What Is GeneSight Testing?
GeneSight is a pharmacogenomic test that analyzes how your genetic makeup affects the way you metabolize psychiatric medications. Genetic variation in drug-metabolizing enzymes is a primary reason why medication response differs so much between individuals. One patient may achieve remission on Lexapro while another experiences only side effects. GeneSight identifies these differences before you go through multiple failed trials.
The test covers medications prescribed for depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other conditions. It does not diagnose psychiatric conditions -- it informs medication selection.
How It Works
The test is a simple buccal (cheek) swab collected at our office. No blood draw required. The sample is sent to the GeneSight laboratory, and results are typically available within seven to ten days. Your provider then reviews the pharmacogenomic report with you and integrates the findings into your treatment plan.
Results categorize medications into three tiers: those your body is likely to metabolize normally (use as directed), those with moderate gene-drug interactions, and those with significant interactions that may lead to reduced efficacy or increased side effects.
Who Should Consider GeneSight
This test is most valuable for patients who have tried two or more psychiatric medications with inadequate response or intolerable side effects. It is also increasingly used as a first-line prescribing tool to bypass the traditional trial-and-error process. For patients with complex medication histories or multiple comorbidities, pharmacogenomic data provides an additional layer of clinical precision.
Insurance and Payment
GeneSight is covered by most major insurance plans including Medicare. For commercially insured patients, out-of-pocket costs are typically capped at $330. Financial assistance is available based on income. We verify coverage before ordering the test.
After the Results
Your provider reviews the full report with you. If a current medication falls into the significant interaction category, we discuss evidence-based alternatives. If you are initiating treatment, we use the data to select the medication with the highest probability of efficacy and tolerability for your specific genetic profile. It is a data-driven approach to a process that has traditionally relied on clinical intuition alone.