FAQs
MyBestMed® Panel/Results
What is MyBestMed®
MyBestMed® is our pharmacogenetic testing solution that provides the ability for providers to customize a person’s medication regimen to better match the way their body metabolizes and reacts to medications. This personalized, precision medicine tool eliminates one-size-fits-all approaches to prescribing, improves medication efficacy, decreases the amount of time it takes them to become therapeutic, as well as helps to reduce the overall occurrences of adverse drug events (ADE).
How do my genes affect which medication may work for me?
Your genes are unique to you. The Pro-GeneX report uses color-coding to show which medicines may be more likely to work for a patient based on his/her genetic makeup. The Pro-GeneX report also contains helpful information about how an individual’s genetic makeup may affect dosage based on the analysis of certain genes. More...
Will the same medicine that worked for someone I'm related to (mom/dad/sister/brother) work for me?
Not necessarily. Each person has a unique set of genes and genetic responses to medications. You may share genetic similarities with your relatives, but each of you has a different genetic makeup and metabolism. Your genes influence the way your body may respond to a specific medication. So, a medication that works for your relative may not necessarily work for you and vice versa.
What are the possible results of this test?
The results will tell your doctor about genetic anomalies that may affect how you process certain medications. The results of this testing can reveal some inherited or genetic anomalies that might make a person unresponsive or hypersensitive to a particular medication. More...
What is the MyBestMed® panel?
The MyBestMed® panel helps doctors decide whether a medication will work for you and how likely it is to cause unwanted adverse effects. Your doctor may use the results to adjust your dose or consider other treatments. More...
What are the examples of an ADE (Adverse Drug event)?
Possible ADE are listed in the side effects section of the drug label which may be harmful to the patient. Examples include, excess sedation, rash, fatigue and other drug interactions.
Do you test for cancer?
Not at this time, but we may in the future. Currently, we are focused on pharmacogenetics, which is the study of how your body reacts with medications instead of cancer genomics which studies how genetic variations are associated with cancer risks.
What is the difference between other genetic tests and MyBestMed®?
Other genetics tests are primarily focused on reporting family history and health panels. MyBestMed®, powered by Pro-GeneX, is a pharmacogenetics test that aid in determining the best medication for you.
How could MyBestMed® panel help me?
MyBestMed® panel gives your healthcare provider important information to help plan your treatment. The portal is designed to help him/her get you on the right medicine faster with fewer unwanted side effects. Pharmacogenetic testing analyzes your genes and then matches the information about your genes to a list of medications that may be available treatment options for your condition. That gives your healthcare provider additional insight to help select the medications that may work best for you.
How do I interpret pharmacogenetic test results?
The best way to ensure you fully understand your results is to schedule an appointment with a consultant. If you have more questions, please send them to MyBestMed@Pro-GeneX.com
How often is the medication list updated?
If any new information about existing medication becomes available the portal is updated weekly so it is important that you review your results routinely. If your medications change, work with your prescriber and check the portal before a medication is selected to know it works for you.
How do I keep up with changes in my medications?
Your test results allow you to include current and potential medications so you and your physician can discuss the medication options that are suited for you. The body of knowledge is constantly changing with medications so working with your physician to guide your plan of care is important.
How will I obtain results from this test?
Your results will become available approximately 10 business days after receipt of your sample, registration and after completing your consultation. You will receive an email when your results are ready. If you have received an email that your results are ready, then you can schedule your consultation by clicking on the link in the email, which will take you to the scheduling page, or by going to www.MyBestMed.com, click Schedule Consultation https://www.mybestmed.com/schedule-consultation/.
After you have reviewed your results with one of our trained healthcare professionals, you will have full access to your report via the portal. Please remember, always consult with your physician before making any changes to your plan of care.
Where can I find additional information about PGx?
If you have a specific question, please send your question to https://www.mybestmed.com/contact/
Do I have separate login credentials for myself and for my family?
Yes.
How do I change my user name if I change email addresses?
Contact MyBestMed@Pro-GeneX.com for assistance to receive instructions.
About
What is the difference between MyBestMed® genetic test kit and MyBestMed® genetic panel?
MyBestMed® genetic test kit including instructions to register and collect a genetic sample using a swab. The MyBestMed® genetic panel is the actual lab test that helps doctors decide whether a medication will work for you and how likely it is to cause unwanted adverse effects. Your doctor may use the results to adjust your dose or consider other treatments.
