Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at DNApharmacy7@gmail.com if you have other questions.
What is Pharmacogenomic Testing (PGx)?
Pharmacogenomics combines pharmacology (science of drugs) and genomics (study of genes). It is a study of how genes affect a person's response to a drug. Using a patient's genetic profile, clinicians can predict which medications will most likely produce the desired responses in different patients. It helps to predict a drugs efficacy, guide dosage and improve patient safety.
What is Comprehensive Medication Management (CMM)?
Comprehensive medication management is a patient-centered, health care team (physician, a clinical pharmacist, and patient) approach to optimizing medication use and improving health care. It is a whole-person approach that considers more than just the medication list. This process ensures each patient 's medications (including prescription, nonprescription, and nutritional supplements) are individually assessed to determine its appropriateness, efficacy and safety. It focuses on the patient with his/her goals of therapy and optimizes the treatment plan by incorporating the the patient's unique DNA and lifestyle. The clinical pharmacist can communicate with the patient's doctor all recommended medications changes to create an optimal medication plan.
Who should get PGx testing and CMM consulting?
* Those who are currently experiencing side effects or have had serious drug reactions in the past.
* Those who have not had desired outcomes or have not relieved symptoms.
* Those who have had multiple treatment failures (changing medication therapy multiple times) or require a higher or lower dose.
* Those who are taking 3 or more medicines (poly-pharmacy).
* Those who have family history of a serious drug reaction or known genetic variants.
* Those who would like to avoid potential drug adverse reactions before starting a new medication(s).
Does my insurance cover PGx testing or CMM consult?
Unfortunately we do not accept insurance. PGx coverage by insurance is quite limited. Very specific patient conditions have to be met and only a few specific medications are covered. Unlike other providers, pharmacists are not able to bill insurance for the consultation fees. We can use Medicare/Medicaid to order the PGx test in limited conditions. We can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance. We do accept HSA/FSA funds to pay for PGx test and consult fee.
We offer affordable payment plans with no interest or added fees. Some labs offer financial assistance to help you with the price of the genetic testing. If you have more questions, please contact us. We would be happy to create customized payment plan for you.
What is included in the Comprehensive Medication Consultation fee?
The Comprehensive Medication Consultation fee includes:
*Two 30-minute appointments (initial and final).
*Cost of the pharmacogenomic test .
*Time spent researching to interpret the lab results in order to make specific recommendations.
*A detailed recommendation report will be provided to you after the second visit.
*A card of your gene profile will be provided to you so you can take it to your doctors.
Is my genetic and personal information protected?
Yes, all transmission and storage of your personal and health information is encrypted and HIPPA- compliant.
According to GINA (The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act), you cannot be discriminated against because of any genetic lab results. GINA is a US federal law that protects you from genetic discrimination in the workplace and through one's health insurance, and also safeguards individual and family genetic information.
Can I still benefit from a PGx test even though I am not currently taking any medications?
Yes! There are two reasons for taking PGx test, reactive and preemptive/proactive. Reactive PGx testing is done when you are experiencing any side effects or not getting a desired response from the medications you are taking, or need a drug therapy after you are diagnosed with a disease. Preamptive/proactive PGx testing is done before a diagnosis is given and drug therapy is needed. It is a smart way to protect yourself from possible drug problems by knowing your genetic information and prepare yourself for better health in the future.
I don't live in Utah. Can I still sigh up for the services?
Yes! Consults are done via Zoom meeting or over the phone.
Can I still use your services even if I have my DNA results from another lab (23andME or Ancestory.com)?
Other labs may not test for all the DNA information that is related to MEDICATION use. It would be best to take a DNA test that tests the specific genes that are related to medication metabolism.
Please let us know what labs you already have done, so we can choose the right package that will fit your needs.
What is the PGx testing process?
The PGx testing is simple and painless!
PGx testing can be done in our office. We will collect the DNA sample and mail it to the lab for analysis.
Or a test kit can be shipped directly to your home. Make sure to follow all the instructions carefully to obtain an adequate DNA sample and to avoid the possibility of having to repeat the test.
It is a simple cheek swab that you can do by yourself. Once you have obtained the DNA sample from swabbing your cheek, you mail the sample to the lab per the instructions and using the pre-paid return package. Your results should be available within 7-10 business days from the date the lab receives it.