DepartmentTreatments and Services Close [Back to Overview](/departments/genetic-services/pediatric-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, Tuesday, Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fax: 617.638.6756 Phone: [617.414.4841](tel:617.414.4841) Close Dialog ## Pediatric Genetics # Treatments and Services Explore Pediatric Genetics At your child’s first visit, a member of our team will ask you questions about the parent’s pregnancy, your child's birth history, medical history (specific conditions or history of surgery), developmental milestones/performance in school, and your child’s family history. It is useful to bring any historical information that you have been able to collect from family members as well as records from any genetic tests or medical procedures performed on your child outside Boston Medical Center. Please allow an hour and a half for your first visit 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 – whatever information you have is typically helpful. After these questions, we will perform a physical examination, which can sometimes provide clues to a diagnosis. Our team will then discuss the advantages and disadvantages of any further examinations or genetic tests at your appointment. Genetic tests may include any or all of the below. - [Blood testing](https://www.bmc.org/content/blood-tests) - Buccal (cheek) swab testing Genetic testing is very expensive, and it is sometimes necessary to get insurance preauthorization before we perform a genetic test. If a genetic diagnosis is made, Dr. Hoffman will see your child on a regular basis to help manage their medical care. If a genetic diagnosis is not made, it is still often helpful to have follow-up visits with Dr. Hoffman as the field of genetics is growing fast and there are new advances in diagnosis and tests on a regular basis. Follow-up visits typically last less than an hour. 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)