FAQs about the GeneSight Test

Your genes are unique to you. You and a family member may respond or react differently to the same medication. The GeneSight test uses your genetic information to provide options for your clinician.

If you have struggled with medication, your genes may be a contributing factor. With the GeneSight test, your genetic makeup can provide clinicians with insight into how you may metabolize or respond to certain medications commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, ADHD and other psychiatric conditions. The GeneSight test must be ordered by your clinician or nurse practitioner. The test is a simple cheek swab taken in your health care provider’s office or in the convenience of your home.

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GeneSight test results do not provide information on disease diagnosis, medication allergies, drug-drug interactions, or which medications will work best. The GeneSight test uses your genetic information to provide medication options for your clinician.

No. Taking medications at the time of GeneSight testing will not affect GeneSight test results.

The GeneSight test must be ordered by your clinician or nurse practitioner. You can talk with your healthcare provider by sharing this discussion guide. If you are looking for a healthcare provider who has registered to order the GeneSight test near you, click here for our Find-a-Provider form.

A healthcare provider is critical as patients should never  change prescription medications on their own. The GeneSight test is intended to supplement other information considered as part of a comprehensive medical assessment, like potential drug/drug interactions, age, weight, lifestyle, etc.

The GeneSight test is a simple cheek swab (https://genesight.com/product/#process) which can be done either in your health care provider’s office or ordered by your clinician and sent directly to you.

Yes, your clinician or nurse practitioner can order the GeneSight test and have the collection kit sent directly to your home. You would then collect your sample by swabbing the inside of your cheeks, sign the patient consent form, and ship both back in the pre-paid FedEx envelope included in the kit.

No, since a person’s genes will not change based on what medications they are taking, the GeneSight results will not change. Please talk with your healthcare provider before making any medication changes.

The GeneSight test results will be accurate for any age because a person is born with their genes, and these do not change throughout their life. However, there may be some differences in how genes act at a young age. In general, most children who are being considered for psychiatric medications will be old enough that this won’t be an issue. Another factor to take into consideration is that some medications are not approved by the FDA for pediatric populations. The healthcare provider should take the child’s age into consideration when interpreting the GeneSight Psychotropic test results.

98 percent of patients pay $330 or less for their GeneSight test.* The GeneSight Promise is that if we determine your out-of-pocket cost to be greater than $330, we will contact you before processing the test.

* Based on a review of six months of past claim data for major insurance carriers across the US, over 98% of patients pay $330 or less for their GeneSight test. Last updated 2023.

Some government and commercial insurance companies cover the GeneSight test. You can ask questions about your coverage by contacting our Customer Service team at 866.757.9204.

If you are uninsured, please contact our Customer Service team to discuss how we can help at 866.757.9204.

If you have traditional Medicare or Medicaid plans, typically your out-of-pocket cost will be $0.

We offer a Financial Assistance plan for those with or without commercial insurance. Click here to learn whether you qualify.