Best Practices for GeneSight® Testing in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
At Delta Lifestyle Solutions we’re always seeking ways to improve outcomes for our patients. As part of our commitment to delivering evidence-based, personalized care, we now offer GeneSight® pharmacogenomic testing for our patients receiving Suboxone® (buprenorphine) and other mental health medications.
Whether referred to as a MAT program or an Office-Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT) clinic, our mission remains the same: to provide comprehensive, compassionate treatment for individuals facing opioid use disorder (OUD). By incorporating GeneSight® testing, we are able to tailor psychiatric medication management to the unique genetic makeup of each patient, optimizing treatment results and minimizing side effects.
What Is GeneSight® Testing?
GeneSight® is a type of pharmacogenomic testing that analyzes how your DNA may affect your body’s response to certain medications, especially those used to treat depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other behavioral health conditions.
With a simple cheek swab, GeneSight® evaluates specific genetic markers that influence how the body metabolizes and responds to psychotropic medications. This information can help providers:
- Choose medications that are more likely to be effective
- Avoid drugs that may cause unwanted side effects
- Adjust dosages with greater precision
- Reduce the frustrating process of “trial and error”
Why GeneSight® Testing Matters in MAT Programs
Opioid use disorder rarely exists in a vacuum. Most patients in MAT programs also deal with:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- It can accelerate mental health stabilization
- It may reduce relapse risk by improving mood regulation
- It supports more accurate medication prescribing
- It enhances the therapeutic alliance by building trust in the treatment process
Best Practices for GeneSight® Testing in Our Clinic
We’ve integrated GeneSight® testing into our clinical workflow in ways that uphold best practices, protect patient rights, and deliver meaningful results.
1. Appropriate Patient Selection
GeneSight® is most beneficial for patients who:
- Have experienced multiple medication failures
- Report strong side effects from current or past psychiatric medications
- Are starting a new psychiatric medication for a co-occurring disorder
- Have a family history of poor medication response
2. Informed Consent and Education
Before any testing occurs, we walk patients through:
- What GeneSight® testing is and how it works
- What types of medications it covers
- How results will be used (or not used)
- Confidentiality protections under HIPAA and GINA (Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act)
3. Simple and Painless Sample Collection
GeneSight® only requires a non-invasive cheek swab—no blood draw needed. This makes it ideal for outpatient settings and patients who may be wary of needles.
The sample collection takes just a few minutes and is typically performed by a medical assistant or nurse.
4. Integration With Psychiatric Medication Management
Once results are received (usually within a few days), our medical providers review the GeneSight® report, which categorizes medications into:
- Green (use as directed)
- Yellow (use with caution)
- Red (use with increased caution and monitoring)
5. Shared Decision-Making and Patient Involvement
We believe in a collaborative care model. After reviewing the GeneSight® report, providers discuss the results with the patient and explain:
- What the genetic findings mean
- How it may change or affirm current medication choices
- What options are available moving forward
6. Follow-Up and Outcome Monitoring
GeneSight® testing is most powerful when paired with ongoing clinical monitoring. We:
- Track symptom improvement (depression, anxiety, etc.)
- Watch for side effects or medication tolerance issues
- Adjust medications as needed using both genetic and behavioral data
- Document progress over time to support long-term recovery
7. Billing and Insurance Navigation
Most major insurance plans—including Medicaid—may cover GeneSight® testing when deemed medically necessary. We help patients:
- Check insurance eligibility
- Understand any potential out-of-pocket costs
- Access financial assistance programs through GeneSight® if needed
Why Choose Our West Virginia MAT Clinic for GeneSight®?
As a trusted outpatient MAT/OBOT clinic since 2021, we combine the latest in medical science with a compassionate, personalized approach. Patients choose us because we offer:
- Licensed medical staff trained in addiction and mental health treatment On-site GeneSight® testing with
- fast turnaround
- Integrated psychiatric medication management
- A stigma-free, recovery-oriented environment
Learn More or Schedule a GeneSight® Evaluation
If you or a loved one is receiving MAT and struggling with mental health medication response, GeneSight® testing may be the breakthrough you need. Contact our clinic today to schedule an appointment or learn more.
Genetic insights. Personalized care. Better outcomes.
