Generated by Rank Math SEO, this is an llms.txt file designed to help LLMs better understand and index this website. # HD Genetics ## Sitemaps [XML Sitemap](https://hdgenetics.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages. ## Posts - [Predictive Genetic Testing for Huntington’s Disease: Informed Decision-Making with HD Genetics](https://hdgenetics.com/predictive-genetic-testing-huntingtons-disease-informed-decision-making/): Explore predictive genetic testing for Huntington’s disease with HD Genetics, focusing on informed decision-making, privacy, and support. - [The Role of HD Genetics in Huntington’s Disease Research Participation and Clinical Trial Connection](https://hdgenetics.com/role-hd-genetics-huntingtons-disease-research-participation-trial-connection/): Explore the role of HD genetics in Huntington's disease research and clinical trials, balancing ethical considerations with scientific advancement. - [The Impact of Huntington’s Disease Inheritance on Family Planning and Life Decisions](https://hdgenetics.com/impact-huntingtons-disease-inheritance-family-planning-life-decisions/): Explore the impact of Huntington’s disease inheritance on family planning and life decisions, and discover the emotional and psychological challenges involved. - [Huntington’s Disease Early Symptoms: What Families Should Know](https://hdgenetics.com/huntingtons-disease-early-symptoms-what-families-should-know/): Discover the subtle early symptoms of Huntington’s disease, focusing on behavioral changes and their impact on family dynamics. - [What to Expect from Huntington’s Disease Genetic Testing: A Step-by-Step Overview](https://hdgenetics.com/huntingtons-disease-genetic-testing-step-by-step-overview/): Explore what to expect from Huntington’s disease genetic testing with our comprehensive step-by-step guide, focusing on the emotional journey. - [Should I Get Tested for Huntington’s Disease? A Comprehensive Guide to Pre-Test Genetic Counseling](https://hdgenetics.com/should-i-get-tested-for-huntingtons-disease-genetic-counseling/): Explore the emotional and psychological aspects of Huntington’s disease testing with our guide to pre-test genetic counseling and support from HD Genetics. - [Understanding the Cost of Huntington’s Disease Genetic Testing: What You Need to Know](https://hdgenetics.com/understanding-cost-huntingtons-disease-genetic-testing/): Explore the complexities of Huntington’s disease genetic testing costs, from testing types to financial aid, and learn how to navigate this critical health decision with confidence. - [How Anonymous At-Home Huntington’s Disease Genetic Testing Supports Privacy Concerns](https://hdgenetics.com/anonymous-at-home-huntingtons-disease-genetic-testing-privacy-concerns/): Discover how anonymous at-home Huntington’s disease genetic testing supports privacy, empowering individuals to learn about their genetic risk securely. - [Navigating the Emotional Impact of Predictive Genetic Testing for Huntington’s Disease: Understanding Family Dynamics](https://hdgenetics.com/navigating-emotional-impact-genetic-testing-huntingtons-disease/): Explore how family dynamics impact the emotional journey of predictive genetic testing for Huntington’s disease and find pathways to support. - [The Role of Pre-test and Post-test Genetic Counseling in Huntington’s Disease Testing](https://hdgenetics.com/role-of-pre-post-test-genetic-counseling-in-huntingtons-disease-testing/): Explore the crucial role of pre-test and post-test genetic counseling in Huntington's disease testing, emphasizing tailored communication strategies. - [Breaking Down Barriers: Affordable Huntington’s Disease Genetic Testing Options](https://hdgenetics.com/affordable-huntingtons-disease-genetic-testing-options/): Explore affordable genetic testing options for Huntington's disease, breaking down financial and accessibility barriers with HD Genetics. - [Huntington’s Disease Clinical Trial Connection: Finding the Right Opportunities](https://hdgenetics.com/huntingtons-disease-clinical-trial-connection-finding-right-opportunities/): Explore how patient advocacy enhances access to Huntington’s disease clinical trials and discover how HD Genetics supports this journey. ## Pages - [Blog](https://hdgenetics.com/blog/) - [Donate](https://hdgenetics.com/donate/): HD Genetics partners with Help4HD International — an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit — to manage a dedicated Genetic Testing Fund that offsets the cost of testing for HD families who can't afford it. The fund is completely independent from our day-to-day operations. - [Testimonials](https://hdgenetics.com/testimonials/): CLIENT STORIES Every Story. Every Voice. Unfiltered. Below is every testimonial we've received from clients who completed the HD Genetics testing process — we didn't pick our favorites. Each response was shared with us after results disclosure, because the HD community deserves transparency about what working with us actually looks like. Real reflections from our post-results survey · Updated regularly · Spanning every year since 2022 - [Privacy Policy](https://hdgenetics.com/privacy-policy/): Notice of Privacy Practices for HD Genetics, LLC - [HD Education](https://hdgenetics.com/hd-education/): The language used on this webpage was provided with permission from the Huntington's Disease Youth Organization (www.HDYO.org). HD Genetics made appropriate edits and updates to content in January 2023 and published Jan 10, 2023. The original content can be found on HDYO's pages (What is Huntington's Disease, Genetic Testing and Being At-Risk). - [Get Started](https://hdgenetics.com/get-started/): Whether you're considering genetic testing or exploring HD research opportunities, this short form is your first step. There's no cost, no commitment, and no pressure — just a real conversation with our team when you're ready. - [HD Resources](https://hdgenetics.com/hd-resources/): A curated collection of trusted HD advocacy organizations, clinical trial information, and