Psychogenomic Testing
Please note for the COVID-19 Pandemic: All testing can be conducted remotely by having the swab kit sent to you for self-administration and sending it in the mail. Pre-testing interviews will be conducted via telemedicine sessions.
Genomic tests offer an affordable way for patients and providers to select medication treatments that will work with an individual’s unique biology. While these tests do not diagnose psychiatric illness, they do provide information on metabolic enzymes and genetic markers associated with psychiatric concerns. This information helps providers better understand how psychiatric medications are used in your body. If you have never been prescribed psychiatric medications, have had poor treatment responses, or have had many trials of medication that seem ineffective, genomic testing may help point to alternative medications and other treatments.
Genomic Testing Procedure and Process
The testing consists of a simple cheek swab, meticulous paperwork, and urgent delivery of the testing kit. We receive the results within 5 – 7 days through a secure portal, where these are then reviewed. A limited summary and interpretation of the therapeutic options are provided to patients and their providers along with the report.
Payments for Genomic Testing
Several reliable companies are available for these testing services. These companies negotiate all costs with insurance providers, including Medicaid. Other than the co-pay ($300- 340), there is no cost to you for the actual testing amount (which can be charged up to $4500). Following completion of the test, you will receive an EOB (Evidence of Billing) showing the cost; please remember that this is NOT a bill, do NOT pay it. Occasionally, insurance companies follow up with a letter stating that prior authorization is required. Although these letters are directive, they appear to be related to automatic correspondences related to patients receiving oncology testing services and not mental health services.
By law, the genomic testing companies are required to collect a co-pay for the test and will send you a bill directly. The bill will be for the maximum amount ($340). If you meet certain income limitations, you may qualify for a discounted co-pay. You will need to call (or write) the billing service stated on the invoice to qualify for the lower co-pay. Please take advantage of the flexible co-pay option if this applies to you!
Check here for our insurance list. Note that if you DO NOT have insurance that we accept, there is an additional charge for the office visit charge (includes interview, test processing, establishing medical necessity for testing, and results interpretation). Our normal office rate is $250 to $300.
