Genetic Testing for Medications - Is It Right For You? by Matthew Lowe, DO

What is genetic testing for medications?
Providers for Healthy Living uses GeneSight to provide genetic testing services for patients. GeneSight is a laboratory-developed genetic test that uses DNA collected from a cheek swab to analyze genetic information and match it with information about available treatment options. It is available for children, adolescents, and adults.

Who qualifies for genetic testing?
In order to have insurance consider paying for genetic testing, patients must show a history of treatment failure with numerous medications, bothersome medication side effects with previous medication trials, or both.

Will insurance cover genetic testing?
This, like all insurance-related services, is patient-specific. Patients can call their individual insurance plans to ask about genetic testing coverage. However, GeneSight requires each patient to pay a nominal fee for genetic testing, regardless of what insurance will or won’t pay.

Does genetic testing help with my treatment?
The information obtained from genetic testing can streamline the process of medication management as it gives a guideline for treatment. Although this kind of testing is relatively new, four published, peer-reviewed studies confirm that GeneSight can double a patient’s odds of getting on the right medication.

How often is genetic testing necessary?
Since genetic material doesn’t change, it is only necessary to have genetic testing done once in a lifetime. Obviously testing profiles improve and more medications are added, but the results obtained are good for a lifetime and should be kept in a safe place and shared with all treatment providers.

If you meet the above criteria and would like explore genetic testing, call your insurance company and discuss it with your medication provider at your next visit.