Hereditary Disorders of Connective Tissue (HCT) Program

The Hereditary Disorders of Connective Tissue Program (HCT) is part of the Genetics Center at Children’s Wisconsin. We provide diagnosis, education, counseling, treatment and care coordination for children and some adults with connective tissue disorders and related issues. Adults referred to this clinic must meet specific criteria to be seen. These referrals are triaged/reviewed by HCT staff.

Our team is here for you

There are many ways we can help individuals with connective tissue disorders. We dedicate every day to providing outstanding, individualized care to each of our patients.

What happens at a clinic visit?

During the first visit to the HCT Clinic, a genetic counselor and doctor or advanced practice provider will see the child. A detailed medical and family history will be recorded. A physical exam also will be done. The results will be discussed with the family and questions will be answered. The first clinic visit generally takes about 1-2 hours.

A genetic counselor and a doctor or advanced practice provider may continue to see the child for follow-up visits. Medical and family history information will be updated. A physical exam will be done. A follow-up visit generally takes one hour.

Preparing for a clinic visit

Bring the following to clinic appointments:

• A list of the medications you or your child takes
• His or her current individualized education plan, if applicable
• Your health insurance card
• Any pertinent family history
• Any pertinent genetic testing results for the patient or a family member

Check to make sure we have any necessary medical records, including X-rays, from other health care providers. For new patients, we may ask you to fill out a questionnaire through MyChart prior to your visit and/or other paperwork once you arrive to clinic. We ask you to fill these out to the best of your ability. For anything you are not able to answer, we will review together during your visit.

Who will my child see?

A genetic counselor and a physician or advanced practice provider will see your child.

Children's Wisconsin is a teaching hospital and many of our specialists train other doctors to care for kids. In addition to your child's main health care providers, you may see the following:

• Medical students who are training to be doctors
• Graduate students who are training to be genetic counselors
• Residents who are doctors in specialty training
• Fellows who have completed a residency and are training in another specialty

Your child's main health care providers will supervise the care they provide for your child.

Tests

To understand certain genetic disorders, your child may need tests, including:

• Genetic testing - If genetic testing is recommended, it will likely not be completed at your initial visit, as we will need to submit a prior authorization request to your insurance before proceeding. If approved by your insurance, we will then coordinate a blood draw, which can be done at any Children’s Wisconsin outpatient lab facility, or send a saliva or cheek swab kit directly to your home to be completed.
• Echocardiogram 
• Imaging such as X-rays

How to find us

The HCT program is located on the 2nd floor of Children’s Wisconsin’s specialty clinic in New Berlin.

Map and directions

Parking: You can find free parking in the buildings surface lot.