Pharmacogenetic testing in Bellevue, WA Your genes can help guide your medication.
A genetic test that may help guide psychiatric medication choices
If medications haven’t worked or have caused side effects, it can feel like guesswork. Pharmacogenetic testing adds one more piece of information, so we can choose and dose more thoughtfully.
- Can help guide medication choice and dosing
- Used alongside a full evaluation
- Results explained in plain language
- Part of your medication care
Personalized Medicine
What is pharmacogenetic testing?
Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing looks at genes that affect how your body processes and responds to certain medications, including many antidepressants and other psychiatric medications. The results can help your provider choose a medication or dose that’s more likely to suit you.
We use tests from Tempus and GeneSight. A simple cheek swab or saliva sample is taken at our Bellevue office or with a kit at home, and results typically come back in 1 to 2 weeks. The lab looks at specific genes, such as those for liver enzymes that break down medications, and reports which medications may need a dose change, extra monitoring or a different choice.
Is It Right For You?
Who may benefit from testing
Pharmacogenetic testing isn’t needed for everyone. It’s available for children, adolescents and adults, and your provider may suggest it when:
- Several medications haven’t helped enough
- You’ve had strong or unusual side effects
- You’re starting a new medication and want more information to guide the choice
- A family member has had a notable response to a psychiatric medication
How it works
How pharmacogenetic testing works
Testing is one part of your care, never the whole of it.
Talk with your provider
We review your history and medications and decide together whether testing makes sense.
Give a sample
A quick cheek swab or saliva sample, at our office or with a kit at home, sent to the lab for analysis.
Review your results
Results typically come back in 1 to 2 weeks. We go over the report with you and explain what it means for your medications.
Use it to guide care
Results are combined with your symptoms, history and preferences to shape your plan.
Questions
Pharmacogenetic Testing FAQs
What is pharmacogenetic testing?
Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing is a genetic test that shows how your body is likely to process and respond to certain medications. In psychiatry, it can help guide the choice and dose of medications such as antidepressants.
Will pharmacogenetic testing tell me which medication will work?
No test can promise that. Results show how your genes may affect how you process certain medications, which can help avoid some poor matches and guide dosing. Your provider combines them with your symptoms, history and preferences.
How is the test done?
We use tests from Tempus and GeneSight. Both use a simple cheek swab or saliva sample, so there are no needles. The sample can be taken at our Bellevue office or with a kit at home, and we review the report with you when it comes back.
How long do results take?
Results typically come back in 1 to 2 weeks. We then go over the report with you and explain what it means for your medications.
Can I do this by telehealth?
Yes. We can talk through whether testing makes sense and review your results by telehealth anywhere in Washington State, and a kit at home means you don’t need to come in for the sample. Testing is also available in person at our Bellevue office.
Does it cover ADHD medications?
Yes. The tests we use include many common ADHD medications, both stimulant and non-stimulant. Genes affect some of these medications more than others, so we explain which results matter for your options.
Is pharmacogenetic testing covered by insurance?
Some insurance plans cover it, depending on your plan and the reason for testing. You can also pay out of pocket. Please ask our team, and we’ll help you understand your options before testing.
Do I need to repeat the test?
Generally no. Your genes don’t change, so results can stay useful for future medication decisions. Keep a copy of your report to share with your other providers.
Get started
Feeling better starts with one appointment
Reaching out is often the hardest part, and you’ve already started by being here. Schedule an evaluation and we’ll help you understand what’s going on and what can help, whether that’s medication, NeuroStar® TMS or SPRAVATO®. Care for children, adolescents and adults, in person in Bellevue or by telehealth throughout Washington State.
- Aetna
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plans
- Bridgespan
- Cigna
- First Choice Health
- Kaiser Permanente
- LifeWise
- Lucent Health
- Medicare
- Moda Health
- Premera
- Regence
- Regence Group Administrators
- TRICARE
- TriWest
- United Healthcare
We verify your benefits before your first visit.Self-pay options available.