At NorthShore, we’re providing advanced primary care, integrating genetics as part of each patient’s care plan. Our primary care physicians have access to the most advanced genetic screenings, using patients’ own DNA to identify risk factors and detect diseases at their earliest, most treatable stages. From annual physicals to addressing a serious challenge, we work with you to personalize your care. That’s smarter healthcare.
Prior to your annual physical, you will receive a Genetic and Wellness Assessment to complete via NorthShoreConnect . Based on your responses, you will have the opportunity to request an order be placed by your physician for genetic testing. This information would then be used to create a customized care and treatment plan based on your unique genetic characteristics and health history.
I greatly appreciate that my doctor always takes the time to go into great detail with me about my health concerns.
Schedule Online
For patients age 18+ with a NorthShoreConnect account, you can schedule your annual physical or wellness exam online with one of NorthShore’s Advanced Primary Care physicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Genetic and Wellness Assessment (GWA)? The Genetic and Wellness Assessment is a questionnaire that asks you about your personal and family history of certain medical conditions. Based on your responses and national guidelines, your provider will assess if genetic testing or other increased screening is right for you.
Who is eligible? All adults 18 years and older, including Medicare and Medicaid patients, who are active on NorthShoreConnect are eligible. Patients must sign-up for NorthShoreConnect to consent to testing and access their test results after the physician has placed a test order.
Why should I complete the Genetic and Wellness Assessment? As research advances in the area of genomics, NorthShore and Swedish recognizes the importance of providing care to our patients that is truly personalized and tailored to each person’s health and family history. The information provided through this questionnaire to your physician allows an opportunity to analyze your personal and family history to help identify areas where genomic information can help guide medical management in a more precise manner.
Which locations offer the GWA? The GWA is available in all FM, IM, OBGYN Endeavor Health Medical Group and Swedish Primary Care locations.
What if my physician is not at one of these locations? The GWA is also available through scheduling an appointment with the Neaman Center for Personalized Medicine, Medical Genetics. You can call 847.570.GENE (4363) to learn how you can be evaluated.
Is the Genetic and Wellness Assessment mandatory for me to complete? No. It is your right to refuse to complete the assessment. You may electronically decline via NorthShoreConnect.
What protections do patients have against discrimination based upon their genetic test results? The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) are federal regulations that safeguard results and prevent discrimination using genetic information for health and life insurance as well as employment status. More info on GINA can be found at www.ginahelp.org.
How is patient information kept private/secure? NorthShore rigorously follows all applicable standards established in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Only patients and their care team will have access to genetic testing results unless a patient consents to share their information elsewhere.