Who is Pro-GeneX?
Pro-GeneX Clinical Services, LLC and Pro-GeneX Laboratories, Inc. is a recognized partner providing clinical decision support tools for pharmacogenetic testing programs in high-risk patient populations. Our team is committed to excellence. The Company is delivering pharmacogenetic solutions that are fast becoming a new standard of care. We deliver actionable genetic data that maximizes drug efficacy while minimizing adverse drug events.
Who is Pro-GeneX Laboratories, Inc.?
Located in Brenau University Business Incubator in Gainesville Georgia, Pro-GeneX Laboratories is staffed by highly trained laboratory professionals. The laboratory utilizes the latest genetic testing instruments available and tests the largest pharmacogenetic panel in the industry. The laboratory works closely with medical geneticists and genetic counselors to ensure timely interpretation of laboratory results for health care professionals and their patients.
Who is Pro-GeneX Clinical Services, LLC?
Our clinical team’s experience with thousands of hours collaborating with Physicians, Directors of Nursing, Pharmacists facilitates communication on medication risks in order to support improved patient experience and actionable paths to improve outcomes.
How do I keep up with changes in my medications?
Your test results allow you to include current and potential medications so you and your physician can discuss the medication options that are suited for you. The body of knowledge is constantly changing with medications so working with your physician to guide your plan of care is important.
What does my genetics have to do with my medications?
Our genetics directs the production of enzymes in the body. These enzymes are responsible for breaking down the medications. Thus, the variation in each individual’s genetics affects how the body will metabolize different medications.
What is the definition of pharmacogenomics and pharmacogenetics? Is there a difference?
Pharmacogenetics is when the variation in one gene has an impact on an individual’s response to a single drug. Pharmacogenomics is a broader term used to define genes and their influence on drug responses.
Where can I find additional research or information?
Visit our website https://www.pro-genex.com/research/
PGx Testing
What is Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing?
Pharmacogenomic testing is one tool that you and your provider can use to aid in determining the best medication for you. It looks at certain genetic attributes that can impact how you metabolize, absorb, or respond to a particular medication. It is important to remember that other factors, such as age, other medications you are taking, and medical conditions can also impact how a medication may affect you.
Is this test covered by my insurance?
PGx testing is reimbursed by a number of government and health insurance plans.
What is the test like? Is it invasive?
The test is easy to administer and takes about five minutes. Your genetics is collected using a simple cheek swab.
How young can you be in order to get tested?
You can be tested as a child, as the genes associated with Pharmacogenetics generally do not change. There is no minimum age to complete the test, but it does require parental consent.
What is needed to perform this test?
Cheek (buccal) cells will be collected by swabbing the inside of your cheeks. Pay attention not to swab your teeth. Your DNA is then extracted from the swab sample and tested for changes using MyBestMed®.
What is the purpose of having a buccal swab versus a saliva sample collection?
The difference between the methods is only preference of the processing lab/lab personnel. Genetics from your cheek cells are as effective as saliva samples. To ensure complete results, please follow instructions and swab thoroughly.
How often do I have to take the test?
Since your genes generally do not change throughout your lifetime, most patients only require one test in their lifetime.
What are the limitations of the test?
For some medications, the results will give clear guidance for deciding the best dose. However, for other medications, there are no established dosing guidelines based on the results. Therefore, your doctor may need to try a few dose or treatment adjustments to see what works best for you. In addition, this test does not identify all genetic anomalies that could affect treatment decisions. Additionally, this test does not take into account the impact of concurrent medications, diet, health conditions, or personal factors such as diet, age, and weight which may all influence how medications and drugs work.
How will I obtain results from this test?
Your results will become available approximately 10 business days after receipt of your sample, registration and after completing your consultation. You will receive an email when your results are ready. If you have received an email that your results are ready, then you can schedule your consultation by clicking on the link in the email, which will take you to the scheduling page, or by going to www.MyBestMed.com, click Schedule Consultation https://www.mybestmed.com/schedule-consultation/.
After you have reviewed your results with one of our trained healthcare professionals, you will have full access to your report via the portal. Please remember, always consult with your physician before making any changes to your plan of care.
Why can’t I eat before doing a buccal swab?
To avoid food particles in the DNA samples, we ask that you avoid eating prior to completing your kit.
Does every family member tested need a personal email address?
No. Only those 18 & over must have a unique email address.
Is the user name for my personal and family results the same?
