Frequently Asked Questions

What is the RxReport pharmacogenomic test?

RxReport is a genetic test designed to help you and your healthcare provider better understand which mental health medications may be more suitable for you, and which may require greater caution.

The test looks at genes that can influence how your body processes medications and how certain medication pathways may function. PPI’s panel examines more than 50 genes and covers more than 100 commonly prescribed mental health medications.

What conditions and medications does RxReport cover?

RxReport covers medications commonly used for conditions such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• ADHD
• OCD
• PTSD
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Other mental health conditions The test covers more than 100 commonly prescribed medications.

How many genes does PPI test?

The RxReport panel examines more than 50 genes involved in medication metabolism, transport and medication response.

Does the test tell me exactly which medication will work?

No. Genetics is one important part of medication response, but it is not the whole story.

Your symptoms, diagnosis, previous medications, other health conditions, other medications and personal response to treatment also matter.

RxReport is designed to provide additional information to help your healthcare provider make a more informed medication decision, rather than guarantee that a particular medication will work.

Does the test diagnose mental illness?

No. RxReport does not diagnose depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder or any other mental health condition.

It looks at genes related to medication response and drug metabolism, not genes used to predict whether you will develop a disease.

Can I take the test while I am taking medication?

Yes.

Your medications do not change the DNA you inherited, so the genetic test can be performed whether you are currently taking medication or not.

Your pharmacist will still consider your current medications because some drugs can affect how other medications are processed.

Will my genetic results change over time?

Your inherited genetic information generally does not change.

This means your genetic results can remain useful when considering medications in the future. However, your health, medications, age and other factors can change, so the clinical interpretation may need to be reviewed over time.

What is the minimum age for testing?

The test can be performed for children as young as five years old, provided an appropriate cheek-swab sample can be collected.

Medication decisions for children should always be made with the child’s healthcare professional.

How do I order RxReport?

RxReport can be ordered online: https://personalizedprescribing.com/

After your order is received:

1. Order placed
2. Sample collection kit is mailed to you
3. You collect a cheek-swab sample
4. Return the sample using the supplied envelope
5. PPI's laboratory analyzes your DNA
6. A pharmacist reviews your results
7. You receive your personalized report and consultation

With your permission, the pharmacist’s recommendations can also be sent to your treating physician.

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

You can order the test directly; no doctor’s referral is needed. However, some insurance providers may require a physician referral or pre-authorization before they reimburse the cost.

If insurance coverage is important to you, it is best to confirm the requirements of your benefits plan before ordering.

Is RxReport covered by insurance?

Coverage depends on your insurance provider and your individual benefits plan.

PPI has arrangements with some insurers, including Manulife, RBC Insurance and Equitable Life, but eligibility can vary between plans.

Always check your individual coverage before purchasing.

How do I check whether Manulife covers the test?

Eligible Manulife members may see Personalized Medicine (pharmacogenomic test) listed within their Manulife benefits account.

Coverage depends on the member’s benefits plan and active extended health coverage.

Because coverage arrangements can change, we recommend confirming your eligibility directly through your Manulife account before ordering. Once you logon to your account, click “Get Care”, under “Medical Health” you must see the coverage about Personalized Medicine.

Does RBC Insurance cover the test?

Some RBC Insurance plans provide coverage for pharmacogenomic testing, but eligibility and the percentage reimbursed depend on the individual plan. Click here to request: https://personalizedprescribing.com/pages/rbc/

PPI can help eligible RBC clients confirm their coverage before proceeding.

What if I have another insurance company?

Other insurers may also reimburse pharmacogenomic testing, but coverage is not guaranteed.

PPI can provide a pre-authorization letter and physician referral form that you can submit to your insurance company for consideration.

What if my insurance claim is denied?

If you are covered by Manulife and the claim is denied, please contact Manulife for the coverage. If you need further assistance, please contact PPI.

In some situations, additional information or documentation may be required before the claim can be reconsidered.

In case of other insurance companies, please contact your insurance provider directly for eligibility and coverage.

Can PPI tell me whether another healthcare product or medication is covered by my insurance?

No. PPI is a pharmacogenomic testing company, not an insurance company.

Questions about coverage for medications, medical devices or other healthcare services should be directed to your insurance provider.

How is the sample collected?

RxReport uses a simple cheek-swab sample.

