Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Treatment
What is TMS?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is FDA-approved for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and migraines. While TMS is not FDA-approved specifically for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it has been used “off-label” by many physicians who have found it effective in reducing PTSD symptoms.
At Central California TMS Center, we specialize in providing TMS therapy to individuals with MDD who have not responded adequately to traditional treatments. TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It is a personalized and evidence-based approach, backed by regulatory approval and numerous clinical studies demonstrating its efficacy.
Our clinic utilizes the MagVenture TMS device, which is FDA-cleared for treating adults with MDD who have not responded to antidepressant medications. We follow the repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) protocol, which delivers magnetic pulses to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex to modulate brain activity. This protocol typically involves stimulation at 10–20 Hz, administered five days a week over a 6–8 week period. In a clinical study conducted by AwakeningsKC Clinical Neuroscience Institute (CNI), a 72% remission rate was observed in MDD patients treated with MagVenture rTMS therapy.
FAQs
How many sessions are required for treatment?
The standard TMS treatment protocol typically includes 31–38 total sessions. During the first session, Dr. Castillo will determine your motor threshold, which helps customize the treatment settings specifically for you. Following this, you’ll complete 30–35 treatment sessions with our TMS coordinator, depending on your insurance approval.
In some cases, 1–2 re-motor threshold sessions may be scheduled to ensure accuracy and consistency in treatment. If your insurance does not cover these additional sessions, it will not negatively affect your overall treatment outcome.
Is having 31 treatments less effective than completing 38 treatments?
No. While Dr. Castillo recommends completing the maximum number of treatments approved by your insurance to ensure the best possible outcome, having 31 sessions instead of 38 will not make your treatment less effective. Each course of TMS is individualized, and patients can experience excellent results within the approved number of sessions.
How long is treatment?
Your first motor threshold appointment usually takes 20–25 minutes, and the regular TMS sessions are about 15–20 minutes each. Treatments are typically Monday through Friday, and in the last couple of weeks, the sessions are gradually tapered. Your TMS coordinator will walk you through your personalized schedule and answer any questions along the way.
How do I know if my insurance covers treatment?
As a courtesy, our office verifies your insurance benefits and coverage based on information provided to us by your insurance carrier. While we make every effort to provide accurate benefit information when scheduling your appointments, please understand that insurance benefits are not a guarantee of payment, and discrepancies may occur due to factors beyond our control (such as policy changes, authorization issues, or claim denials).
We recommend that patients contact their insurance provider and provide the following CPT billing codes to confirm coverage and benefits:
90867: Initial TMS Treatment (includes cortical mapping, motor threshold determination, delivery, and management).
90868: Recurring TMS Sessions (subsequent delivery and management).
90869: Re-Motor Threshold Determination (performed halfway through and/or during tapering).
