Genetic clinics
VCGS delivers a range of clinics at The Royal Children's Hospital, regional Victoria and in the Northern Territory.
Pre and early pregnancy screening clinic
This clinic gives you the chance to talk about genetic screening tests available prior to and during pregnancy. Our genetic counsellors are available to discuss your options and help you understand your results. Appointments are available by phone, video and in person. In person appointments occur at VCGS, on the 4th floor of The Royal Children’s Hospital (50 Flemington Rd, Parkville).
You do not need a referral from your doctor to access this clinic. To speak to our reproductive genetic counselling team or to make an appointment, please contact us:
General and specialty clinics
You or your child may be referred to a genetics clinic for assessment based on personal or family medical history, or the result of medical tests. You may be seen by a genetics doctor (clinical geneticist) and/or genetic counsellor. They will discuss the reason for referral and arrange further tests if appropriate.
Not all people who are referred to a genetics clinic have a genetic condition.
Access to these genetics clinics requires a referral from your GP or other medical specialist. This referral can be emailed to VCGS.
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to bring along relevant information from previous medical tests or other health records. If a child has been referred, the doctor may ask to examine one or both parents during the appointment.
We also recommend people bring a family member or a friend for additional support. There can be a lot of new information to take in during a genetics clinic appointment.
You should arrive 20 minutes before the clinic appointment. Parking is limited at most hospitals in metro areas.
An interpreter will be arranged if required.
Out of pocket costs
A VCGS genetics clinic appointment is free of charge.
Many genetic tests are not covered by Medicare. There may be out of pocket costs if certain testing is needed. Costs will be discussed with you before testing is arranged.
Patients with a Health Care Card and those eligible for a Carer Allowance may be entitled to discounted parking or travel assistance where they have travelled further than 100km to attend the appointment. Details can be found on the Department of Health & Human Services website.
Please direct any questions about these clinics to our Duty Genetic Counsellor
General Genetics Clinic
Bone Dysplasia Clinic
Cancer Genetics Clinic (Paediatric)
Cardiac Multidisciplinary Clinic
Craniofacial Clinic
Dermatology Genetics Clinic
Neurogenetics Clinic (paediatric & adult)
Neurofibromatosis (NF) Clinic
Neuromuscular Clinic
Ophthalmology Genetics Clinic
Renal Genetics Clinic
Vascular Genetics Clinic
VCGS
Pre and early pregnancy screening clinic
Please direct any questions about these clinics to our Duty Genetic Counsellor
Albury/Wodonga Genetics Clinic
Ballarat Genetics Clinic
Bendigo Genetics Clinic
Geelong Genetics Clinic
Mildura Genetics Clinic
Sale/Warragal Genetics Clinic
Shepparton Genetics Clinic
Warnambool Genetics Clinic
NT Genetics Service
The Royal Darwin Hospital