Medicare Increases Coverage of TMS Therapy for Depression
A recent change in Medicare coverage will now make transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy for depression much more accessible. After seeing the significant improvements in patients with treatment resistant depression along with its non-invasive nature and minimal side effects, Medicare will now cover TMS for patients with severe depression after failing just one antidepressant medication.
Before this change Medicare – like most insurance companies –required that patients try 4 or more antidepressant medications before TMS would be covered. This change will help people with severe depression get the relief they need quickly.
This will give severe depression patients a proven and non-medication treatment option to help them get their life back.
We are hopeful that other insurance companies will follow Medicare’s lead to make TMS treatments for depression accessible to those who need them.
What is TMS Therapy for Depression?
TMS is a non-invasive procedure for depression that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain that regulate mood. During TMS treatment, you will be seated in a comfortable chair for the 15-30 minute session. A TMS technician will gently rest a plastic coil on your head which will produce an occasional beeping sound and a tapping sensation on your forehead.
Side effects may include headaches, lightheadedness, or tiredness which are typically mild and dissipate quickly once the TMS machine is turned off.
Patients may resume normal activities immediately following treatment. Patients may drive themselves home or return to work, making treatment sessions easy to work into your normal schedule.
Most patients receive TMS therapy treatments 5 days a week for 6 weeks, followed by one treatment per week for an additional 6 weeks. Some patients see their depression go into complete remission after the initial treatment series and others may require occasional maintenance treatments.
At Manlove Brain + Body Health, we have seen a 75% success rate when we use TMS for treating depression.
“TMS was miraculous for me and I do know a couple of other people who have had the same results with no relapse of symptoms. Give it a try.” – Shawn, Manlove Brain and Body Health TMS patient.
Is TMS “electric shock” treatment?
TMS is very different from “electric shock” treatment. ECT or “electric shock” treatment sends an electrical current through the brain to trigger a seizure while the patient is under general anesthesia. ECT is one of the most effective treatments for depression, but can come with serious side effects such as difficulties with learning and memory.
TMS therapy for depression does not trigger a seizure and does not deliver electric shocks. You will remain awake during TMS treatment. A TMS machine uses electromagnetic waves that will produce a light tapping sensation and a beeping noise. TMS does not cause memory or learning problems, which can be associated with ECT treatments.
Have another insurance provider?
No problem! We accept a wide variety of insurances. Give us a call or send us an email to see if your insurance provider is accepted at our psychiatry clinic.
Get Started Today!
Call Manlove Brain + Body Health at 605-348-8000 or email [email protected] to talk to one of our mental health specialists to see if TMS therapy for depression is right for you.
Stephen Manlove, MD is one of the most entrepreneurial psychiatrists in the upper Midwest. Dr. Manlove graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School and completed residencies in Psychiatry and Internal Medicine through the University of Virginia Medical School. He holds multiple board certifications in psychiatry/neurology, internal medicine and forensic psychiatry. This deep understanding of medicine gives him a unique ability to practice truly holistic psychiatry—fusing lifestyle changes and brain health best practices with genetic testing and a detailed laboratory workup to develop a personalized plan for each patient. As an early adopter of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and ketamine/Spravato, he and the Manlove Brain + Body team have helped thousands of patients suffering from treatment resistant depression, anxiety and PTSD.
