As a relatively recent addition to the mental health treatment field, TMS has not yet achieved widespread recognition. Among the many questions that people have about this procedure are: Who can benefit from TMS? What happens during a TMS session? and Is TMS covered by insurance?
Understanding TMS Therapy
Before we discuss if TMS is covered by insurance, let’s take a moment to discuss what this service is and why it may be included in a person’s mental health treatment plan.
TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation and is a noninvasive procedure. It’s been proven to be beneficial for people who have been struggling with several types of mental health disorders. The process involves the focused application of electromagnetic pulses. These pulses stimulate areas of the brain that may not be functioning properly.
TMS was originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2008 to treat people who had treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Though there is not an official diagnosis for TRD in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), most clinicians define it as major depressive disorder that does not respond to at least two separate medications.
TMS has also earned FDA approval for the treatment of people who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and migraines. It’s also been approved for those who are trying to quit smoking.
Researchers are currently assessing the potential benefits of TMS for people who have a variety of additional mental, physical, and neurological concerns, including:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Schizoaffective Disorder
- Dual Diagnosis disorders
TMS may also be helpful for people who have been affected by certain physical or neurological health challenges, such as fibromyalgia, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and chronic pain.
Is TMS Covered by Insurance?
During the experimental phase and after TMS initially earned FDA approval, this service was not covered by most insurance providers. However, as its use expanded and positive results continued to be documented, insurers began to pay for the procedure. So, is TMS covered by insurance? Simply put, sometimes it is, but sometimes it is not.
The types of services that are covered – and the amount of coverage that is provided – can vary from company to company and from policy to policy. The only way to be sure if TMS is covered by your insurance is to review your policy.
At Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry, we understand that navigating the complexities of an insurance policy can be far from a simple matter. Our team includes professionals who specialize in doing just this. We are happy to help our patients with this task.
With your permission, we can coordinate directly with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage. We can help identify the full scope of benefits to which you are entitled. If TMS is covered by your insurance, we can submit all necessary documentation to ensure that your provider pays for this aspect of your treatment. If it turns out that your insurance policy does not include coverage for TMS, we will discuss this with you and explore other options for funding your care.
Use Your Insurance to Begin TMS in Atlanta, GA Today
Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry is a trusted provider of TMS therapy and a variety of additional evidence-based outpatient mental health treatment services. If you or someone in your family have been living with major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or another acute mental health concern, our team can help. At our center in Atlanta, Georgia, you or your loved one can receive personalized care and comprehensive support from a team of skilled professionals. With our help, you can make sustained progress toward a healthier and more hopeful future.
When you’re ready to get started, the Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry Team is here for you. To learn more or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our admissions page or call us today.
