Behavioral Health Business August 23, 2024
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is becoming a more viable option for the treatment of depression in youth and adults, providing hope for those with treatment-resistant depression.
Of the roughly 22 million American adults who experienced a major depressive episode in 2023, about 30% have treatment-resistant depression, meaning that multiple medications have failed to alleviate their symptoms.
While all major health plans cover TMS services, prior authorization and fail-first policies act as significant barriers for patients seeking care. These challenges illustrate the hurdles that the behavioral health industry faces as payers increasingly accept TMS but maintain a degree of skepticism about the treatment.
“The insurance landscape around TMS is incredibly complex and constantly evolving,” Dr. Cory Weissman, Medical Director...