Q: What is the Oncotype DX Colon Cancer Assay?
A: The Oncotype DX test is a colon cancer test that provides an individual, numerical assessment of how likely colon cancer is to return in patients with stage II colon cancer following surgery to remove the tumor. The Oncotype DX test examines the activity of 12 genes within a patient’s tumor sample in order to provide individualized information to each person and their physician about the specific biological make-up of their colon cancer.
Q: How does the Oncotype DX test work?
A: RNA, part of the genomic makeup of your cells, is extracted from the tumor sample and then analyzed to determine the level of activity – or expression – of each of 12 genes. The results of the analysis are then put into a complex mathematical equation to convert those measurements into the Recurrence Score® result. This result corresponds to the likelihood of colon cancer returning (metastasizing) within three years of the patient’s initial diagnosis.
Q: When should the Oncotype DX test be used?
A: The Oncotype DX test is appropriate for people who are newly diagnosed with stage II colon cancer. It is important to request this test prior to starting a chemotherapy treatment regimen, since the Oncotype DX test can provide insight into the individual biology of each patient’s tumor, which in turn may help determine the most appropriate treatment for that individual’s colon cancer. If you do not know the stage of your colon tumor, please check with your doctor and request a copy of your pathology report.
The Oncotype DX test is performed on tumor tissue removed during the original surgery. Because of this, the Oncotype DX test does not require any additional surgery or procedures in order for a patient to get the test.
Q: What are the benefits of the Oncotype DX test?
A: The test report provides information that improves confidence in treatment planning because it is based on an understanding of each patient’s individual disease characteristics. This is important information for both the treating physician and the patient diagnosed with colon cancer.
Q: Is the Oncotype DX test covered by insurance?
A: Because the Oncotype DX Colon test is so new, we are currently working closely with insurers across the country – including Medicare, Anthem Wellpoint, Aetna, CIGNA, Kaiser Permanente, and many others – to secure reimbursement for the test, as part of our commitment to helping patients access the important information that this test generates.
In addition, Genomic Health has created the Genomic Access Program (GAP) to support all patients in the United States in navigating the insurance process. Specifically, we assist patients with benefits investigations to determine whether their insurance covers the test. We also directly bill insurance plans on behalf of insured patients in the United States whose physicians order the Oncotype DX test.
If an insurer requires a prior authorization before we can begin processing the patient’s tumor specimen, our GAP team can also help facilitate that process. If a claim is denied on first review, our team will appeal this denial on the patient’s behalf, with input from the patient’s physician as needed.
In those cases in which all appeals are exhausted and the claim is not fully paid, the patient may ultimately be responsible for any balance remaining on the invoice. However, Genomic Health’s GAP services include a patient assistance program to support eligible patients facing a financial hardship—including both uninsured and underinsured patients.
Throughout the entire process, our reimbursement professionals will assist patients in their efforts to obtain coverage for this test, and we encourage you to contact GAP if you have questions by calling 866-ONCOTYPE (866-662-6897).
Q: What if I don’t have insurance or am underinsured?
A: Genomic Health believes that every eligible patient should have access to the Oncotype DX colon cancer test, and so the company offers a Patient Assistance Program, including:
- Financial assistance for qualifying un- and under-insured patients
- Assistance with balances due (if eligible for the program)
- Payment plans to meet your financial situation
You can learn more about our Patient Assistance Program by calling
866-ONCOTYPE (866-662-6897).
Q: Where can I learn more about the Oncotype DX colon test?
A: To learn more about the Oncotype DX colon test, talk to your healthcare professional and care team. You can also visit www.genomichealth.com or www.Oncotypedx.com, or call 866-ONCOTYPE (866-662-6897).