community support — vetted by our team and grounded in years of working alongside the people behind them. - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://hdgenetics.com/faqs/): HD Genetics is a privately led healthcare company offering a best-in-class genetic testing and counseling experience and clinical trial research access to individuals impacted by Huntington’s disease. We were founded in 2022 by B.J. Viau (View), an HD family member, and we’ve since served more than 1,500 individuals across all 50 U.S. states. - [About Us](https://hdgenetics.com/about-us/): HD Genetics is a privately owned healthcare company built by Huntington's disease (HD) community leaders, for the HD community. Our mission is simple: to empower every person throughout their HD journey. Our small, dedicated team brings decades of personal and professional experience to make genetic testing, genetic counseling, and access to clinical research more compassionate, accessible, and personal. - [HD Clinical Trial Connection](https://hdgenetics.com/hd-clinical-trial-connection/): HD Genetics helps individuals already diagnosed with Huntington’s disease explore clinical trial connection opportunities with more clarity, privacy, and support. If you are searching for Huntington’s Disease Clinical Trials, huntingtons clinical trials, the votoplam trial, or emerging HD research, this page is designed to help you understand your next step. - [Genetic Testing & Counseling](https://hdgenetics.com/genetic-testing-counseling/): Wes is a Certified Genetic Counselor through the American Board of Genetic Counseling. He earned his Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from Johns Hopkins University and has personally guided more than 1,500 individuals through HD genetic testing. - [Home](https://hdgenetics.com/): HD Genetics provides virtual, anonymous at-home Huntington’s disease genetic testing with pre-test and post-test genetic counseling, helping people make informed decisions in a private, supportive setting. For individuals already diagnosed with Huntington’s disease, HD Genetics also helps connect eligible participants with clinical research studies to advance HD knowledge. ## FAQs - [How much does the genetic testing process cost?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/how-much-does-the-genetic-testing-process-cost/): The full HD Genetic Testing & Counseling process costs $750. This is an all-in fee covering pre-test genetic counseling, the at-home saliva collection kit, laboratory analysis, results disclosure, a written test report, an HD resource guide, and lifetime follow-up access. There are no hidden fees, add-ons, or recurring charges. Financial aid is available through our partnership with Help4HD International, and we can provide guidance if you want to submit your receipt to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. We are not able to bill insurance directly. Each insurance company is different so you will need to contact your insurance carrier to see if they will reimburse you. - [How can I contact the HD Genetics team directly?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/how-can-i-contact-the-hd-genetics-team-directly/): You can reach us in the way that's most comfortable for you: - [What are Office Hours?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/what-are-office-hours/): Office Hours is our free monthly virtual session where anyone in the HD community can drop in and ask Wes anything about genetic testing, clinical trials, or our team. There's no script, no agenda, and no obligation — just an open conversation. - [How can I talk to someone before signing up?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/how-can-i-talk-to-someone-before-signing-up/): We make it easy to meet our team before committing to anything. You have three options: - [Why do you have neurologists on your team?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/why-do-you-have-neurologists-on-your-team/): Dr. Jaime Hatcher-Martin and Dr. Liz Ferluga are board-certified movement disorders neurologists who oversee our genetic testing orders in states that require a prescribing physician to initiate testing. They're not involved in the day-to-day counseling experience, but their oversight ensures we can serve clients in every U.S. state. - [Who will I work with for Clinical Trial Connection?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/who-will-i-work-with-for-clinical-trial-connection/): Your main point of contact for Clinical Trial Connection is B.J. Viau (View), our Founder and Director of HD Research Access. B.J. has personally participated in multiple HD observational studies — including PREDICT-HD, PREVENT-HD, ENROLL-HD, and HD Clarity — and brings 15+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience to every conversation. - [Who will I work with for genetic testing?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/who-will-i-work-with-for-genetic-testing/): Your main point of contact for genetic testing is Wes Solem, ScM, CGC - our Director of Genetics. Wes is a Certified Genetic Counselor who earned his Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from Johns Hopkins University and has been part of HD Genetics since its inception. - [How does HD Genetics know which trials are enrolling?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/how-does-hd-genetics-know-which-trials-are-enrolling/): We maintain direct relationships with the pharma and biotech sponsors running HD trials, study sites and coordinators across the country, and the Huntington Study Group (HSG) through our official partnership. This gives us real-time visibility into what's actively enrolling, what's coming next, and which study sites have openings. - [What types of HD studies might I be matched with?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/what-types-of-hd-studies-might-i-be-matched-with/): The HD research landscape includes several categories: - [Do I need to be gene-positive to participate in HD research?