As a Colorado Springs psychiatrist who offers TMS (among other psychiatry services), one of the top questions I’m asked is, “How much does TMS cost here in Colorado Springs?”
It’s a good question, and one piece to consider when choosing treatment. If you are considering TMS therapy in Colorado Springs, we’ll answer your questions about cost for TMS, payment options, and patient-friendly policies here at Colorado Psychiatry Solutions that help make TMS affordable.
Is TMS the Best Depression Treatment for You?
If you’re researching cost for TMS treatment, there’s a good chance you are already somewhat familiar with TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation). To decide if TMS is the right depression treatment for you, it’s a good idea to look at some of the unique aspects of TMS to understand why it’s such a popular treatment for depression and anxiety.
Here are some of the reasons why we often recommend TMS to our patients:
- Proven Effective in Treating Severe Depression
Scientific research has repeatedly demonstrated that TMS is effective at treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The outcomes of patients with MDD and TRD who receive TMS have been resoundingly positive. We often see patients who didn’t find relief from other treatment methods (such as antidepressants) have a successful result from TMS.
- Targeted Approach Treating the Brain Directly
TMS provides an advantage over other depression treatment methods because it directly targets areas of the brain involved in mood regulation and stress responses. For mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, this targeted approach is revolutionary because it directly targets the affected areas of the brain. By treating the brain directly, TMS stimulates actual changes in the brain structure. This change continues to produce depression relief even after TMS treatment has finished.
- TMS Has a Durable Effect on Depression and Anxiety
One of the main considerations for mental health treatment is the durability of treatment effects. Patients want a treatment with a long-lasting effect. TMS has been shown to offer longer-lasting results for many patients compared to other treatments. While the length of improvement varies from patient to patient, it typically lasts many months.
- Non-Addictive Depression Treatment
In mental health treatment, there is a risk of dependency with certain medications, particularly anxiolytics or opioids, which are sometimes prescribed for fast relief. TMS provides a safe, non-addictive alternative. This makes it especially attractive for patients with a history of substance use disorders who want to minimize any dependency risk.
- A Natural Depression Treatment Alternative
More and more, patients are looking for treatment options other than antidepressants. Patients may not want to take antidepressants due to severe side effects or concerns about medication use in general. TMS is an excellent natural alternative for depression relief. TMS harnesses the body’s own natural regenerative properties to produce long-lasting depression relief without the requirement to take any medication as part of treatment. (Please note: if you are currently taking medication, do not stop your medication or reduce dosage without first consulting with your clinician).
Typical Cost for TMS in Colorado Springs
Now that we have a better understanding of why TMS is often a preferred treatment option, let’s take a look at cost for TMS, and more particularly, what you can expect to pay for TMS in Colorado Springs.
Typical Cost of Standard TMS and Accelerated TMS
A standard TMS treatment consists of 36 treatment sessions over 7 weeks. At Colorado Psychiatry Solutions, we also offer an Accelerated TMS option that delivers more sessions per day and finishes in one week. Insurance coverage and patient out-of-pocket costs are different for each type of TMS.
For standard TMS (36 sessions over 7 weeks), the average treatment cost nationally is between $8,000 and $12,000. Costs for TMS in Colorado Springs tend to fall within that range. Keep in mind that TMS is covered by most major insurance companies, including Tricare, Medicare, and most major commercial insurance including Anthem, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare.
At Colorado Psychiatry Solutions we are in-network with these insurance providers so you are able to use your insurance benefits for TMS. Your out-of-pocket cost for treatment depends on the terms of your health insurance plan. The best way to get a cost estimate is to contact our insurance specialists by calling 719-622-6522. We can contact your insurance company for you to get an accurate estimate.
For Accelerated TMS, most insurance companies do not include Accelerated TMS as a covered benefit. The cost for Accelerated TMS is typically an out-of-pocket expense. For many patients, the convenience and faster result from Accelerated TMS is worth the treatment cost.
Insurance Coverage for TMS in Colorado Springs
Due to its strong track record at treating depression, most major insurance carriers cover TMS therapy for certain conditions, including major depressive disorder, OCD, and PTSD when combined with depression. Most of the major health insurances available in Colorado Springs do include TMS coverage in their plans.
Patients must meet their insurance company’s prerequisites for TMS therapy in order to receive coverage under their plan. Criteria typically includes having tried one or more medications without success and having first tried talk therapy. If these conditions are met, our staff can receive authorization from your insurance company to begin TMS treatment.
We are in network with the major commercial insurance companies, Medicare and Tricare. If you receive TMS therapy at our clinic locations in Colorado Springs or Monument, your treatment may be covered in full or in part by:
· Aetna
· Anthem / Blue Cross Blue Shield
· Cigna
· UnitedHealthcare
· TRICARE & TriWest (VA)
· Medicare
· Humana
· Optum (part of UnitedHealthcare)
Out-of-Pocket Costs for TMS with Insurance
Your out-of-pocket expense is determined by your insurance deductible (an up-front amount the patient pays before the insurance coverage begins) and your co-pay or coinsurance amount (the amount the patient pays for each visit).
Because the amount you pay will depend on whether or not you have met your annual deductible, the best way to get an estimate is to contact our insurance specialists at 719-622-6522.
Using HSA and FSA Funds for TMS Treatment
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use those tax-advantaged funds to cover any portion of TMS not covered by insurance, whether it’s the deductible, coinsurance, or self-payment amounts. Using tax advantaged accounts reduces the total cost to you because you can pay using pre-tax dollars.
We’ve Got You Covered
Our billing department goes above and beyond to make TMS accessible for patients. We are experts at working with your insurance company to claim your maximum benefit amount. For any remaining patient portion, we are flexible and will work with you to create an affordable payment plan that works for you. We never want financial concerns to stand in the way of someone receiving the treatment they need.
When evaluating treatment options, keep in mind that TMS is a one-time treatment and not an ongoing expense, like medication. TMS also does not have negative side effects common with antidepressants. Many patients discover that the renewed sense of energy, mental clarity, and productivity boost that came as a result of TMS therapy were well worth the treatment cost.
Get Started With TMS Therapy at Colorado Psychiatry Solutions
If you’re considering TMS therapy, Colorado Psychiatry Solutions is your best choice for TMS treatment in Colorado Springs or Monument. We encourage you to schedule an appointment by calling us today at 719-622-6522 or request an appointment online.
We will conduct a thorough mental health evaluation and discuss your options, which may include TMS therapy. If TMS is recommended by your provider, we will work with your insurance company to ensure you receive your maximum benefit and will work with you on payment for any patient portion.
We truly believe that TMS treatment at Colorado Psychiatry Solutions is one of the best ways to treat depression or anxiety in Colorado Springs. Contact us today at 719-622-6522 or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation and find out if TMS is right for you.
