Insurance News For TMS Therapy
Some insurances seem to be relaxing their criteria for how many medication failures are required before they approve TMS. At SEPATMS we have seen at least 1 patient, get approved, who has never taken an antidepressant in her life. We are thrilled to see this progress being made. Insurance companies are now becoming more aware of the massive benefits TMS provides for patients all over the world.
How The Insurance Process Looks At SEPATMS:
- Ashley, our incredible TMS coordinator, will contact the patient to speak with them over the phone to explain the process with filling out forms, insurance, etc. and answer any questions the patient has about TMS.
- Ashley will enter the necessary information needed to create a new profile for the patient in IntakeQ, a secure patient portal website that we use for scheduling, notes, filling out forms, etc.
- Once these forms are completed and received, Ashley will make copies to give to the treating Doctor, who will review and contact the patient to schedule an initial consultation.
- Ashley will fax the ROI forms to the patient’s providers, along with a letter of information requesting the necessary information needed (treatment overview, past and current medication list, etc.)
- Ashley will create a folder for the new patient and add the received information to the folder, along with making copies to give to the treating Doctor.
- Prior to starting TMS, the patient’s insurance will be checked for benefits, such as co-pay, deductible, etc. and an insurance form will be filled out that the patient will sign when they come in for their initial mapping appointment.
- The treating Doctor will draft an evaluation note and give a copy to Ashley and send to the patient’s prescriber.
- Next, Ashley will fill out and submit a Prior Authorization to the insurance company if it is required.
- If the patient’s insurance does not require a prior authorization, then Ashley, the treating Doctor and the patient will schedule a time for the initial Mapping and after the mapping, the patient will receive their first TMS treatment.
- Before the mapping, The Doctor will repeat the safety screen, answer any questions and explain the mapping process.
- Once the mapping is complete, Ashley will set up and treat the patient, along with answering any additional questions, review information, such as current medications, and work with the patient to get them scheduled for the rest of the week
Meet: Ashley Oliver, TMS Coordinator
Ashley is the TMS Coordinator at Southeastern Psychiatric Associates. She works with a wide range of individuals who suffer from depression and have not received adequate relief from antidepressants. Ashley is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the TMS treatment.
She writes, “My job is extremely rewarding because it allows me to fulfill my passion to develop connections and help others. Nothing feels more inspiring than being able to watch my patients progress as they start responding to their treatment. I feel very fortunate that I can wake up feeling excited about going to work because I know that I am changing someone’s life for the better.”
Has your depression been hard to treat? You Belong. You Are Valued.We Listen. We Care.