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 adults with connective tissue disorders and related issues.

Our team is here for you

No matter what type of connective tissue disorder you or your child have, we can help. We dedicate every day to providing outstanding, individualized care to each of our patients.

We offer a team approach to care

Depending on the type of care you need, we will coordinate care with specialists throughout the hospital. The specialties we work with include:

• Cardiology
• Gastroenterology
• Occupational therapy
• Ophthalmology
• Orthopedics
• Pain management
• Physical therapy
• Rehabilitation medicine

What happens at a clinic visit?

During the first visit to the HCT Clinic, a genetic counselor and doctor 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 2-3 hours.

A genetic counselor, and doctor or nurse practitioner will continue to see the child during follow-up visits. Medical and family history information will be updated. A physical exam will be done. A follow-up visit generally takes 1 to 2 hours.

Preparing for a clinic visit

Bring the following to clinic appointments:

• A list of the medications you or your child takes or the medication containers
• His or her current Individualized Education Plan, if applicable
• Your health insurance card
• Any pertinent family history

Check to make sure we have any necessary medical records, including X-rays, from other health care providers. We also may ask you to fill out several forms in advance and bring them along to your clinic appointment.

Who will my child see?

A genetic counselor and a physician or nurse practitioner 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
• 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.