What is GeneSight Testing?
GeneSight is a genetic test that looks at how your body processes psychiatric medications. It uses a simple cheek swab -- no needles, no blood -- and the results come back in about a week. The report tells your provider which medications are likely to work well for you, which might need a different dose, and which ones your body struggles to break down.
About 40% of people do not respond well to the first psychiatric medication they are prescribed. GeneSight helps cut down on that guesswork.
Who Should Consider It
GeneSight makes the most sense if you have tried a medication and it did not help, caused bad side effects, or worked for a while and then stopped. It is also worth considering if a family member had an unusual reaction to a psychiatric medication -- genetics play a role in how we all metabolize drugs.
We use GeneSight to guide treatment for depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other conditions. It covers more than 60 FDA-approved medications.
How It Works
The test itself is about two minutes. We swab the inside of your cheek and send the sample to the lab. Results come back in 5-7 business days. Then your provider walks you through what the results mean and how they change your treatment plan.
Insurance and Cost
Most insurance covers GeneSight, including Medicare and many Medicaid plans. For patients without coverage, GeneSight has financial assistance programs. Out-of-pocket cost is usually $0-$330. We help you figure out your costs before we order the test.
What It Does Not Do
GeneSight does not diagnose anything. It does not pick your medication for you. What it does is give your provider better information to make smarter prescribing decisions. It is one more tool -- a good one -- but your provider still uses their experience and your full clinical picture to guide your care.