Genetic testing has become increasingly popular among providers who prescribe psychiatric medication. Genetic testing can help a doctor determine whether a medication will be effective for a patient and provide dosing guidance.
Finding the right mental health medication can sometimes be a slow process full of unpleasant side effects. Roughly 40% of people who take an antidepressant will stop taking the medication within the first three months because of side effects or because they believe the medication is ineffective. People who take antidepressants often complain of unpleasant side effects like nausea, sexual dysfunction, headaches, drowsiness, dry mouth, and increased anxiety. When a person experiences side effects, it is easy for them to become discouraged and assume that no medication will help their condition.
Genetic testing is designed to be easy and painless. To complete the test, we collect a small sample saliva from the patient. The sample is sent to a pharmacogenomic testing laboratory to be analyzed. This lab sequences the DNA and analyzes any variations or changes in specific genes that are associated with how you respond to a particular medication. Testing for a specific kind of medication only has to be done once, but you may require additional pharmacogenomic testing if your doctor wants to evaluate you for another type of medication.
Insurance coverage for genetic testing may vary depending on your insurance plan and personal history. You or your doctor may be required to submit documentation proving that you have a certain diagnosis or have experienced difficulty finding the right medication. It may be helpful to ask your healthcare provider for the specific procedure and medical billing codes for the lab tests they'd like to order before calling your insurance company about coverage. If your insurance doesn’t cover the cost, check with the genetic testing company to see if they offer any payment assistance—these tests can cost a few hundred dollars.
No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay. Additionally, a discounted/sliding fee schedule is available based on family size and income.
This site does not discriminate in the provision of services to an individual who is unable to pay; because payment for those services would be made under Medicare, Medicaid, or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP); or based upon the individual's race, color, sex, national origin, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
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