 |
|
| Find Services | News & Information | Rules & Regulations | Business Information |
Genetic Services
Genetics is the branch of medicine that looks at how hereditary and genetic factors play a role in causing a disease, birth defect, or inherited susceptibility to a health problem. Genetic services include physical exams, health histories, psychosocial assessments, diagnostic and laboratory tests, and counseling to help determine if there is a problem with a pregnancy or with a child. We use genetic services to prevent or lessen illness by finding health problems before they get worse.Genetic services can help diagnose and explain the medical facts behind a disorder, offer preconception or prenatal counseling, and discuss how to cope with disorders. Click on one of the links below to see if you or a family member could benefit from genetic services:
The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Genetic Services program provides access to direct health care services and population based services; identifies current and future needs for genetic services in Texas; provides leadership in developing policy and monitoring the provision of genetic services; and serves as a resource/referral for questions about genetics and genetic services.
Our Mission
DSHS Genetic Services strives to improve the health of children who have genetic disorders. We seek to provide all people of Texas with equal access to all of our services. We provide leadership in evaluating and security quality genetic health care. We want to give opportunities for Texans to achieve the best progress in their pursuit of wellness.We accomplish our mission by coordinating, providing and supporting:
- Access to Direct Health Care Services
- Population Based Services
- Assessment, Planning and Policy Development
- Resource/Referral Services
- Population Based Services
ACCESS TO DIRECT HEALTH CARE SERVICES
DSHS provides access to genetic health care services by funding and providing oversight to nine genetics clinics throughout the state.
- Title V Fee-for-Service funds selected public and private contractors to provide specified allowable genetic services through established rates. These services are provided to Texas residents with family incomes at or less than 185% of the most current Federal Poverty Income Level (FPIL) who are not eligible for other programs providing the same services. Title V funded contracts serve as safety net providers of genetic services for eligible women and children and their families.
- DSHS operates a genetic services clinic in Health Service Region 9/10 (El Paso). Dr. Margaret Drummond-Borg provides medical services and counseling two to three days each month for women and children who are Medicaid, CHIP, or Title V eligible.
- DSHS Genetic Services maintains a complete list of genetic service providers throughout the state. To locate one that is nearest you, simply click on the Provider List button to your left or call 1-800-252-8023.
POPULATION BASED SERVICES
- Title V Population Based Services provides funding to operate the Texas Teratogen Information Service (TTIS) at the University of North Texas. TTIS provides information to health care professionals and Texas residents on the harmful effects of alcohol, cigarette smoking, drugs, and some medications on unborn babies. Counseling is offered at no charge for anyone who may be concerned about pregnancy or breast feeding exposures to teratogens.
ASSESSMENT, PLANNING AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT
- Through the Interagency Council for Genetic Services, DSHS identifies current and future needs for genetic services in Texas, and evaluates the cost-effectiveness and value of different genetic services and methods of delivery. The Council’s assessment of current system resources, gaps and barriers, needs and recommendations are detailed in their biennial Resource Allocation Plan.
- DSHS, through its representation on Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership work groups, provides leadership in developing policy and monitoring the provision of genetic services.
RESOURCE/REFERRAL SERVICES
- Downloadable publications and resources for families and health care providers may be found by clicking on the Resources button.
- DSHS maintains a toll-free information line. Call 1-800-252-8023 if you have questions about genetics or to find a genetic service provider near you.
Genetic Services
Newborn Screening Branch MC 1918
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, Texas 78756
1-800-252-8023
Fax: 512-458-7593
Last Updated May 1, 2006
| Contact Us | Compact with Texans | Homeland Security | Internet Policy | Site Map | Statewide Search | Texas Online |