No. For personal results with those 18 and older, utilize a personal email account. To view family results, utilize a separate email account specifically used by you for your family's MyBestMed® results.
Privacy
Q-Who has access to my results?
A-Pro-GeneX Laboratories Inc., ProGeneX Clinical, LLC., have access to the results and will share them with the individual patient tested. You (the patient) have control who else, such as your physician will receive this information.
Q-What do you do with my Genetics?
A-We analyze all tests at our CLIA accredited lab, so we can insure the quality and security of your data. Your genetic information is private and protected through various federal laws including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and GINA (Genetic Information Non Discrimination Act) ensuring your personal and genetic information remains in your control.
What are the precautions the company takes not to swap my genetic sample with someone else?
Once a sample arrives at the lab, barcode matching from the sample tube and the requisition form sent back in the kit represents the two patient identifiers. These two identifiers are associated to your sample throughout the testing process to ensure the results you receive are yours.
Q-How do you dispose of the Genetics?
A-Genetic samples are disposed of every 30 days by incineration. State laws vary and we follow individual state guidelines. The scientific knowledge of the data continues to grow and your data remains de-identified.
What will happen to my genetic sample once the test is complete?
The original sample will be discarded at the end of the testing process or stored for no more than 30 days. In some circumstances, your DNA may be used anonymously as a negative or positive control sample in future testing for up to 6 months. In this circumstance, all identifiers will be removed prior to re-testing and the DNA sample and results obtained will remain anonymous.
Q-How long are the results kept?
A-Results are maintained securely for as long as you wish to access the platform. However, if you would like for your results to no longer be available through the MyBestMed® genetic panel risk management system. To request removal of your results,
e-mail mybestmed@pro-genex.com.
Will my data be shared with any of my insurance companies?
No, we do not share data with or interact with your insurance companies.
Can the report be part of my patient record?
At your request. The report may become a valuable asset to one's medical record.
Can I share my results with my personal physician?
Yes. This is our recommendation. Once you have reviewed your results with our healthcare professional, you'll be able to share your results with one or multiple physicians.
How do I share this information with my physician?
When your results are reviewed, you will be in control of sharing your results to your physician via a hard-copy report.
Q-How long do you keep my data?
A-All 18 HIPAA Identifiers, considered personally identifiable information, are removed from your data. Data is de-identified and only paired again when you review your results. Your data will remain de-identified if you no longer are enrolled in the MyBestMed® genetic panel.
Q-Who at my employer has access to my prescription or genetic results?
A-No one at your company has access to your genetic results as a result of this testing unless you choose to share it with them. You are in control to release the results as you see fit to your physician. We are dedicated to maintaining your privacy and keeping your results completely confidential.
Privacy Practices
Notice of Privacy Practices
This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully.
Protecting Your Privacy
Pro-GeneX Clinical Services and Pro-GeneX Laboratories (Pro-GeneX) understands the importance and sensitivity of your health information. We protect the privacy of your health information because it is the right thing to do. We also follow federal and state laws that govern your health information. We use your health information (and allow others to have it) only as permitted by federal and state laws. These laws give you certain rights regarding your health information.
Your Health Information Rights
You may:
- Inspect and obtain a copy of your medical or billing records (including an electronic copy if we maintain the records electronically), as allowed by law, usually within 30 days of your written request.
- Request and receive a paper copy of our current Notice of Privacy Practices.
- Require us to communicate with you using an alternate address or phone number.
- Require that we not send information about a healthcare service or related item to your health plan if you or someone else pays in full for that service or item and if you notify us in advance that you — and not your health plan — are going to pay for this service or item (so we don’t automatically bill your health plan).
- Request in writing that restrictions be placed on how your health information is used or shared for treatment or other purposes.
- Request an accounting of when your identifiable health information is shared outside of Pro-GeneX for a purpose other than treatment or payment.
- Receive notice if we or our business associates have breached the confidentiality of your health information.
- Report a privacy concern and be assured that we will investigate your concern thoroughly, support you appropriately, and not retaliate against you in any way (you may report any privacy concerns to Marcie Swenson by phone at +1 (801) 830-9113, or by email at marcie.swenson@pro-genex.com, or to the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).
- Request in writing that your health information be amended if you think there is an error.
