SIU HEALTHCARE PSYCHIATRY
ADVANCED TREATMENTS FOR CHRONIC DEPRESSION
SIU HealthCare Psychiatry is offering a number of additional treatments for individuals with chronic depression who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from other treatments – or treatment resistant patients.
For those who haven’t reached success with those methods, some additional treatments are available.
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy (TMS) [pictured below] – This non-invasive treatment focuses magnetic pulses on areas of the brain which are underactive in people with depression. The magnetic pulses produced by the device are the same type and strength as a magnetic resonance imaging scan. Patients receive magnetic pulses in 30-second intervals. The pulses, which feel like a tapping on the scalp, induce a small electrical current in the brain that affects brain circuits involved in mood and affecting the brain chemicals altered in depression such as serotonin and dopamine. With TMS, patients are alert, and there are almost no side effects except some headache or scalp irritation. It is done entirely in an outpatient setting.
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) – Also known as electroshock therapy, this is a safe and effective treatment with a high success rate.
- Light Therapy – Exposure to full spectrum visible light each day can reverse symptoms of seasonal depression.
- Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS) – sometimes referred to as a “pacemaker for the brain.” This device stimulates a particular cranial nerve alerting the electrical activity in the brain to control mood symptoms that are resistant to treatment.
HOW CAN I PAY FOR TMS THERAPY TREATMENTS?
Either apply for the Neurostar Care Connection Program or SIU HealthCare’s Financial Assistance
THE NEUROSTAR CARE CONNECTION PROGRAM
Your physician has recommended TMS Therapy, a new treatment for patients suffering from major depression whose symptoms persist despite treatment attempts and antidepressant medications. Neuronetics, the developer of the system, had developed the Care Connection program to help patients like you secure coverage and reimbursement for TMS Therapy. This program may be necessary because new therapies like TMS Therapy are often not included in health insurance plans when they first become available to patients. The objective for Care Connection program is to assist you in gaining access to TMS Therapy as quickly as possible by assisting in securing coverage and reimbursement.
Who can access the Care Connection program?
If your particular health insurance plan does not have a medical policy which covers TMS Therapy at this time, a program case manager specializing in TMS Therapy will work on your behalf to assist with obtaining prior authorization and work to appeal coverage denials, if necessary.
How do I get started?
- Ask your physician to help or contact the staff directly at 877-NCC2TMS (877-622-2867).
- Review and sign the enrollment form (available from your physician or on the web at www.neurostartms.com).
- Fax the completed and signed from to 866-307-1339. It can also be mailed to:
Care Connection Program
1650 South Amphlett Blvd., Suite 300
San Mateo, CA 94402
Your case manager will contact you with a decision regarding your eligibility for the Care Connect Program.
SIU HEALTHCARE’S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Financial Assistance may include (depending on eligibility):
- Helping you apply for Medicaid, and/or
- Reducing the amount you owe for some services (there are no discounts on co-pays)
You may qualify for SIU HealthCare’s Financial Assistance, regardless of whether or not you are insured, you are eligible for a discount, the amount of the discount will be based on your household income and the size of your family. In order to qualify for assistance, you need to:
- Thoroughly complete the SIU HealthCare FINANCIAL APPLICATION provide it to a SIU HealthCare staff member. (Please ask a SIU HealthCare staff member for the FINANCIAL APPLICATION.)
- Provide documents proving income and expenses including tax forms, paycheck stubs, and rent or mortgage information.
- Provide evidence you’ve attempted to obtain government assistance. For example, evidence you’ve applied for public assistance, SSI and/or Illinois KidCare.
Financial Assistance will not be provided:
- If you are receiving services for elective procedures.
- If you are purchasing lab tests and/or products, or any services SIU HealthCare must pay a third party to acquire. Therefore, any supplies need to pay for TMS Therapy will NOT be covered.
- If you fail to pay your co-pays in a timely manner.
Any information we receive from you will be kept confidential. We understand this type of information is very sensitive, but it is very important when determining your eligibility.
If you need help completing the Financial Application, please call SIU HealthCare’s Patient Business Services at 217-545-4966 or toll free at 888-203-1154. One of our representatives will be available to assist you. We will review your application once it is received. A review of your application typically takes up to 10 business days. Once the review is complete, we will call you to advise you of your status and then send a follow-up letter.