Does United HealthCare Cover TMS Therapy?

Does United HealthCare Cover Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

Yes, United HealthCare (UHC) insurance covers Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in Tennessee when the patient meets specific criteria.¹

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• Does United HealthCare Cover Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
• How to Verify United HealthCare Coverage for TMS Therapy
• United HealthCare TMS Coverage Eligibility Policy
• What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
• How Much Does TMS Cost Without Insurance?

How to Verify United HealthCare Coverage for TMS Therapy

Athena Care has multiple TMS clinics in Tennessee and is in-network with most major insurance plans. To determine the specifics of your United HealthCare TMS coverage, contact us below.

Let our highly experienced, expert care coordinators handle the challenges of contacting your insurance carrier for more information about TMS therapy United HealthCare coverage. A care coordinator will review your policy and clearly explain your options. Rest assured, all submitted or discussed information remains confidential.

United HealthCare TMS Coverage Eligibility Policy

UHC transcranial magnetic stimulation coverage is proven and medically necessary for the treatment of patients 18 years of age or older when the patient meets the following criteria:²

• Confirmed diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Failure of a psychotherapy trial
• Resistant depression does not respond to at least four antidepressants

United HealthCare TMS coverage does not apply for the use in patients with the following non-behavioral conditions, including but not limited to:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Chronic neuropathic pain
• Dystonia
• Epilepsy
• Headaches
• Parkinson’s disease
• Stroke
• Tinnitus

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive procedure involving a device that creates magnetic fields used to stimulate the brain. These fields seek to change the brain’s chemistry for the treatment of depression.

A doctor will place the magnetic coil on your head near your forehead. The electromagnet sends out a non-painful magnetic pulse that affects nerve cells in the portion of your brain that regulates mood and depression. It aims to activate less active brain regions in depressed people.³ The average session lasts 45 minutes, with 20 to 30 treatments advised for best results.

People who have certain medical implants are not eligible for TMS therapy. Interactions between magnetic fields and metal implants or gadgets might cause problems. Additionally, if you have stents, implanted stimulators, a pacemaker, a medication pump, cochlear implants, or gunshot fragments in your body, you may not be eligible for TMS as a treatment option. Discussing these concerns with your doctor before the surgery is crucial to avoid adverse outcomes.

TMS is also not recommended for people with certain medical disorders. Those having a history of seizures or bipolar disorder, for example, should avoid TMS therapy. It is also not recommended for women who are pregnant.

Finally, inform your TMS doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medications, supplements, or vitamins you’re taking. They’ll need to ensure that TMS therapy is safe for you.

Does UHC Cover Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Depression?

United Healthcare (UHC) does indeed provide coverage for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy for individuals diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), including cases of Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD), when certain conditions are met. TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, and it has been shown to be effective in treating MDD, particularly in instances where traditional medication treatments have not been successful.

However, the specifics of coverage can vary and are subject to certain criteria. It’s always advisable to directly check with your provider to understand the extent of your plan’s coverage. This ensures you have the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your mental health treatment options and their associated costs.

Does UHC Cover TMS for Anxiety, ADHD, PTSD and Bipolar Disorder?

While TMS has been used to treat conditions other than depression—including bipolar disorder and anxiety—its efficacy for these specific conditions is still under research. When it comes to ADHD and PTSD, the information available is less clear. TMS has been used for a variety of conditions, but its effectiveness in treating ADHD and PTSD is still being researched.

Therefore, UHC may not explicitly cover TMS for ADHD and PTSD. It’s always recommended to check directly with your provider to understand what treatments are covered under your specific plan. We recommend calling us on (615) 320-1155 to discuss your treatment needs and United Healthcare coverage levels.

How Much Does TMS Cost Without Insurance?

The prices of TMS therapy without insurance are listed here, albeit they may vary depending on location and other considerations. Furthermore, they may not reflect actual treatment costs or what you might pay in Tennessee.

TMS therapy sessions typically cost between $400 and $500 per session.⁴ Because most people require multiple TMS sessions to achieve optimal outcomes, the total cost of TMS treatment could be close to $15,000.

TMS Treatment Center Near Me That Take UHC Insurance

Searching for “TMS treatments near me” that accept United Healthcare (UHC) insurance can lead you to various options. Fortunately, Athena Care has multiple TMS treatment centers in Tennessee that not only accept UHC insurance but also provide high-quality care for individuals battling Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD) and other mental health disorder treatment.

Athena Care has established treatment centers in cities like Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, Clarksville, Memphis, and Knoxville. These local centers offer TMS therapy, a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment used for patients with MDD who have not found adequate relief from traditional treatments. Whether you’re searching for “nearest TMS therapy in my area” or “local TMS treatments,” Athena Care’s numerous locations make it a convenient option.

Moreover, Athena Care’s commitment to delivering evidence-based treatment under the guidance of skilled professionals ensures a high standard of care. With UHC insurance accepted at these centers, patients can access the help they need without undue financial stress. So, if you’re in Tennessee and looking for accessible, quality TMS treatment, Athena Care’s centers are worth considering.