How Your Health Information Is Used
- Common Uses of Health Information. When we provide services related to your healthcare, we will gather your health information. The law allows us to use or share this health information to:
o Understand your health condition and to assist your providers in treating you. For example, we may review your laboratory tests or share your laboratory tests with your treating doctor, who may be outside of Pro-GeneX, or we may receive a list of your prescription information from your provider or other health services companies to help you avoid harmful drug interactions.o Bill for your healthcare services and receive payment for our services; for example, we share your health insurance information with other healthcare providers who treat you — like your primary care physician or a specialty laboratory — so they can bill for those services.o Improve our services. For example, we may contact you to understand what you thought of our services and to learn how to enhance our services to you.o Improve our services to you by allowing companies with whom we contract, called “business associates,” to perform certain specialized work for us. The law requires these business associates to protect your health information and obey the same privacy laws that we do.o Perform limited health-data research, where the researcher keeps individual-identifiable information confidential. Pro-GeneX reviews every research request to make sure privacy is appropriately protected before sharing health information. o Law enforcement, but only as authorized by law. - Required Uses of Health Information. The law sometimes requires us to share information for specific purposes, with:
o The Department of Health.o An organ-donation agency when related to an individual’s death.o A medical examiner when appropriate to investigate a death.o Government agencies as required by law.o State authorities as required by law.o Law enforcement for certain types of crime-related investigations.o Governmental inspectors, who, for example, make sure our facilities are safe.o Military command authorities or the Department of Veterans Affairs when we provide services for individuals who are in the military or are veterans.o A correctional institution when we provide services for an inmate.o The Secret Service or NSA to protect the country or the President.o A medical device manufacturer as required by the FDA.o Court officers, as required by law, in response to a court order or a valid subpoena.o Governmental authorities to prevent serious threats to public health or safety.o Governmental agencies, and other affected parties, to report a breach of health-information privacy.o An employer, but only if the employer contracts with us to help the employer meet OSHA requirements about workplace and employee safety.o A worker’s compensation program if our services are related to a person that is injured at work and claims benefits under that program. - Uses According to Your Requests. Your preferences matter. If you let us know how you want us to disclose your information in the following situations, we will follow your directions. You decide:
o If you want us to share any health or payment information related to your services with your family members or friends. Please let our employees know what you want us to share.o If you want us to share any health or payment information related to your services with your employer. Please let our employees know what you want us to share. - Uses of Health Information with Your Authorization. Any sharing of your health information, other than as explained above, requires your written authorization. For example, we will not use your health information unless you authorize us in writing to:
o Send copies of your health information to a life insurance company.o Share any of your laboratory results with a third party who is not part of your care.o Send information to encourage you to buy a non-Pro-GeneX product if we are paid to send that information or make the communication.o Sell your identifiable health information.If you authorize us to share your health information but then change your mind, please notify our Compliance/Privacy Officer, Marcie Swenson by phone at +1 (801) 830-9113, or by email at marcie.swenson@pro-genex.com. We will honor your revocation, but we will not be able to get back the health information that you authorized us to send before your revocation. - Special Legal Protections for Certain Health Information. Pro-GeneX complies with federal and state laws that require extra protection of special records. These records may include records of treatment in an addiction-treatment program, genetic information, or psychotherapy notes from a treating psychotherapist.
If You Still Have Questions
Please contact our Compliance/Privacy Officer Marcie Swenson by phone at +1 (801) 830-9113, or by email at marcie.swenson@pro-genex.com, or by mail addressed to Privacy Office Marcie Swenson, 669 Lanier Park Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501.
This privacy notice was updated and became effective October 23, 2020. Pro-GeneX may change this privacy notice at any time. You can see our current privacy notice that affects all PHI maintained by Pro-GeneX on our website, at Pro-GeneX.com. You can also obtain a copy of this notice by calling our Privacy Officer Marcie Swenson by phone at +1 (801) 830-9113, or by email at marcie.swenson@pro-genex.com,
This notice describes the privacy practices of Pro-GeneX employees and contractors, and all are required to abide by the terms of this notice. This notice also describes the privacy practices of associated healthcare providers — who are not Pro-GeneX employees — while providing services for Pro-GeneX or in our facilities, unless they provide you with a notice of their own privacy practices. For more information about the specific privacy practices of associated providers, please contact them directly.
By completing the registration process and utilizing my digital signature during the registration process, I acknowledge my voluntary participation in this test. I understand that the genetic analysis performed by Pro-GeneX Laboratories, Inc. does not definitively determine disease and in no way guarantees my health, the health of an unborn child, or the health of other family members.