How do I get tested? Understand my results?
Getting Tested
The Oncotype DX test is performed on tissue removed during your original surgery. Similar to other laboratory tests, the Oncotype DX test must be ordered by an authorized healthcare provider.
If you have determined that you may be a potential candidate for the Oncotype DX test (click here to see if you qualify), you may want to talk with your doctor about the possibility of getting tested. For a list of questions and observations that may assist you in your discussions with your doctor about the Oncotype DX test, click here.
If you and your doctor agree that the test is right for you, you will likely want to find out if the test is covered by your insurance. You can contact your insurance company directly, or your doctor can help by working with Genomic Health's Genomic Access Program (GAP), which can assist with research into your insurance benefits and provide other services such as referral to financial assistance programs, if you qualify. For information on reimbursement for the Oncotype DX test, as well as other questions, call 866-ONCOTYPE (866-662-6897).
Talking With Your Doctor About the Oncotype DX Test
Below are a few questions that you may want to ask your doctor concerning the Oncotype DX test:
1. What information will we be considering as we decide whether or not I should receive chemotherapy? Should results from the Oncotype DX test be part of that mix?
For eligible women, the Oncotype DX test can provide additional information that they and their doctors can utilize in deciding on a course of treatment. Along with other pieces of information, the results from the Oncotype DX test can help women and their doctors make decisions about whether or not to include chemotherapy in their treatment plan. It can also help indicate how likely it is that a woman’s cancer may return in the future (distant recurrence). The Oncotype DX test provides information in addition to standard measurements (such as tumor size, tumor grade and lymph node status) that doctors and their patients have traditionally used to estimate how likely a woman’s cancer is to return, and to help her make treatment decisions.
2. I think I may be a candidate for the Oncotype DX test. Would you recommend the Oncotype DX test as a way to help assess if I will benefit from chemotherapy?
Women with estrogen-receptor-positive (ER+), lymph-node-negative, stage I or II breast cancer may be eligible. Post-menopausal women recently diagnosed with node-positive, hormone-receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer may also be appropriate candidates for the Oncotype DX test.
3. I understand that insurance plans will usually cover the Oncotype DX test. Do you know if mine will?
Many insurance companies, including Medicare, Aetna, United Healthcare and CIGNA, cover the Oncotype DX test for eligible patients. Genomic Health, the company that performs the Oncotype DX test, has a program called GAP (Genomic Access Program) that is designed to help doctors and their patients determine if insurance coverage is available and, if so, obtain coverage. Genomic Health also offers a financial assistance program based on financial eligibility. For more information, call 866-ONCOTYPE (866-662-6897). For additional insurance information, visit the Insurance Information section of this website.
For additional ideas on talking with your doctor about the Oncotype DX test, visit MyTreatmentDecision.com.
Understanding Your Test Results
If you’ve already been tested and have received your Oncotype DX test report, this section can help you understand what the information contained in that report means. Click on the link below to see a video about your Oncotype DX test results.
Note: Your doctor is also a valuable resource for helping you better understand the meaning of each section of your report.
VIDEO Oncotype DX Report Results 