Comprehensive Guide to the GI-MAP Test

Gut health has a profound impact on a person’s overall health. Imbalances in the gastrointestinal microbiome can contribute to a variety of chronic illnesses. For patients who are suffering from GI symptoms, autoimmune diseases, or any chronic illness, gut health testing may be the key to understanding the root cause of disease. One of the leading gut health tests is the GI-MAP from Diagnostic Solutions. Through its thorough analysis, the GI-MAP offers insight into a patient’s microbial balance, immune function, and overall gastrointestinal health.

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What is the GI-MAP?

The GI-MAP from Diagnostic Solutions offers a comprehensive look at overall gut health. By measuring pathogens in the gastrointestinal system, it is able to determine microbes that are causing chronic illness. It also analyzes digestion, nutrient absorption, inflammation, and immune function.

What does the GI-MAP measure?

The GI-MAP measures a variety of bacteria (including H. pylori), parasites, viruses, fungi/yeast, antibiotic resistance genes, and several intestinal health markers. A full list of biomarkers can be found at the end of this article.

What sample is needed to complete the GI-MAP test?

The GI-MAP is analyzed from a single stool sample. Collection is easy: patients simply collect their stool and use the provided tools to gather some of it into a specimen vial. This vial is sent back to Diagnostic Solutions via the provided, prepaid envelope and is then analyzed. Results are sent to your Rupa Health portal!

Which patients is the GI-MAP best used for?

Because of its comprehensive analysis of gut health, the GI-MAP is a beneficial test for a wide variety of patients, from those simply looking to optimize their health to those looking for a diagnosis for chronic symptoms. It is an ideal test for patients with autoimmune diseases, IBS/IBD, gastrointestinal symptoms, brain fog, acne, psoriasis, mood disorders, diabetes, and/or weight loss issues.

Who do practitioners order the GI-MAP for most often?

While the GI-MAP can be a useful test for many patients, practitioners at Rupa are most commonly ordering the GI-MAP for women and patients aged 30-50. 80% of GI-MAPs ordered through Rupa are for female patients, while 45% are for patients between the ages of 30 and 50. If you have a female patient or a patient in this age range who is suffering from chronic GI symptoms, the GI-MAP is a very beneficial test to use in their diagnosis and treatment.

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Who can order a GI-MAP?

The GI-MAP can be ordered by medical doctors, naturopathic doctors, chiropractors, pharmacists, acupuncturists, Oriental Medicine doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and certain nutritionists and health coaches. If you are wondering whether or not you can order this test, reach out to us at hello@rupahealth.com or through your Rupa Health portal.

What are some similar tests to the GI-MAP?

There are a variety of stool tests that offer a comprehensive look at gut health. Some of the most similar to the GI-MAP are the GI Effects® from Genova Diagnostics, the GI 360TM from Doctor’s Data, the Comprehensive Stool Analysis w/ Parasitology from Doctor’s Data, and the Gut Zoomer 3.0 from Vibrant Wellness.

Does the GI-MAP test for H. pylori?

Yes! The GI-MAP tests for H. pylori, as well as for the presence of 8 H. pylori virulence factors. 

Does the GI-MAP help diagnose SIBO?

Through the measurement of a variety of bacteria, both harmful and normal, the GI-MAP can assist in the diagnosis of SIBO. And because it includes additional measurements of fungi, parasites, and viruses, the GI-MAP can help practitioners differentiate between SIBO and other diseases that present with similar symptoms. It is an excellent test to use for any patients presenting with chronic GI symptoms. 

Is the GI-MAP covered by insurance?

Currently, Rupa does not offer an insurance payment option for Diagnostic Solutions; the GI-MAP can only be ordered cash-pay. However, once the GI-MAP is ordered through Rupa, a patient can request a Superbill to submit to their insurance for reimbursement. Whether or not insurance will cover any of the cost of the test is dependent on the insurance carrier and a patient’s specific plan.

Is the GI-MAP covered by Medicare?

Yes! The GI-MAP is a Medicare-approved test and is completely covered. If you are an MD, DO, NP, or PA and are in-network with Medicare, then you can order the GI-MAP through Medicare.