Q: How is the MELARIS® test
performed?
A: Your doctor draws a small amount of your blood
or refers you to a blood draw facility and then sends it to Myriad
Genetic Laboratories for analysis. This analysis involves a complex
process called
gene
sequencing.
Q: How long do I have to wait for the results of my
MELARIS® test?
A: Your doctor will share test results with you
as soon as they are available, which can be as soon as four weeks
from the date your test is started.
Q: Will my health insurance pay for the MELARIS®
test?
A: Most health insurance plans pay for
MELARIS®. Call the Myriad Reimbursement Assistance Program
(MRAP) at 800-469-7423 for more details on coverage. MRAP can also
assist you with determining coverage through your insurance
company.
Q: Can my health insurance provider discriminate against
me based on my MELARIS® test results?
A: A number of federal and state laws prohibit insurance discrimination to various degrees. The Health Insurance Portability Protection Act (HIPAA) recognizes genetic information as Protected Health Information (PHI) and specifies protection for the confidentiality of PHI. HIPAA also provides restrictions on health-related information in making coverage decisions and in setting premiums by group health insurers, although HIPAA does not provide such restrictions for non-group plans. HIPAA further states that genetic information in the absence of a diagnosis cannot be considered a pre-existing condition. In the federal government, executive departments and agencies are prohibited by executive order from using protected genetic information as a basis for employment decisions. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has interpreted the Americans with Disabilities act to provide some additional protections from the use of genetic information by employers. Many states have enacted additional protections against genetic discrimination in health insurance or employment or both. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act is currently awaiting final approval in the US Senate, to complete broad protection of genetic information.
Q: If I've already had melanoma, what would a positive
MELARIS® result mean?
A: Knowing your genetic status can help you take
steps to reduce this risk or to detect another potential cancer at
an early, more treatable stage. You may increase the frequency that
you are doing skin self-examination or clinical skin exams. You may
also be better at protecting yourself from harmful exposure to
ultraviolet radiation (from the sun and tanning beds). Also, your
test results have significant meaning to the health of your family
members.
Q: Does a positive MELARIS® test result mean that I
currently have cancer—for example, a tumor that wasn't previously
diagnosed?
A: MELARIS® does not determine or confirm if
you currently have cancer. Results determine if you have a higher
risk of developing melanoma or pancreatic cancer.
Q: If I take the MELARIS® test and my results are
positive for a gene mutation, what are my options for preventing
cancer?
A: You and your doctor would have a number of
options to discuss based on your test
results. Options range from increased surveillance to
preventive surgery.
» Next Section: The Benefits of Genetic Testing
A genetic test for hereditary melanoma
