Many patients who have been prescribed medications in the past may have heard this particular warning from their providers, “Well, we may have to try a couple of different medications in order to figure out what will work best for you.” This can lead to starting and stopping of various medications with multiple side effects over and over until the right one is found for your needs. But there’s actually a way to eliminate that whole process of trying this, that, and the other drug – it’s called GeneSight testing, and we’re happy to offer it to patients of Mindwell Urgent Care.
What is GeneSight Testing?
GeneSight testing is a genetic test that analyses your DNA to help analyze how your body metabolizes certain types of medications. Based on the data in your genes, we can know ahead of time how your body might react to different types of mental health medications, specifically anti-anxiety drugs, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants. By searching through your genetic data ahead of time, harmful side effects can be avoided, and it is much more likely that the medication prescribed will be the most effective one.
GeneSight Testing is Non-Invasive
The best thing about GeneSight testing is the fact that it’s completely non-invasive. There’s no blood draw or finger pricking, just a cheek swab test. The sample goes off to a lab where specialized technicians focus on the parts of your DNA that affect how medications are absorbed and processed by the body. Once their analysis is complete, they forward the results to your provider with recommendations as to which specific medications would work the best based on your genetic profile, and also outlining which ones should be avoided for possible interactions or serious side effects.
Of course, this isn’t the only factor that our mental health providers use to determine what mental health medications would be best for your particular situation, but this genetic insight helps to considerably narrow the field of possibilities and shortens the time it takes to start seeing symptom improvement.
Will Testing Be Covered By Insurance?
Luckily, GeneSight testing is indeed covered by a number of different insurance plans. Our staff can assist you in determining if your particular plan and provider will cover the cost. According to GeneSight.com, there is typically no out of pocket cost for patients on Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid. They also state that 98% of patients pay $330 or less for their testing, and they also offer financial assistance programs to help cover costs.
Mindwell Urgent Care’s Approach
In case you haven’t noticed, here at Mindwell Urgent Care we take a different approach to the need for fast, convenient mental health services. Waiting months for an appointment isn’t helping anyone get better – that’s why we offer immediate access to mental health providers at our physical office in Dallas in the medical district, as well as online telepsychiatry appointments for patients across Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Jersey, and Florida. If your evaluation shows that medication management may be a helpful tool to control the symptoms of your mental health condition, we will use GeneSight testing first to tailor your treatment options specifically to your DNA.
Contact Us Today to Learn More about GeneSight Testing
If you’re ready to take charge of your mental health, or maybe feel like previous medications just did not work effectively, give us a call to discuss GeneSight testing for your specific needs. With just a cheek swab test, we can help you avoid the seesaw game of trying different medications and find the one that will help your body and your mind most effectively.
Call us today, or click the Schedule Now button below to directly schedule yourself via our online portal.
Safety Information
If you or someone else is in immediate danger or cannot stay safe, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to the nearest emergency room. MindWell Urgent Care provides urgent psychiatric care; we are not an emergency department.