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Children's Medical Services - Special services for children with special needs
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Regional Genetics Programs

A genetic disorder is a medical condition that children may inherit from their birth parents. Sometimes, just like eye color and hair color, family genes can cause different medical conditions which are passed from parent to child.

graphic of DNA and childrenThe Children's Medical Services (CMS) Regional Genetics Program provides access to specialized medical care for these inherited conditions. Medical evaluations, diagnosis and counseling services are available for children under the age of 21. If a baby is diagnosed with a genetic medical condition, their brothers and sisters, and their parents and grandparents may also receive services under the program.

Parents who have previously had a baby with an inherited medical condition can receive counseling services before they have another baby. Sometimes, in order to know what kind of medical treatment a child needs, additional tests must be done to make sure the right condition is diagnosed. In some instances this may include blood tests for the baby and both parents.

The Regional Genetics Program provides services in Gainesville, Tampa, Miami and many CMS area office statewide.

Eligibility

Eligibility in the CMS Regional Genetics Program is for the following people:

  • Infants and children under the age of 21 years with or at-risk of having a genetic condition
  • individuals at-risk of parenting a child with a genetic condition
  • brothers & sisters, parents, and grandparents of CMS eligible children
  • newborns with abnormal newborn screening results

To be enrolled in the CMS Network, children must meet the medical and financial eligibility criteria mandated by Florida Statutes. However, infants with abnormal newborn screening results do not have to meet the financial eligibility requirements to receive services.

To find out if your child is eligible to receive services by the CMS Genetics Program, contact your child's primary care provider, or your local CMS office.

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