Every patient is unique. Your treatment should be, too.

Genomic testing identifies alterations in your genes that can help guide potential treatment options based on your unique diagnosis and test results. The information from your genomic test can support you and your doctor in making informed decisions on the best care along your journey. Your doctor will order the appropriate Tempus test.

Hear from patients

  • UPCOMING WEBINAR:

    Kimberly

    Kimberly Yeatts, VP of Clinical Lab Operations at Tempus, shares her unique experience battling breast cancer while leading our next-generation sequencing lab.

    Watch her story
  • UPCOMING WEBINAR:

    Gordon

    Gordon speaks of his inspiring journey from diagnosis to remission, highlighting how Tempus testing changed his course.

    Watch his story
  • UPCOMING WEBINAR:

    Flora

    Flora shares her journey battling stage 4 Gastric Carcinoma, the effects on her family, and how Tempus helped her understand the best medication after chemotherapy.

    Watch her story
Disease Monitoring

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) refers to cancer DNA that is present in the bloodstream. Minimal residual disease (MRD) testing can detect ctDNA that may be present after treatment, such as surgery or chemotherapy. This can help your doctor understand if there is any remaining disease following your treatment and help decide the best next steps.

Your doctor may also use this type of test to monitor your response to treatment, and guide potential adjustments to your care plan.

Your doctor may choose to order multiple disease monitoring tests to track your condition over time. Your doctor will select the MRD test that is right for you.

  • xM: Test using your blood sample

  • xM (NeXT Personal® Dx) test by Personalis: Test using your tumor tissue and blood sample

Biomarker Testing

Many cancers are caused by changes, or alterations, in our genes that may happen by chance or due to environmental factors. Biomarker testing, or molecular testing, looks for these specific alterations in our genes, which can help your doctors understand your unique cancer. Identifying alterations in your cancer may help your doctor choose therapies and personalize your treatment plan.

Your doctor will select the biomarker test that is best for you.

  • xT or xR: Test using your tumor tissue

  • xF or xF+: Test using your blood sample

Download the Patient Information Brochure
Hereditary Risk

Hereditary cancers are caused by changes, or alterations, in our genes that may be inherited from a parent and passed on to one’s children. Genetic alterations that a person has had since birth can increase one’s risk for developing cancer.

Hereditary testing, also called germline testing, is used to look for these changes in our genes to detect alterations that may increase you or your family’s risk for cancer.  The most common hereditary cancers are breast, ovarian, colorectal, endometrial, prostate, and pancreatic cancer.

Your doctor will choose the hereditary test that is right for you.

  • xG (CancerNext®) or xG+ (CancerNext-Expanded®): Test using your blood or saliva

Download the Patient Guide to Hereditary Cancer Testing
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Tempus is committed to providing easy and affordable access to our tests and services.

  • Apply for financial assistance online at access.tempus.com.

  • If approved, you will know immediately about the maximum out of pocket cost of your testing.

  • Please contact billing@tempus.com if you are concerned about out-of-pocket costs and would like to discuss your options.

All U.S.-based patients are eligible to apply for financial assistance regardless of insurance status. For uninsured and international patients, we offer a self-pay option. If you have any questions, please email patients@tempus.com.

Authorization for Medical Records: Through access.tempus.com, you will be directed to our Notice and Authorization for Medical Records authorization form. This optional form allows us to request outcomes and other medical records from your health care providers. Please see the form for more information.

View Frequently asked questions

Testing/Logistics

Does Tempus offer mobile blood draws?

Yes, if you are unable to visit a clinic, we can help schedule a blood draw appointment at a location convenient to you. This service can only be requested by your physician.

Can I order a test directly?

Testing can only be ordered by your physician.

How will knowing more about my genomic alterations help determine a treatment plan?

Knowing the alterations that are driving your cancer may help to identify targeted therapies and clinical trial options.

How do you order the test?

Your doctor will order the test directly from Tempus by completing a simple test request form. You may be asked to sign a patient consent form depending on the state in which you reside.

How long does it take to get results from the test?

From the time Tempus receives the necessary specimen samples, it typically takes approximately 10–14 days to sequence and generate your report. Your genomic test results will be delivered to your physician when complete.

