educational materials] (Only include if applicable.)

(Global style: Use people-first, non-stigmatizing language. Keep sentences short. Avoid jargon; define technical terms in plain language. Do not infer emotions—use attribution such as "You expressed concern about…". Omit any section that does not apply.)