Aetna TMS: What You Need to Know

Do you suffer from depression? If so, you’re not alone, and help is available. 

Have you thought about talking to a psychiatrist for more answers? In 2017, 11 million adults in the United States experienced at least one major depressive episode. Insurance companies like Aetna TMS are increasing what they cover for depression treatments. 

Unfortunately, medication and psychotherapy aren’t always enough. Nearly 2/3 of people don’t get relief from their antidepressants alone.

Luckily, there are treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) that can offer a solution. The data shows TMS works, with between 50-60% of people achieving a measurable response.

Are you looking to get NeuroStar TMS treatment through Aetna? If so, keep reading our guide to getting Aetna TMS and the help you need for your depression. 

What Is TMS Therapy?

TMS is a non-invasive procedure that utilizes magnetic fields to stimulate the nerve cells in the brain. It is the stimulation of these nerve cells that improve depression symptoms. 

For NeuroStar TMS sessions, an electromagnetic coil is placed near your forehead. This coil painlessly delivers the magnetic pulses to nerve cells in the area of the brain that regulates mood and depression.

How Does TMS Work?

NeuroStar TMS therapy is performed by a TMS doctor or a TMS technician, as an outpatient procedure. Before the procedure, you have to remove anything sensitive to the magnets, such as jewelry, like you would with an MRI. 

For your first session, your head will need to be measured to determine where the magnetic coil needs to be placed. You will get earplugs for comfort, just to minimize the sounds of the magnetic impulses. 

The technician will place the coil near the front of your head/brain, and treatment will begin. You will notice a clicking sound and feel a tapping sensation beneath where the coil is placed.

What Conditions Does TMS Treat?

NeuroStar TMS can be a very effective therapy for adults in treating:

• Major depressive disorder
• Treatment-resistant depression
• Depression symptoms that don’t respond to medication
• People can’t take antidepressant medications

What Medical Conditions Contrindicate TMS?

Certain medical conditions make TMS not an option for you. These include:

• Epilepsy or a seizure disorder
• Psychotic disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Schizoaffective disorder
• Bipolar disease

Also, previous brain surgeries or stents in your neck or brain can make it not possible for you to have TMS therapy. You need to talk to your doctor to see if any conditions you have might exclude NeuroStar TMS therapy.

How Many TMS Sessions Do You Need?

An entire course of TMS treatment lasts for 36 sessions in total. It is recommended that you have treatment 5 days a week for the first 2-3 weeks. Then, slowly decrease the number of treatments.

TMS Therapy Cost

Insurance companies have begun to approve NeuroStar TMS treatment and will often pay for the treatment as long as certain criteria are met. 

If you have money to spend, you can opt to pay for NeuroStar TMS therapy out-of-pocket. Each session of TMS costs between $400-$500, and if you calculate the number of sessions needed, the costs add up quickly.

For many people though, this type of cost cannot reasonable or realistic option.

Does Aetna Insurance Cover NueroStar TMS Therapy?

The Aetna policy Aetna TMS does cover TMS when it is medically necessary. Of course, some conditions need to be met, such as:

• TMS therapy is done by an FDA approved device
• You are 18 years or older
• You have a confirmed diagnosis of severe major depressive disorder
• Documentation of failed psychotherapy
• Inadequate response to at least 2 different medications
• You have no contraindications

 

Contraindications mean that TMS has not been proven safe in certain situations. Aetna will evaluate if:

• You are involved with alcohol or drug use
• You are suicidal
• You have a mental plate or implant in your near your head
• You have a neurological condition such as dementia
• You have severe cardiac disease
• You have an implanted device like a pacemaker

 

If you have Aetna, contact them to find out the full policy information and find out if you might qualify.

Aetna Insurance Coverage at TMS Hudson Valley

If you have Aetna Insurance and are wondering about TMS Hudson Valley, then contact us today. Our experienced professionals can answer all your questions and make you feel at ease.

We will work with you to develop a treatment schedule that meets your individual needs. We offer a free consultation for you to see what TMS treatment is about, at no cost or obligation to you.Contact ClearWave Mental Health today. You can reach us online through our contact form, call 845-394-2669, or email info@clearwavementalhealth.com.