Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy
Transcranial magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression.
Outpatient appointments are now available for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). We deliver this treatment for Depression in safe and non-invasive setting.
Costs of TMS
Costings
For private patients, each session costs $190. Initial course is 20 sessions but can be up to 30 sessions. Please give us a call to confirm this price.
Payment options
Payment can be made upfront or via an interest-free payment plan. Payment plans allow patients to pay for the costs of treatment over a period of time that suits their budget.
Private Health Insurance
Some private health insurance companies do cover outpatient TMS cost. You can contact your health fund directly to discuss this or we can arrange a health fund check once your referral has been received. Prior Approval from Health fund will be conducted by the hospital as there is required supporting patient documentation from the VMO.
Medicare rebates
Medicare rebates of 70-90%, approx $56.60 out of pocket. Upfront fee is $225 per treatment. RMT is $285 with $196.20 rebate ($88.40 out of pocket). Eligibility as per Medicare schedule.
Rebates are currently available for self-funding patients who are:
- First time recipients of TMS therapy
- Aged 18 years and older
- Diagnosis of a major depressive disorder
- Have trialled two different classes of anti-depressive medications
- Have had psychological therapy
- Doctors consultation and initial mapping/threshold fees apply. Medicare rebates also available
*DVA, WorkCover, and funds who are parts of the Alliance group may cover outpatient treatment on request
Superannuation
In some cases, patients may be able to access their superannuation on compassionate grounds in order to self-fund TMS treatment.
TMS Outpatient Treatment Process
A model is currently in place across Aurora Specialty Hospitals for a TMS fee for service option which allows patients to receive TMS as an outpatient with minimal disruption to their lifestyle.
Referral
A referral from a General Practitioner or Psychiatrist is required to a South Eastern Private Hospital Psychiatrist requesting TMS treatment as an outpatient.
Pre-Admission Assessment
A Pre-Admission Assessment will be arranged to determine your suitability based on your clinical inclusion criteria and financial assessment will be undertaken. Allocation of a Psychiatrist credentialed to an Aurora Healthcare hospital will then be made and an outpatient appointment will be arranged.
Session 1 – Initial TMS Assessment
A one hour initial assessment consultation with a Psychiatrist to determine your suitability for TMS will be arranged. Pre-treatment screening, baseline outcome measurements and patient consent will also be obtained. This will be billed via the Doctors' private practice. Once you have been assessed as a suitable candidate for outpatient TMS, you will be listed and booked for TMS and notified of your RMT appointment.
Session 2 – Resting Motor Threshold
A resting motor threshold is then conducted by a Psychiatrist with specialised training in TMS and this acts as the prescription for the basis of the treatment.
Evaluation of treatment outcomes
In order to evaluate the outcomes of TMS treatment you will be asked to complete questionnaires on your mental state at the beginning of (pre) treatment and again after two weeks (mid), four weeks (end), and then finally two weeks following completion of (post) treatment that is around 6 weeks after commencing your TMS treatment. The tools we use are internationally recognized so that we can benchmark the information and continue to improve our treatments.
Acute Course
You will be booked for an acute course of TMS commencing with 20 treatments. Treatment will be administered 6 days/week.
Ongoing reviews with your treating/prescribing Psychiatrist can be booked via the Psychiatrists private practice. You will be billed by your Doctors private practice. Rates may vary. Please discuss this directly with your treating Psychiatrist
