Why VeriStrat®
VeriStrat is a simple blood test that your physician may order to help determine which treatment options are best for you. Upon receipt of the test results, your physician will consider them, and other factors, to choose the most appropriate course for your care.
Below are the most frequently asked questions by patients and caregivers regarding VeriStrat. If you have additional questions, please be sure to talk to your physician.
Q: What is VeriStrat?
A: VeriStrat is a blood test that your physician may order to aid in clinical decision making. VeriStrat identifies lung cancer patients who are likely to have a good or poor prognosis after treatment with a specific targeted therapy, called erlotinib.
Q: Why should I have the VeriStrat test done?
A: VeriStrat provides additional clinical information to help your physician decide which treatment options are best for you. Once the VeriStrat results have been reported, your doctor will consider them, along with other clinical factors, to select the most appropriate course for your care.
Q: Is the test painful?
A: VeriStrat requires a simple blood draw. It is performed quickly and easily.
Q: How soon will I get the results?
A: In most cases, VeriStrat results are provided to your doctor within 72 hours of sample shipment. If for some reason the results are unclear, or the test has to be redone, another few days may be required.
Q: What are the possible results for VeriStrat and how will my doctor use the information?
A: Each VeriStrat test will provide one of three following possible results: VeriStrat Good, VeriStrat Poor, or VeriStrat Indeterminate. Following receipt of the VeriStrat results, your doctor will consider them along with other clinical factors to determine the best way to move forward with your course of care.
Q: Does my insurance company or Medicare cover the VeriStrat test?
A: In most cases, if your doctor orders the VeriStrat test, Biodesix (the company that provides the VeriStrat test) will file a claim with your insurance company or Medicare to seek coverage. Biodesix cannot guarantee that coverage will be approved. If you have specific questions, you may contact your insurance provider directly or contact the VeriStrat Support Hotline at 1-866-432-5930.
Q: What if my insurance company or Medicare does not cover the VeriStrat test?
A: The Biodesix Patient Support Program offers patients two options. The first option is a Patient Assistance Program (PAP) for people without insurance coverage. The second option is a Financial Assistance Program (FAP) for people with insurance, but for whom coverage for the VeriStrat test was denied or only partially provided. These programs have various eligibility standards and were developed to ensure that patients get the financial assistance they need. If you would like more information about these patient support programs, call the VeriStrat Support Hotline at 1-866-432-5930.
Q: Where can I get more information about the VeriStrat test?
A: Talk to your physician about any questions you may have regarding the VeriStrat test. In addition, you can obtain more information by calling the VeriStrat Support Hotline at 1-866-432-5930.