As this site has semi functioned as a journal for me to track my depression, and as people were pretty curious about TMS when I posted about it, I have decided to post about my experience with TMS, as I am starting 6 weeks of treatment starting tomorrow.
Pre-procedure:
I had to take two depression tests and go over the history of every psych med I had tried which wasn’t effective (hard to remember them all). This was to show the insurance two things, 1. I had major depression and 2. It is treatment resistent even after trying multiple anti depressants. The charge of this was just my usual specialist copay, which is $50 for me. It took about 3 weeks to hear back from insurance.
Costs:
This was important to me and I am sure for any of you who may be considering this. I live in the US so keep in mind our healthcare system is fucked. The cost without insurance would be between 700-800 per session plus whatever the doctor charges for an out of a pocket appointment. Approximately say 1000 per session. Typical length is 30 sessions (5x a week fo 6 weeks). So without insurance would run about 30000. With my insurance covering it, I am only paying copays, which breaks it down to 1500 (50 copay * 30 sessions). As this is way more than I can afford, as a 23 year old addict, my doctor is letting me do it for only 1050. Only…
Anyway, I will try to post tomorrow and describe the first session. If you have any questions or suggestions as to my idea to post about this, let me know!
3 comments
I have never heard about TMS before. I’m really curious, now. Can’t wait to see the update. Best of wishes to you!
TMS was the only thing that actually helped with my depression. ECT didn’t even help. Just so you know, the first session SUCKS!!! They have to map where to put the coil, and that in my opinion hurts the most. Just know it gets less painful as you go along (the first few sessions takes some getting used to, and be prepared to cry….not because you want to…because watering eyes is a side effect of the TMS lol). As for costs, I know it’s expensive, but in my case it was worth it. GOOD LUCK!!! Let us know how it goes!!
I’m really interested in how this works out. I went to a presentation on this and it looks very promising.