Depression TMS Treatment: Anthem Health Insurance
Depression is just one of the many mental health conditions that can greatly affect one’s life. Not only does it affect your mood, but it also distorts your outlook on life and ability to function. At present, over 17 million adults in the United States are diagnosed with depression, and over 2 million have OCD. The statistics are steadily growing, even affecting a younger and wider set of people and their backgrounds.
With this in mind, it is no wonder why many people are looking for treatment options the get manage depression and OCD.
When You Need More Than Conventional Approaches
The most common approaches to battle OCD and depression are medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes:
- Medications: Using antidepressants, SSRIs, and supplements
- Psychotherapy: Having sessions with a licensed mental health counselor regularly
- Nutrition and Physical Activity: Having lifestyle changes including a healthier diet and exercise
Indeed, these methods work for many people to varying extents. However, there are some people who suffer from intense medication side effects or find these methods to be minimally effective. Additionally, there are some patients who still need other types of therapy to relieve depression and OCD symptoms, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
TMS is a non-invasive form of Neurotherapy that electrically stimulates parts of the brain responsible for emotional regulation and thought processes. Each session involves placing a coil around the person’s head, and the device creates a magnetic field that stimulates the brain.
In Pulse TMS, each session is created to be a comfortable and relaxing experience for each patient. These 18-minute sessions are done within 6 to 8 weeks and additional booster sessions may be taken as needed. The treatment is ideal for depression, and TMS may be covered by your insurance provider.
How The Affordable Care Act Helps With Mental Health Coverage
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) covers benefits for mental and behavioral health issues under all types of plans. If you have health insurance like Anthem, you are entitled to receive various types of mental health services, such as:
- Medications: You may receive cost-free or low-cost mental health medications covered in your plan.
- In-patient services: Some mental health conditions require initial in-patient treatment, such as hospital admissions or co-occuring substance abuse detox.
- Out-patient services: You are also entitled to therapy, TMS sessions, lab tests and other out-patient services related to mental health.
How Co-Pays and Deductibles Work
Some health insurance providers have terms set of co-pays and deductibles. Deductibles are set when you have met the limit of paying out-of-pocket expenses for a certain type of service, after which your insurance provider will now start to pay.
For example, if you already spent $1,000 on a healthcare service, the insurance provider will now take responsibility by shouldering the remaining costs. Each insurance provider has its own deductible terms.
Co-pays are agreements between the share of payment between you and your insurance provider. Referencing the example above, the insurance provider may cover the remaining 80% of the remaining cost and 30% will be shouldered by the patient.
About Anthem Health Insurance
Anthem Health Insurance is a provider covering over 100 million clients in the United States. They have several affiliated companies such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Hartford Healthcare, and others. Many options include individual and family healthcare plans, as well as specific plans for dental care, vision care, and travel health.
Does Anthem Cover Depression Treatment?
Under Anthem Health Insurance Blue Cross Blue Shield, clients can also apply for benefits under Medicare or Medicaid. If an individual meets certain requirements, healthcare services may have full coverage depending on the type of plan you have.
If you are wondering, “Does Anthem cover depression treatment?” The simple answer is yes. Since depression treatment is part of the mental health parity offered by Anthem, many options are available depending on your type of plan.
Benefits Of TMS For OCD And Depression For Treatment-Resistant Patients
TMS is a great alternative treatment for patients who have undergone conventional depression and OCD medical approaches with little to no success. For those who are thinking of having TMS treatment, the benefits are as follows:
Non-invasive approach
Many patients prefer a non-invasive approach to healthcare. TMS involves wearing an apparatus for a brief period of time, and effects can take place. The process is very simple and pain-free, which makes it an excellent low-risk choice for patients who want to try a new treatment.
Long-lasting effects
Unlike medications that have effects for only hours at a time, TMS may exhibit positive effects for longer periods. This is because there is direct stimulation of the brain’s parts rather than ingesting medicines that pass through the digestive system and the bloodstream.
Minimal side effects
The only known side effect of TMS are mild headaches that may occur during treatment. The TMS procedure is generally safe and an alternative for people who suffer from strong side effects brought about by medications.
Additional treatment
If you are currently taking antidepressants and undergoing psychotherapy, TMS is also a great inclusion to your treatment protocol. It may enhance your overall outcomes and can help boost the effects of conventional treatment. Alternatively, it can also be a part of your aftercare program. Once you have completed intensive mental health care procedures, you can have booster or maintenance sessions of TMS.
Verify Your Insurance With Us Today
Looking for additional or alternative treatment for depression? Having TMS sessions may help you out. At Pulse TMS, we have the most innovative technology as well as best practices for TMS treatment. Get in touch with us today to verify your insurance provider coverage.
