TranslateGenetics
Outpatients
The Tasmanian Clinical Genetics Service is a specialist referral service that provides diagnosis, counselling, and support for individuals with, or at risk of, hereditary disorders. Our focus is on providing expert advice for specific clinical questions. Many genetic conditions are relatively common and can be managed by a GP or the appropriate specialist. If there are doubts, please consult your treating doctor first.
Our clinicians primarily assist in diagnosing or developing a management plan. After an assessment, patients are discharged back to their referring clinician with a summary of your assessment and any recommendations.
We accept referrals from GPs or specialists. Please discuss your concerns with your treating doctor. Please note that not all referrals are accepted. If your referral is accepted, patients will be placed on a waitlist and contacted in due course.
The Department will periodically contact patients waiting for an outpatient clinic appointment via SMS, with a link to an electronic form. This is part of routine waitlist auditing to ensure patient details are up to date. If you receive this SMS, please update your details.
Availability
North
All referrals and queries to:
Phone: 03 6166 8296
Fax: 03 6173 0328
Clinic locations vary.
North West
All referrals and queries to:
Phone: 03 6166 8296
Fax: 03 6173 0328
Clinic locations vary.
South
All referrals and queries to:
Phone: 03 6166 8296
Fax: 03 6173 0328
Clinic locations vary.
Office location:
C/o Royal Hobart Hospital
48 Liverpool Street
Hobart TAS 7000
Emergency care
If you, or someone else, are experiencing a serious and life-threatening injury or illness call triple zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
Learn more about when to access emergency care and non-emergency care options if the injury or illness is not serious or life-threatening.
Scope
- Children or adults with a known or suspected genetic or chromosomal diagnosis.
- Children or adults with multiple congenital anomalies, significant developmental delays or intellectual disabilities, or major growth concerns.
- Individuals with a personal or family history of a genetic condition seeking counselling, especially before starting a family.
- Individuals with a personal or strong family history of cancer.
- Pregnant couples with a fetus suspected or known to have a genetic condition.
- Couples at increased risk of having a child with a genetic condition due to:
- Personal or family history of an inherited condition.
- Consanguinity (related partners, such as first cousins).
- Exposure to substances that increase the likelihood of structural differences in the baby.
Exclusions
The Tasmanian Clinical Genetics Service does not offer genetic testing for confirmation of paternity/relationship status, nor for confirmation of ethnicity/Aboriginality.
Referral process
A referral is required for all new appointments and must conform to the referral standards. eReferral is now the preferred method of referral for this service and is available in All regions. Please refer via HealthLink SmartForm eReferral through your software system (either Best Practice, or Medical Director). For instructions, see the creating an eReferral quick guide.
For referrals regarding a personal or family history of cancer, please include relevant histopathology reports.
Referrals are triaged according to the reason for referral and clinical urgency. Depending on the reason for referral, and level of complexity, patients are allocated to see either a genetic counsellor, clinical geneticist, or sometimes both. Appointments are based on clinical priority. Where appropriate, patients may be offered the option of having a telehealth appointment.
Where available, eReferral via HealthLink smart forms is now the preferred and only secure method of referral to the Tasmanian Department of Health.
Clinic appointments
Category 1 (Urgent)
We endeavour to see these patients within 30 days.
Category 2 (Semi-urgent)
We endeavour to see these patients within 90 days.
Category 3 (Routine)
Next available appointment: appointment is within 365 days is desirable.
Additional information
- Tasmanian Clinical Genetics Service information for referring doctors regarding breast cancer genetic testing.
- For more information please see the Tasmanian Health Pathways website.
