Blog

Medicare in California

March 22, 2016

TMS is no longer an excluded benefit! Stayed tuned for further details!

4th TMS device cleared by FDA!

August 15, 2015

MagVenture MagPro magnetic stimulators have been FDA (510k) cleared as devices to deliver rTMS for the treatment of MDD

Humana Now Covers TMS!

July 30, 2015

Copy and paste link to browser for medical necessity criteria.

http://apps.humana.com/tad/tad_new/Search.aspx?criteria=transcranial+magnetic&searchtype=freetext&policyType=both

Psychiatric Times TMS in Neuropsychiatry: An Update

May 24, 2015

http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-neuropsychiatry-update

Psychiatric Times article on TMS for anxiety disorders

http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/special-reports/does-tms-hold-promise-generalized-anxiety-disorder/page/0/1

Magstim for TMS

May 15, 2015

TMS is becoming more recognized as a viable treatment option. A third device has been cleared by the FDA!

http://www.magstim.com/article/13/magstim-announces-fda-510k-clearance-of-rtms-repetitive-transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-therapy-system

Clinical TMS Society Newsletter, very complete!

December 18, 2013

http://www.clinicaltmssociety.org/newsletter/fall2013/

October 22, 2013

TMS Therapy Is Covered By Insurance!

TMS Therapy is now covered by:
• Anthem Blue Cross
• MHN
• Blue Shield
TMS Therapeutics has had great success with obtaining insurance coverage for our patients through these companies. Other insurance carriers often approve the coverage

of TMS Therapy on a case by case basis or upon appeal. TMS Therapeutics In San Diego provides a reimbursement specialist to help each patient to navigate the insurance process and help them to gain coverage. We are excited about helping patients to receive the TMS therapy they need.
In January 2013, the Clinical TMS Society was formed. The Society includes TMS providers with extensive clinical and research from the United States and around the world. The Society plans to assist members in optimizing the administration of TMS, develop novel indications for TMS therapy, expand insurance coverage and increase the awareness of TMS. Dr. Miller is a charter member of the clinical TMS society.

The 411 on TMS

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Is a non-invasive method used to electrically stimulate superficial cortical neurons, using rapidly alternating MRI-strength magnetic fields generated by a coil held in contact with the head. TMS therapy was FDA approved in October 2008 as delivered by the NeuroStar TMS Therapy system “for the treatment of major depression in adult patients who have failed to benefit from one prior antidepressant medication of adequate dose and duration in the current episode.” TMS has fewer side effects then medication and usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for a full treatment course. TMS is as effective as a first drug trial and more effective than a second trial of antidepressant medication.
The Staff at TMS Therapeutics
Dr. Brian Miller: Dr. Miller has been a board certified psychiatrist for over 10 years. He primarily works with inpatient psychiatric patients. He is also a practitioner of ECT.
Alison Miller: Alison is our practice manager and reimbursement specialist. Alison has a law and medicine background. She is also trained as a TMS technician by the Neurostar University.
Carlos Alarid: Carlos is currently working on his doctoral degree in neuropsychology. He has had experience in the areas of chemical dependency, autism, pain management and long term patient care. He is a certified TMS technician.
Connie Velarde: Connie has been an LVN for 25 years working in psychiatric long term care, emergency departments and clinics. She has spent several years working with patients who have Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder. Connie has completed the Clinical Training Program for TMS Therapy and is certified as a TMS technician.

TMS Therapeutics In San Diego, Inc.
5565 Grossmont Center Drive, Suite 357
La Mesa, California 91942
Phone: 858-442-2456 Fax: 1-866-742-9784
Email: drmiller@tmssandiego.com; alison@tmssandiego.com

So many uses for one modality?

October 19, 2012

When I talk about TMS and the possible applications, the list just seems to grow and grow. It clearly has a role in psychiatry for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and some aspects of psychotic disorders. But it also is used in neurological conditions, disorders of hearing, and other seemingly unrelated problems. Are these just snake oil promises? I don’t think so, and explain it similar to using a screwdriver. A screwdriver’s primary purpose is to turn screws, but it can also be used to open a can of paint, scrap off debris, etch, dig, hammer, and so on. TMS is a tool that can be effective in different scenarios by varying the location and stimulus parameters. When applied to mood centers that are under-active, TMS can be set to deliver stimulation in a way that increases brain activity. When applied to anxiety centers that are over-active, the machine is programmed to deliver stimulation that will bring activity levels down to normal. Thus when treating tinnitus, in which the auditory cortex is over-active, stimulation can be set to correct activity levels in the auditory center.

Key Concept: By varying the target location and stimulation parameters we can address a number of disorders centered in the brain.

Psych Congress 2012

Dr. Miller will be presenting at the Neuronetics booth during the U.S. Psychiatric and Mental Health Congress in San Diego on November 9th and 10th. Further details including times will be announced shortly.