Advanced Treatments & Testing
GeneSight® Testing in Chicago for Psychiatric Medications
Finding an appropriate psychiatric medication can sometimes take time, especially when previous medications have not helped enough or have caused difficult side effects.
Renovare Chicago offers GeneSight® pharmacogenomic testing for eligible patients who may benefit from additional information when making psychiatric medication decisions. Pharmacogenomic testing looks at how genetic differences may affect the way a person responds to certain medications. GeneSight provides this information to the treating clinician as one part of the overall medication decision. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
GeneSight® testing at a glance
01
Simple cheek swab
A DNA sample is collected using a cheek swab and sent for laboratory analysis.
02
Supports medication decisions
Results may provide additional information about certain gene-medication interactions.
03
Not a medication guarantee
GeneSight cannot predict with certainty which medication will work best for you.
Who it’s for
When to consider GeneSight testing
GeneSight testing may be worth discussing if you:
- Have tried several psychiatric medications
- Have experienced difficult medication side effects
- Have had limited improvement with previous treatment
- Are considering a medication change
- Want additional information to support medication decisions
Testing is not necessary for every patient.
Your provider will first review your treatment history and determine whether pharmacogenomic information is likely to be useful.
What GeneSight can — and cannot — tell you
GeneSight may provide useful information about how selected genetic variations relate to certain psychiatric medications.
It does not:
- Diagnose depression, anxiety, ADHD, or another condition
- Guarantee that a medication will work
- Guarantee that side effects will not occur
- Automatically mean your medication should be changed
- Replace clinical evaluation
Genetics is only one factor that can influence medication response.
How it works
How GeneSight supports your care
Gene-medication information
The report provides information about selected genetic factors that may affect certain psychiatric medications.
Additional prescribing context
Results are considered alongside your diagnosis, medication history, medical conditions, and other clinical factors.
Follow-up planning
Your provider reviews the report with you and determines whether your current treatment should continue or change.
GeneSight® and medication decisions
For selected patients, GeneSight pharmacogenomic testing may provide additional information about certain psychiatric medications.
GeneSight does not identify one guaranteed best medication and does not replace clinical evaluation.
Results are considered alongside your diagnosis, symptoms, medication history, side effects, medical conditions, and other clinical factors.
GeneSight and Medication Management
GeneSight is used as additional information, not as a replacement for psychiatric medication management.
Depending on your results and clinical history, your provider may recommend continuing your current medication, adjusting treatment, considering another option, or making no medication change.
What to expect
What to expect
01
Review Your Medication History
We discuss current symptoms, previous medications, treatment response, and why you are considering testing.
02
Complete the Cheek Swab
A DNA sample is collected and submitted to the GeneSight laboratory for analysis. (GeneSight)
03
Review Your Results
Your provider explains the report and discusses whether the findings should influence your treatment plan.
Do not stop or change psychiatric medication based on the GeneSight report without discussing it with your treating clinician.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GeneSight testing?
GeneSight is a pharmacogenomic test that provides information about selected genetic factors related to certain psychiatric medications.
How is GeneSight performed?
A DNA sample is collected using a cheek swab and submitted for laboratory analysis.
Will GeneSight tell me which medication is best?
No. The report provides additional information for your clinician but cannot guarantee that a particular medication will work.
Does GeneSight diagnose ADHD, anxiety, or depression?
No. It supports medication decision-making and is not a diagnostic test for behavioral-health conditions.
Should I change medication based on my results?
Do not change psychiatric medication on your own. Results should be discussed with your prescribing clinician.
Can GeneSight visits be done through telehealth?
Consultation and results-review visits may be virtual when appropriate, although a physical DNA sample is still required.
Insurance and Payment
Coverage and out-of-pocket costs for GeneSight vary by insurance plan. The GeneSight laboratory manages billing for the genetic test separately from Renovare’s professional services and provides its own insurance and cost process. Insurance verification does not guarantee payment.
Request a GeneSight consultation
If previous psychiatric medications have not worked as expected or have caused difficult side effects, GeneSight testing may provide additional information to support your treatment decisions.
GeneSight testing does not guarantee diagnosis, medication selection, treatment response, or insurance coverage.
Not an emergency service. For an immediate medical or psychiatric emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.