Question 1

Am I A Good Candidate?

Accepted Answer

The best way to determine if dTMS is right for you is by speaking with your doctor, psychiatrist, or qualified health care professional. Proper screening and clinical evaluation ensures that dTMS is administered only when it is medically necessary. In order to ensure your safety, the following general requirements will need to be met prior to receiving treatment: 1) currently diagnosed with depression or OCD by a psychiatrist, physician, or qualified health care professional, and 2) no recent history of seizures or metallic/magnetic implants (i.e., pacemaker, wires, cochlear implants most dental work is safe).
Dr. Mastis is a board certified psychiatrist and will meet with you to determine your diagnoses and if treatment is appropriate.

Question 2

How Often Will I Receive dTMS?

Accepted Answer

Generally, the initial course (acute phase) of treatment will involve at least 30 consecutive treatment sessions over a 6-week period, followed by a 3 week taper of 6 sessions (for a total of 36 sessions). Treatment during the acute phase occurs Monday-Friday scheduled as a 30-minute appointment but the treatment lasts 20 minutes. Depending on your response, additional sessions may be recommended to achieve maximum response following the acute phase.

Question 3

What is it Like During a Treatment Session?

Accepted Answer

The first visit duration is approximately 45 minutes long and includes "mapping" the precise location for treatment along with your first treatment session. You will be asked whether there has been any medical or psychiatric change (including medications) since your last visit.
You will sit in a comfortable chair and be given earplugs to protect your hearing. The first step is to determine the dose and location that are appropriate for you. This is performed by a physician and is referred to as determing the “Motor Threshold.” This requires placing the helmet gently on the head while applying pressure over the part of the brain that moves the finger muscles (motor cortex). Once the location of the motor cortex is determined, various doses of stimulation will be tested to determine what is appropriate for you.
Once the location and threshold are determined, the helmet will be positioned on your head for the treatment. The coil will produce clicking sounds when it is delivering magnetic pulses, and will feel like a tapping sensation on your scalp. 
Subsequent treatments are scheduled in 30 min time slots with the treatment taking approximately 20 minutes. You are free to leave, drive, and conduct activity as usual immediately after each treatment.

Question 4

Do I Need to Continue to See My Current Providers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. During your course of dTMS therapy, you will continue your regularly scheduled appointment(s) with your treating providers as they will continue to follow you and prescribe your ongoing medications or psychotherapy. Any changes made to your medications during treatment should be reported to the TMS Coordinator as soon as possible. Neural Health Therapies will update your providers with your course of treatment and progress along the way!

Question 5

Is TMS Covered by Insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Most insurance companies in Massachusetts cover TMS. Neural Health Therapies will work with you and your insurance company to explore your current benefits and obtain prior authorization for your treatment. Most insurance plans require at least 4 trials of previous antidepressants that have been either ineffective or have been stopped due to side effects.

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