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/do-i-need-to-be-gene-positive-to-participate-in-hd-research/): No. Many HD studies actively enroll a range of participants, depending on the study type. During your free consultation, B.J. will walk you through what's currently enrolling and which studies may align with your situation. - [What is the Clinical Trial Connection service?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/what-is-clinical-trial-connection/): Clinical Trial Connection is a free service that helps you understand, evaluate, and get connected to current HD clinical and observational studies. We provide: - [Can I use HD Genetics’ services if I live outside the U.S. or Canada?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/can-i-use-hd-genetics-services-if-i-live-outside-the-u-s-or-canada/): Currently, our Genetic Testing & Counseling service is only available to individuals living in the United States. Our Clinical Trial Connection service supports individuals in the United States and Canada. - [Where is the Clinical Trial Connection service available?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/where-is-the-clinical-trial-connection-service-available/): Our Clinical Trial Connection service is open to individuals located in the United States and Canada. This service is completely free and available regardless of whether you've been tested. - [Why don’t you test anyone under 18?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/why-dont-you-test-anyone-under-18/): Genetic testing HD is a deeply personal decision that requires informed consent - which is typically reserved for adults under HD genetic counseling protocols. This standard is in place to protect minors, and/or their parents, from making a life-changing decision before they're developmentally ready to fully understand and process the result. - [Who can use HD Genetics’ testing service?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/who-can-use-hd-genetics-testing-service/): Our genetic testing service is available to individuals who are: - [Can I bring a family member or partner to my counseling sessions?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/can-i-bring-a-family-member-or-partner-to-my-counseling-sessions/): Absolutely — and we encourage it. Having a trusted person with you during counseling and your results disclosure can be a meaningful source of support. Just let us know in advance who will be joining. - [When do I receive my results, and how?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/when-do-i-receive-my-results-and-how/): Approximately three weeks after your sample arrives at the laboratory, your results are ready. Rather than emailing them to you, we schedule a private virtual session where Wes Solem, our Director of Genetics, walks you through your results in full — explaining what they mean for you and your family. - [What happens if I change my mind partway through?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/what-happens-if-i-change-my-mind-partway-through/): You can stop the testing process at any point — even after providing your saliva sample. Some clients ask for their sample to be held by the lab until they feel emotionally ready to receive their results. - [Is the saliva test as accurate as a blood draw?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/is-the-saliva-test-as-accurate-as-a-blood-draw/): Yes. The saliva test has the same diagnostic accuracy as a blood draw for measuring CAG repeats in the HD gene. The science behind both methods is identical - saliva simply offers a more convenient, less invasive way to collect the DNA sample. - [How is the genetic testing performed?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/how-is-the-testing-performed/): We use an at-home saliva collection kit shipped to your door. You provide a saliva sample at your convenience, then mail it back using a pre-paid FedEx return label. No needles, no lab visits, no clinic appointments. - [How long does the entire testing process take?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/how-long-does-the-entire-testing-process-take/): Most clients complete the testing journey from intake form to receiving results in 35 to 45 days. The exact timeline depends on your pace - we never rush the process. You can move faster if you're ready or take more time between steps if you need it. - [Do you share my information with anyone?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/do-you-share-my-information-with-anyone/): We share your information only with: - [How does HD Genetics protect my personal information?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/how-does-hd-genetics-protect-my-personal-information/): HD Genetics takes the storage and security of your health and contact information very seriously. All technology systems used by HD Genetics and our partner laboratory to collect and store your data are HIPAA-compliant. - [Do my test results go on my medical record?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/do-my-test-results-go-on-my-medical-record/): Not automatically. Whether your results become part of your medical record is entirely your choice. Many clients choose to keep their results separate, while others share them with specific healthcare providers — typically their primary care physician or neurologist — when it's helpful for their care. - [Will my genetic test results affect my health insurance?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/will-my-genetic-test-results-affect-my-health-insurance/): We never share your results with any insurance company. Your results will not be added to your medical record. If you have existing life insurance or long-term care insurance before testing, those policies will not be affected by your results. - [Can I remain anonymous throughout the testing process?