Before collecting your sample, follow the instructions supplied with your kit. The current instructions recommend avoiding food and drink for at least one hour before collection. Brush your teeth an hour before sampling. The process is quick and non-invasive.

Do I have to come to PPI lab for sample collection?

No.

You will receive the test collection kit by mail. However, you can come to PPI if you want to receive the report urgently.

Does the test require a blood sample?

No.

RxReport normally uses a cheek swab to collect DNA.

What if there is a problem with my sample?

If the laboratory needs another sample, PPI will send you another collection kit without an additional charge.

How long does the test take?

Once your sample arrives at the PPI laboratory, the genetic analysis usually takes approximately:

5–7 business days

Shipping time to and from the laboratory is additional. Standard shipping may take several business days in each direction.

Can I get the test faster?

Priority or expedited shipping options may be available.

Ontario customers may also be able to arrange collection or drop-off at PPI’s Richmond Hill laboratory.

Can I track my sample kit?

Tracking depends on the shipping method.

Regular Canada Post shipments may not include tracking, while express shipping generally does.

What happens after my genetic test is completed?

A pharmacist reviews your genetic results together with relevant medication information.

The pharmacist will:

• Upload a personalized report in your portal
• Request for scheduling an appointment with pharmacist
• Pharmacist will call you on the scheduled date of appointment
• Explain your results during the appointment
• Discuss medication considerations
• Review important gene–medication findings
• Answer your questions With your permission, the report can also be sent to your treating healthcare provider.

Do I receive a copy of my results?

Yes.

You receive access to your report, and there is no additional charge for accessing your results or discussing them with your assigned pharmacist.

Can my doctor receive my report?

Yes, with your consent.

PPI can send a copy of the pharmacist’s report to your treating physician or other healthcare professional.

Can I speak directly with a pharmacist?

Yes.

A pharmacist is assigned to your case and can explain your results and answer medication-related questions. Please note, the first consultation with the pharmacist is free. A charge may apply for any subsequent appointment request with the pharmacists.

Does the pharmacist prescribe my medication?

The PPI pharmacist provides medication information and recommendations.

Your treating physician or other authorized prescriber remains responsible for making the final decision about starting, stopping or changing prescription medication.

How accurate is the genetic testing?

PPI’s source material reports a 99.99% analytical accuracy for the genetic laboratory testing.

It is important to distinguish laboratory accuracy from predicting medication response.

A DNA result can be measured very accurately, but no pharmacogenomic test can predict with 99.99% certainty whether a medication will work for a particular person.

Medication recommendations are based on the genetic findings together with scientific evidence and clinical interpretation.

How does PPI protect my genetic information?

PPI separates identifiable health information from barcoded genetic information and uses secure systems with restricted access.

According to PPI’s current data policy, genetic information and personal health information are stored separately within secure systems.

Will PPI sell my genetic information?

PPI’s policy states that it will not sell, share or disclose your personal, health or genetic information without your consent, except where required by law.

How long is my DNA sample kept?

The physical DNA sample is normally retained for a limited period in case repeat testing or laboratory quality procedures are required.

The current PPI information states that physical samples are generally retained for approximately 90 days, while genetic test records may need to be kept for longer periods to meet laboratory and regulatory requirements.

Can I ask PPI to delete my genetic information?

The current PPI policy states that patients may submit a written request asking for their information to be removed from the database.

Any legal or laboratory record-retention requirements should be explained when such a request is made.

Will pharmacogenomic testing affect my health insurance?

RxReport is designed to examine genes related to medication response, rather than determine whether you are likely to develop a disease.

If you have concerns about how genetic information may affect a specific insurance product, you should speak directly with the insurer or obtain independent advice.

What if I did not receive my consent form?

Check your email junk or spam folder first.

If you still cannot find it, contact PPI and a new consent-form link can be sent to you.

What if I cannot open my report?

Your results are available through PPI’s secure patient-report system. You need to access the portal using the one-time-password provided by PPI and then reset your own password. Contact PPI if you have difficulty accessing your online portal.

Can I cancel my test and receive a refund?

Cancellation and refund requests are handled according to PPI’s Refund Policy.

Contact PPI as soon as possible if you decide not to proceed.

Still have questions?

Our team is available to help with ordering, insurance coverage, sample collection and accessing your results. For questions about your medications or test results, your assigned PPI pharmacist can provide additional guidance.