Telemedicine for Families

We are committed to developing and maintaining a clinic-community link via telegenetics (telehealth and telemedicine) to increase access and genetic services delivery to populations, including the medically underserved.

What are telehealth and telemedicine?


Terminology can be confusing when launching a virtual care program and various definitions of telehealth or telemedicine exist. An umbrella term often used is telehealth, which can encompass all visits or interactions that are conducted via electronic means. It includes synchronous visits (live, two-way video), asynchronous encounters (interactions that are not live), and medical as well as nonmedical interactions. Unlike telehealth, which can refer to remote nonclinical services, telemedicine refers specifically to remote clinical services. Telemedicine is defined as using technology to deliver care at a distance and refers to the clinical care of a patient.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) defines telehealth as “the use of electronic information and telecommunication technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health, and health administration. Technologies include video conferencing, the internet, store-and-forward imaging, streaming media, and terrestrial and wireless communications.”

What is telegenetics?

Telegenetics is the providing of genetic services, counseling, or consultation to patients referred for genetic services over videoconferencing. Telegenetics is a form of telemedicine that is specific to genetic services.

Telemedicine Resources


Many families are using telegenetics to see their genetic provider. As this may be new to some families, we have gathered resources to help you prepare for your telegenetics appointment, understand what happens during your appointment, and learn what to expect after your appointment.

In addition to the documents available to understand telemedicine, especially telegenetics, the Midwest and Western States Regional Genetics Network developed videos in English and Spanish to further explain telegenetics and telemedicine appointments.

Preparing for a Successful Telehealth Visit Checklist

This checklist helps families prepare for a telemedicine visit.

Preparing for a Successful Telehealth Visit Worksheet

This worksheet helps families prepare for a telemedicine visit.

Telemedicine Tips for Patients and Families/Caregivers

This is a guide to help you prepare for your telemedicine appointment with your provider. Your provider may have additional requirements for you that are not listed in the document. … More →

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