DepartmentTreatments and Services Close [Back to Overview](/departments/genetic-services/adult-genetics)## Explore department Request an Appointment ## Request an Appointment Request an Appointment ##### By Phone For general scheduling or help finding the right provider, call to speak to a member of our care team. ##### Schedule Online If you’ve already seen a provider in this department, you can request a follow-up with them in MyChart. [Schedule With MyChart](https://mychart.bmc.org/) Close Dialog Refer a Patient ## Refer a Patient Refer a Patient Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fax: 617.414.4591 Phone: [617.414.4841](tel:617.414.4841) Close Dialog ## Adult Genetics # Treatments and Services Explore Adult Genetics Sort by Sort by A - ZSort by Z - A ### Treatments ### Biliary Drainage and Stenting Biliary drainage and stenting are techniques used to help bile drain from your bile duct if you have a blockage. [Go to Detail Page](/content/biliary-drainage-and-stenting) Request an Appointment ## Request an Appointment Request an Appointment ### Existing Patients Online: [Schedule With MyChart](https://mychart.bmc.org/) Close Dialog Refer a Patient ## Refer a Patient Refer a Patient Close Dialog ### Colonoscopy An exam where your doctor looks at your large intestine (colon) and rectum using a long, flexible tube with a camera on it. This allows your doctor to find any changes or issues in your colon or rectum, and remove abnormal tissue if necessary. [Go to Detail Page](/content/colonoscopy/treatments) ### Endoscopy You will receive an intravenous sedative and pain medication. Once comfortable, the physician will then examine the area using an endoscope—a lighted tube with a small camera at the end. The physician will be able to view any abnormalities and take a tissue samples (biopsies) if necessary. [Go to Detail Page](/content/endoscopy) ### Gut-directed Psychotherapy and Counseling Gut-directed psychotherapy and counseling can help patients with IBS, IBD, and GERD manage their condition and reduce symptoms. [Go to Detail Page](/content/gut-directed-psychotherapy-and-counseling) ### Mucosal ablation: Radiofrequency ablation For this procedure, a physician uses a special probe to apply heat energy to diseased cells to destroy them and encourage healthy cells to replace them. [Go to Detail Page](/content/mucosal-ablation-radiofrequency-ablation) ### Myotomy Myotomy is a generic term for surgery in which a muscle is cut. In esophageal conditions, the surgeon typically cuts the muscle fibers in the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, to correct the condition. [Go to Detail Page](/content/myotomy) ### Pneumatic (balloon) Dilation Used in patients with Barrett's Esophagus, pneumatic dilation is the placement of a specialized balloon into the esophagus and then inflating it to create a larger opening in the esophagus. [Go to Detail Page](/content/pneumatic-balloon-dilation) - Genetic counseling - Genetic testing - Coordination of care for people with genetic conditions ## What to Expect at Your Visit Please allow an hour and a half for your first visit. The first part of the visit will involve speaking with Dr. Hoffman or a member of her team. They will ask questions about your medical history (specific conditions or history of surgery) and developmental milestones/performance in school. They will also ask questions about your family history. It is useful to bring any relevant information that you have been able to collect from family members, as well as records from any genetic tests performed outside Boston Medical Center. Sometimes people are worried that they may not be able to answer all of the questions at the genetics visit. We do not expect you to have the answer to every question, and whatever information you have is typically helpful. After collecting a history, Dr. Hoffman will perform a physical examination. Some genetic conditions can involve very hard-to-see characteristics, and a thorough physical examination can sometimes provide clues to a diagnosis. Sometimes it is useful to do a genetic test to figure out if a specific diagnosis explains your issues or family condition. Our team will discuss the benefits and risks of any further exams or genetic tests at your appointment. Genetic tests may include: - Blood tests - Saliva sample - Cheek swab Genetic testing is very expensive, and we sometimes need to get insurance preauthorization before performing a genetic test. If a genetic diagnosis is made, Dr. Hoffman will provide information to help manage your medical care. If a genetic diagnosis is not made, it may be helpful to have a follow-up visit with Dr. Hoffman to consider further testing over time. The field of genetics is growing rapidlyrapidly, and new advances in diagnosis and available tests occur on a regular basis. Follow-up visits typically last less than an hour.