Wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing that allows the physician to appropriately assess joint mobility and relevant physical features.

The examination may require visualization of your:

• Hands and arms
• Elbows
• Knees and lower legs
• Ankles and feet

You may be asked to remove your shoes and socks during the examination.

Many components of a genetics and connective tissue evaluation can be performed through telemedicine. Your physician will determine whether the virtual examination provides sufficient clinical information or whether an in-person examination is needed.

For telehealth, you must be in a private, quiet, well-lit, stationary location with reliable internet and enough room to safely stand and move.

EDS/hypermobility evaluations should not be performed while driving, traveling, or sitting inside a vehicle.

Your physician will review your symptoms, medical and family history, relevant records, and previous testing.

When appropriate, the visit may also include a detailed physical examination, joint hypermobility assessment, and evaluation for features associated with hereditary connective tissue disorders.

At the end of the evaluation, your physician will discuss the clinical impression and recommend the most appropriate next steps, including genetic testing or additional medical evaluation when indicated.

A final diagnosis may not always be established during the first visit.

A negative genetic test does not necessarily exclude a genetic condition.

We can review your previous testing to determine whether it adequately addressed your clinical presentation and whether broader testing, updated testing, reanalysis, or another diagnostic approach may be appropriate.

This is particularly important in hEDS, which remains a clinical diagnosis and currently does not have a single confirmatory genetic test.