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Here are some responses to frequently asked questions that we get from patients inquiring about undegoing TMS therapy. Call us, (361) 582-5678 if you have any additional questions, or if you'd like to schedule a Psychiatric Consultation with Dr. Bouras.

I am not sure if TMS Therapy is right for me. Can you help me?

Whenever one is considering pursuing new treatment options, it is normal to feel a little apprehensive. We try to include as much information as possible about TMS Therapy on our website. We will be happy to schedule a Psychiatric Consultation (usually covered by your health insurance) with Dr. Bouras to review your treatment history and to see how TMS Therapy can help you in your recovery from depression. You can call us at (361) 582-5678 or email us for more information.

I am currently seeing another psychiatrist. Can I still see them if I pursue TMS Therapy?

Absolutely! TMS Therapy is another treatment modality, like psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy (medication management). We act as the consultant offering the TMS Therapy modality. You will continue seeing your psychiatrist (and therapist, if you have one) who will be your primary psychiatric provider. We will act as consultants, keeping in touch with your psychiatrist and update them of your progress during TMS Therapy.

I am currently taking medications. What will happen with the medications once I start TMS Therapy?

We encourage patients to continue taking their current medications during the course of TMS therapy and continue seeing their psychiatrist or primary care provider for monitoring and refills. We normally recommend gradual decrease and tapering off of medications after TMS Therapy has started. The goal will be to get you off some (or all) of your medications. We will be in touch with your current provider and update them on your progress.

Why my insurance does not reimburse for TMS Therapy right away?

NeuroStar TMS therapy was approved by the FDA in October 2008. Like many relatively new treatments and therapies, it takes some time for the health insurance companies to include TMS Therapy as a covered benefit (there are 3 health insurances in the US that have already added TMS Therapy in their health policies). Since TMS Therapy is not a covered benefit, any claims filed will initially be denied. We do provide a "letter of medical necessity" and with the assistance of NeuroStar Care Connection, the appeal process begins. The success rate of the appeal process is about 75%, which means that 3 out of 4 patients who undergo TMS Therapy will be reimbursed by their health insurance. There are a lot more TMS Centers in California, having filed a lot more claims for TMS Therapy, that for some health policies reimbursement happens without having to go to the appeal process! We are confident that as more and more insurances see the benefit of using TMS Therapy in the treatment of depression, it is a matter of time to see TMS Therapy as a covered benefit in the near future.

What is the process of getting reimbursement from my insurance?

Because TMS therapy is not a covered benefit at most health insurance plans, it will more likely be denied in the beginning, but reimbursement can occur upon appeal of that denial. Currently, the success rate of reimbursement upon appeal is 75% or 3 out of 4 patients. We cannot start any appeal process without having claims denied. Patients usually start and pay for the TMS Therapy treatment first, claims are subsequently filed, and the appeal process begins once those claims are denied.

Once I finish TMS Therapy, do I need to come back for more sessions?

Some patients can benefit from maintenance TMS Therapy or “booster” TMS Treatment sessions. This is assessed on an individual basis and we can discuss this possibility with you upon completion of the acute phase of TMS Therapy. You are encouraged to contact us, should depressive symptoms return in the future. Please, call your psychiatrist or primary care provider to facilitate continued care and treatment.

Is it true that Victoria TMS Center put Victoria on the map?

Yes! We even include the map to prove it! On a serious note, we are the first and only TMS Center south of I-10, serving the Crossroads Area and South Texas. What this means for the residents of Victoria and surrounding counties is that they do not need to go to a "big city" in order to get this latest, cutting-edge, proven and safe treatment for depression. That in itself is a tremendous convenience, where people do not need to take too much time off work or school, and it provides savings in travel and lodging. For people who need to travel to come to Victoria, they get to enjoy our city and its hospitality.

VTMSC put Victoria...on the map!