Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is an FDA-approved treatment shown to provide relief for those who haven't had success with other treatments.
Available at Stella Chicago and Stella Boston
TMS is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It is proven to improve symptoms of major depression disorder by sending magnetic pulses that regulate activity in the neural circuits in the prefrontal cortex, the region of the brain most consistently impaired by depression. Researches on TMS therapy's efficacy for depression can be dated as early as the 1980s. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a biological treatment for depression that's rooted in brain science.
Newer studies have found that TMS therapy also showed promise in treating other mental challenges like OCD and PTSD.
Medical treatments for depression are usually centered around antidepressants that rely on the systems in your body to deliver relief.
TMS treatments go right to the source of depression — the brain.
There are specific areas in your brain that control mood. When synapses in those mood-regulating areas are underactive, connections are broken and depression can result. TMS revitalizes those dormant synapses, "waking up" the brain to function as it was meant to.
83% of patients that completed their TMS treatments with a NeuroStar machine saw measurable improvement in their depression symptoms.
https://neurostar.com/references/
NeuroStar Prescribing Information.
Post A, et al. (2001). J Psychiatric Research, 35:193-215 6.
Liston C, et al.(2014). Biol Psychiatry, 76(7):517-26.
Sackeim HA, et al. (2020). Clinical Outcomes in a Large Registry of Patients with Major Depressive Disorder Treated with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. J Affective Disorders, 277(12):65-74.
TMS involves using a magnetic coil placed on the scalp, generating short pulses of magnetic fields. As these pulses pass through the scalp and skull, they induce small electric currents in the targeted region of the brain. The specific area targeted depends on the placement of the magnetic coil that is predetermined by our board-certified medical doctors based on brain mapping. This induced electric current, in turn, activates neurons in the brain.
The activation of neurons leads to the release of neurotransmitters, which transmit signals between nerve cells. This process is believed to impact mood regulation and other neurological functions positively. Over time, repeated sessions of TMS may induce neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. This is considered a key factor in the antidepressant effects of TMS.
Stella exclusively offers TMS via a NeuroStar machine based on efficacy, outcomes, research, data and science.
By clinician rating (CGI-S)
(1) https://neurostar.com/hcp/evidence/
Insurance Coverage:
When covered by insurance, the co-pay for a treatment visit is comparable to that of a typical outpatient mental health visit, sometimes as low as $10 per treatment. Out-of-pocket cost depends on each person's specific insurance plan, deductible, etc. Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans only accepted for patients over 70.
Out Of Pocket:
$4950: 1 Mapping Session & 35 Treatment Sessions
*Currently available in Illinois
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-cleared treatment that is proven to reduce and relieve depressive symptoms safely. By clinician rating, 83% of patients responded to an acute TMS course and showed improvement of depression symptoms, and 62% achieved remission*. Call 908-293-7559 to talk to our care advocate team and get more info.
(Source:https://neurostar.com/hcp/results/)
TMS is offered at our Chicago flagship clinic, and we are thrilled to announce that TMS is covered by insurance in the state of Illinois. Intake assessments, follow-up appointments and Integration Therapy are covered by:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (all plans)
- Optum
- Evernorth
- Aetna
Other treatments may be eligible for insurance reimbursement through Superbills, which can be provided. For more questions on insurance coverage, please call our care advocate team at 908-293-7559.
Stella takes most insurances for TMS services. A patient's out-of-pocket cost will depend on the type of insurance and how much of their deductible has been met. Our team will check your insurance benefits and provide a comprehensive financial estimate prior to treatment. Fortunately, most insurances have meaningful coverage. For those whose insurance does not cover TMS or if a patient has not met an insurance's requirements for coverage, a patient may choose to pay $4,950 for the entire 36 sessions.
While there may be some minor discomfort at the treatment site (where the device touches your head), it generally subsides within the first week or treatment. There is no sedation, or impact on your alertness. You can read, watch TV, or talk with your treatment coordinator during your session, and you can drive home immediately after treatment.
Each TMS session lasts about 20 minutes. Since TMS does not require anesthesia, patients can return to daily life, work, etc. immediately following a session.
The recommended treatment course for TMS is five days a week for 36 treatments continuously. However, our providers will work with you to accommodate your schedule without compromising the outcome of the treatment.
During a TMS treatment session, you will sit on a reclined and comfortable chair. You will be required to stay awake, and you can read, watch videos, or simply relax.
We don't recommend the use of cell phones during the TMS therapy. However, an iPad may be provided during treatment for entertainment or other purposes.
While TMS is a proven safe treatment, it is not recommended for the following types of patients due to safety concerns.
All treatments by Stella are provided in-office and virtually. There isn't an option to be treated as an outpatient at this time.
