When it comes to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, the cost can vary depending on several factors. A common cost question surrounding TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, is whether TMS is covered by insurance. Generally speaking, medical insurance companies will cover treatments as long as they are deemed medically necessary. The good news is that since 2009, TMS has been FDA-cleared for treatment-resistant depression, considered medically necessary, and is now covered by most major insurance companies.
The approval of TMS insurance coverage depends on each patient’s particular plan and benefits. However, there are some general criteria to keep in mind. TMS is generally covered for major depression treatment. It also may be covered for use in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and smoking cessation.
Typically, an insurance company will want to see that you’ve tried one or more antidepressant medications before approving TMS treatment. Sometimes, an insurance provider will require a severe major depressive disorder diagnosis. Other times, an insurance provider will require that you’ve tried talk therapy before they cover TMS costs.
Don’t assume that you won’t be able to pay for TMS therapy or get your insurer to cover the cost. Our team at Neuro Wellness Spa is experienced in working with health insurance companies to help you meet their requirements.
How Much Does TMS Therapy Cost Without Insurance?
Typically, a course of TMS treatment will consist of around 30-36 TMS sessions, which can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 without insurance coverage. However, most insurance providers will cover TMS therapy at little or no cost to you.
How Much Does TMS Therapy Cost With Insurance?
Once insurance companies have approved a patient for TMS treatment, there can be some additional costs depending on the patient’s deductible, copayments, and annual out-of-pocket maximum. Depending on your insurance coverage, you may pay as low as $0 a session.
Which Insurance Companies Do We Work With?
At Neuro Wellness Spa, we understand how important it is that those seeking help can get the treatment they need. Here are just some of the health insurance companies we work with:
- Aetna
- Anthem
- Beacon
- Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Magellan
- MHN/Healthnet
- Optum
- Tricare
There are also several financing options available to help make TMS treatment more affordable. So, if you’re considering TMS therapy as a treatment option, be sure to explore all of your options to find the best possible solution for you.
What is TMS Therapy?
TMS therapy is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression, OCD, and cigarette cessation. It has been found to be twice as effective as oral medications and works in 2 weeks compared to the 6-8 week onset time of traditional oral antidepressants.
How Does TMS Therapy Work?
TMS technology is not as new as you might think. TMS therapy works by using gentle magnetic pulses to treat mood at the source. These magnetic pulses stimulate the neurons in the areas of the brain that are responsible for mood regulation, which can help to improve symptoms of major depressive disorder and OCD.
What Are the Benefits of TMS Therapy?
There are a number of benefits associated with TMS therapy. TMS therapy is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment option that does not require medication. In addition, transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, including severe depression, anxiety, and OCD. In addition to treating depression symptoms, TMS therapy has also been indicated to treat other mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, dementia, Alzheimer’s, bipolar disorder, and more.
TMS therapy is also a convenient treatment option. The treatments are typically short, lasting only 20 minutes. In addition, TMS therapy can be administered on an outpatient basis, which means that you can get back to work, school, or life right away.
What are the Risks Associated with TMS Therapy?
There are very few risks associated with TMS therapy. These risks are typically mild and temporary. The most common side effects associated with TMS therapy are temporary and mild: headaches or scalp discomfort during active treatment.
Is TMS Therapy Right For You?
TMS is a form of therapy that is designed for use for depression and other mental health conditions. It is not for everyone, and it is important to speak with your doctor to see if this form of therapy is right for you.
Some health conditions that may preclude you from getting TMS therapy are:
- Untreated epilepsy
- Have a pacemaker or implanted device that you cannot turn off
- Ferromagnetic metal in or around the head
How Much Does TMS Therapy Cost?
TMS treatment costs will vary depending on a number of factors, including your diagnosis, your mental health history, and your insurance coverage.
In most cases, TMS therapy costs are fully covered by insurance. Without insurance coverage, TMS therapy can cost between $5,000 and $10,000 for an entire treatment course. Today, most insurance companies cover the cost of TMS therapy for depression and some cover the cost of TMS for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
It’s also important to consider the cost of psychiatry in general when looking into TMS treatment costs. Before someone can start TMS treatments, they must meet with a psychiatrist who will perform a psychiatric evaluation to diagnose a mental health condition. Any outcomes of the evaluation will determine if TMS therapy is a good fit and your psychiatrist will most likely walk you through a variety of treatment options.
Alternative Treatments for Depression
Depression is a serious mental illness. It’s not just feeling “down” or “sad” for a few days. Depression is a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and/or fatigue that lasts for weeks or even months. While there are many effective treatments for depression, many people do not respond fully to first-line treatments, including oral medications and talk therapy. If you’ve tried other treatments and are experiencing lingering symptoms or unwanted side effects, you’re not alone. TMS might be your next step.
If you are interested in exploring an alternative therapy for your depression, speak to your doctor or a mental health professional to see if it could be right for you.
Starting TMS Therapy
There are many effective treatments for depression, including medication, talk therapy, and TMS therapy. Overall, the most important thing is to find a treatment that works for you. If you have tried traditional forms of therapy and have not found relief, be sure to speak to your doctor about alternative therapies that may be right for you.
If you are concerned about the total cost of TMS therapy, reach out to Neuro Wellness Spa. Neuro Wellness Spa is an in-network facility, and as a result, is the preferred provider for the majority of major insurance plans in the area.
We also have the ability to accept any PPO Plan (out-of-network policy). With any other HMO policy not currently in-network with Neuro Wellness Spa, we can generally set up single-case agreements to bring these policies in-network. Call us to get these details! We will run the benefits associated with your insurance plan so that you will know what the cost – if any at all – will be prior to even coming in for your consultation!
If you are not insured or are with a plan that will not cover Neuro Wellness Spa, we have the ability to work out cash pay scenarios that are highly competitive within the industry to ensure our patients get the treatment they need.
If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, or another mental health condition, call Neuro Wellness Spa to learn more about our in-person or online psychiatry services and alternative treatments like TMS therapy. Our experienced team members know how major insurance companies work and we will work with you and your insurance provider to get you the lowest TMS cost possible.