How does Tempus obtain my tumor sample for testing?

We will work with your hospitalʼs pathology department to obtain your tissue sample. Your tumor sample will be sent to our secure sequencing lab in Chicago.

What is included in the final report?

We generate a comprehensive report that will present your tumor biology, potential targeted therapies, and recruiting clinical trials, if available, that fit your profile.

How do I get a copy of my test results?

The report will be sent directly to your physician to share with you. You can also contact Tempus directly for a copy of your report.

Are Tempus tests available outside of the United States?

Yes, Tempus tests are available in 20+ countries across North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia.

Billing

Is the test covered by my health insurance or by Medicare?

We will work with your insurance company to submit for reimbursement. Financial assistance for out-of-pocket expenses is available for all eligible U.S.-based patients, regardless of insurance status. To apply, you must complete the Tempus patient financial assistance application, available at access.tempus.com.

Please contact our Client Services team at 800.739.4137 if you would like to complete the application by phone.

I received a “Request of Information” (ROI) from my physician. What does this mean?

Your doctor may ask that you complete a form before your specimen is sent to Tempus. Please ask your doctor if you have questions about it.

Do I need to provide consent for my physician to order a Tempus test?

Your physician needs to obtain your consent to order a Tempus test. Depending on the state you live in, we may reach out to you to sign a patient consent specific to your state.

How is my information used?

Please see our Privacy Policy and our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices for more information.

I received one or more Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from insurance, what should I do next?

Nothing. An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is not a bill; it is a communication from your insurance company regarding the Tempus services you received. It shows services that were billed to insurance and what insurance covered. An EOB may not require payment even if there is an amount due for patient responsibility. Patients may receive multiple EOBs if bundled testing options are selected by your provider.

What happens if insurance denies coverage?

If coverage is denied, Tempus will file an appeal(s) with your insurance company to pursue coverage on your behalf. We may contact you or your physician for assistance during the appeal process, as needed. Tempus will not bill you for services not allowed by your insurance company.

What happens if my insurance company sends a check to me for my Tempus test?

Tempus will send a bill to you for the amount owed once we are notified by your insurance company. You may pay the bill to Tempus, or endorse the check from your insurance company to Tempus by signing the back of the check on the top line of the endorsement area and writing “pay to the order of Tempus Labs” on the second line.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions about billing?

Our Client Services Team is available from 7:00 am CT – 7:00 pm CT, Monday through Friday at 800.739.4137 or email at billing@tempus.com.

What is "balance billing" (sometimes called "surprise billing")?

What is a "good faith estimate" of costs?

Financial Assistance

Do you offer financial assistance to patients?

Yes, Tempus has established a financial assistance program to provide access to our tests for patients in financial need. Approval for financial assistance is based on household income, number of family members in household, and extenuating circumstances.

If approved, assistance is applied towards out-of-pocket costs such as copays, coinsurance, deductibles, or their self pay balance. In the event that you don’t qualify, please contact us at 800.739.4137 to discuss your options

When can I apply for financial assistance?

We encourage all patients to apply for financial assistance at the time of order, but applications are accepted at any point during the order/billing process. Applications are available at access.tempus.com.

If unable to complete the online application, please contact our Client Services team at 800.739.4137 for assistance.

How long does the financial assistance application review process take?

  • Online & Phone Applicants: You will receive an application decision at the time of submission.
  • Fax/Email Applicants: If all fields are completed, you will receive notification within 5 business days of receipt. Please note, we are unable to accept an incomplete application.

What happens if I don’t have insurance?

Tempus is committed to providing access for patients without insurance and for those that choose to pay for services directly. We encourage U.S. based patients to apply for financial assistance to see if you are eligible. For those who don’t qualify, please contact us at 800.739.4137 to discuss self-pay pricing.

What happens if my insurance doesn’t cover the whole test?

Tempus does not bill you for the difference between our billed amount to your insurance provider and your insurance provider’s allowed amount. If you are responsible for copays, coinsurance, or deductibles for covered services, you can apply for financial assistance at access.tempus.com.

We’re here to help.

Contact us at help@tempus.com or 800.739.4137

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