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/can-i-remain-anonymous-throughout-the-testing-process/): Everyone has their own definition of remaining anonymous and we can talk through that with you to help you make the right decision. If you'd like to learn more about this before you fill out an intake form, please reach out to Wes or B.J. via email or join our monthly open office hours call on the first Tuesday of each month at 12:30p EST by clicking doxy.me/hdgentics - [What if I can’t afford the $750 genetic testing fee?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/what-if-i-cant-afford-the-750-testing-fee/): Our partnership with Help4HD International provides financial aid for individuals who can't afford the full cost. Currently, more than 50% of clients pursuing genetic testing through HD Genetics request some level of financial aid — and to date, no one has been turned away due to inability to pay, as long as they qualify. - [What payment methods do you accept?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/what-payment-methods-do-you-accept/): We accept debit/credit cards, HSA/FSA cards, check and money orders. We do not bill insurance directly - and that's intentional. Keeping insurance out of the process protects your privacy by ensuring your results never appear in your insurance records automatically. - [Is the Clinical Trial Connection service really free?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/is-the-clinical-trial-connection-service-really-free/): Yes - completely. There are no fees or obligations to have a phone call. It's our mission to educate the Huntington's families about opportunities they may qualify for today or into the future. The faster that research studies recruit participants, the faster we will know if the medicines work or not. We want to accelerate recruitment for all Huntington's disease research studies. - [What’s included in the $750 genetic testing fee?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/whats-included-in-the-750-fee/): The $750 genetic testing fee covers: - [How much does HD genetic testing cost?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/how-much-does-hd-genetic-testing-cost/): Our flat fee for HD Genetic Testing & Counseling is $750. This is an all-in cost - there are no hidden fees, no add-ons, and no surprise bills. - [Do you provide any services beyond testing and trial connection?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/do-you-provide-any-services-beyond-testing-and-trial-connection/): HD Genetics is constantly listening to the HD community to find new opportunities to create valued services. We are actively working to expand our services to reach more families and provide needed and deserved care. - [Can I use the Clinical Trial Connection service if I’ve already been tested elsewhere?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/can-i-use-the-clinical-trial-connection-service-if-ive-already-been-tested-elsewhere/): Absolutely. Our Clinical Trial Connection service is open to anyone in an HD family, regardless of where (or whether) you've been tested. If you have prior test results, we can use them to help match you with studies more efficiently - but they're not required. - [What’s the difference between Genetic Testing and Clinical Trial Connection?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/whats-the-difference-between-genetic-testing-and-clinical-trial-connection/): Genetic Testing & Counseling is for individuals who want to find out if they carry the HD gene mutation. It includes counseling, an at-home saliva test, lab analysis, and results disclosure - for a flat $750 fee. - [What services does HD Genetics offer?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/what-services-does-hd-genetics-offer/): We offer two core services, both designed exclusively for the Huntington's disease community: - [Where is HD Genetics located?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/where-is-hd-genetics-located/): HD Genetics is a fully virtual healthcare service - we don't have a physical clinic location. Our team works remotely (Atlanta and Charlotte, USA), and all of our services are provided via secure video call from the comfort of your home. We can provide genetic testing services to anyone in the United States, and our Clinical Trial Connection service is open to individuals across the United States and Canada. You can find the HD Genetics team at many of the HD patient advocacy events throughout the year. - [Who founded HD Genetics?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/who-founded-hd-genetics/): HD Genetics was founded by B.J. Viau (View), an HD family member whose mother was diagnosed with Huntington's disease in 1995. B.J. spent over 15 years working in the pharmaceutical industry - including the launch of the first FDA-approved medicine for Huntington's chorea. BJ co-founded the Huntington's Disease Youth Organization (HDYO) in 2012 in collaboration with other young people from around the world. The idea for HD Genetics, which launched in 2022, came from participating, listening and learning about issues from the HD community. - [Is HD Genetics part of a hospital or larger healthcare system?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/is-hd-genetics-part-of-a-hospital-or-larger-healthcare-system/): No. HD Genetics is a privately owned LLC and is not affiliated with any medical center, hospital, or pharmaceutical company. This independence is intentional - it allows us to design our entire service around the needs of HD families rather than around insurance systems, geography, or institutional protocols. HD Genetics is privately owned and was created by an HD family member. - [What is HD Genetics?](https://hdgenetics.com/faq/what-is-hd-genetics/): HD Genetics is a privately led healthcare company offering a best-in-class genetic testing and counseling experience and clinical trial research access to individuals impacted by Huntington's disease. We were founded in 2022 by B.J. Viau (View), an HD family member, and we've since served more than 1,500 individuals across all 50 U.S. states.