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Prescription Drugs & Genetics

The field of pharmacogenomics, sometimes referred to as pharmacogenetics, combines the knowledge of our genetic makeup with the knowledge of how medicines work. How well a medication works is, in part, due to our unique genetic makeup. This includes how effective the medicine is, whether we experience negative side effects and how long the medicine continues to work inside our body. Pharmacogenomics is a growing field that attempts to use this information to help doctors select the right medications and doses to help us.

GENOME MEDICAL BY THE NUMBERS

41%

Polypharmacy (taking five or more medications) is seen in nearly 30% of adults and 41% of the elderly (aged 65 and older) in the U.S.

82%

ADEs (adverse drug events) is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.; patients taking two drugs have a 13% risk of ADEs, 38% risk when taking four drugs and 82% risk when taking seven or more drugs.

85%

When pharmacogenomic testing was used, there was a 52% decrease in hospital readmissions, a 42% reduction in emergency room visits, an 85% decrease in death and an estimated per-patient savings of over $4,300 in 60 days.

How Can
Pharmacogenomics
Impact Your Health?

Even though medications might be labeled as one size fits all, they aren’t when it comes to effectiveness, dosage and side effects. People experience these differently, which often leads to a trial-and-error period to find the right medication. Adverse drug reactions are a big problem for patients and the health care system. More than 2 million Americans experience a serious adverse drug reaction every year, and these reactions are the fourth leading cause of death. This is higher than the number of Americans that die each year from workplace injuries.

Pharmacogenomics offers personalized medicine because it considers your unique genetic makeup when it comes to deciding on medications. Although the field is still growing, it may have an impact on your health, depending on your genetic makeup.

Insurance

Your visit may be covered by your health insurance. For a list of insurance plans that Genome Medical is in-network with, visit our insurance page.
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Self-Pay

We offer an affordable self-pay option for our patients who prefer to pay out-of-pocket. Pay just $179 for a genetic counseling session.

Pay just $179

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This cost does not include genetic testing. Any genetic testing will need to be paid for separately. Learn more about insurance coverage for genetic counseling and genetic testing.

How could speaking to a genetics expert about pharmacogenomics help improve your health?

Speaking to a genetic expert, a medical professional with specialized knowledge in pharmacogenomics, can help you learn if this type of information could help you. Pharmacogenomics is an emerging field and it's still not possible to use pharmacogenomic testing for all medications or treatments at this time. Currently, certain genes may play a role in treatments for some types of:

Cancer

Lung disease

Mental health disorders

Heart disease

For a more complete listing from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), click here.

Who is Pharmacogenomics Testing & Counseling Right for?

Genome Medical’s board-certified genetic counselors meet with individuals to help them understand pharmacogenomics and if their unique genetic makeup might impact medications they need to take. Due to the emerging nature of pharmacogenomics, these consultations are best suited for people with some types of cancer, lung disease, mental health conditions and heart disease.

An individual may consider pharmacogenetic testing and counseling
if they are looking for ways to do any of the following:

Determine Effective Treatment

If you need treatment involving medication and there are options, a pharmacogenomic consultation could help your doctors determine an effective medication choice for you.

Minimize Side Effects

If you need a medication and side effects are an issue, a pharmacogenomic consultation could help your doctors learn if you are at increased risk for side effects with some medications.

Determine the Right Dose

If you need a medication and figuring out the right dose for you is a challenge, a pharmacogenomic consultation could help your doctor determine the best dose for you to start on a medication.

Decrease Costs

Adverse drug reactions cost the U.S. health care system $136 billion every year. Using pharmacogenomic testing with personalized medicine can reduce costs to the health care system, and ultimately to you. This is because some adverse drug reactions can be avoided, hospital visits and stays can be reduced and lives can be saved. If your doctors can avoid the trial-and-error method of picking a medication and its dose, this should save you money and time.

Schedule Your Genetic
Counseling Session

Pharmacogenomics is right for people who would like to learn how their unique genetic makeup can impact the medications they take. With Genome Medical, you can simply schedule your consultation with a certified genetic counselor online and attend from the comfort of your own home. Secure video sessions are flexible and available to suit your schedule.