ABOUT TMS
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA approved non-invasive procedure for the treatment of major depressive disorder. During the procedure a pulsatile magnetic field is generated at specifically targeted brain regions to induce changes in the polarization of neurons. This induces changes in the brain which research has shown to be effective in the treatment of depression and other neurological disorders. Unlike ECT, patients are awake and alert throughout the procedure and can read or play on their phones. No recovery time is needed after the session, and patients can drive themselves home immediately following the procedure. Minimal side effects include scalp irritation and headache which generally remit after the first week.
WHAT TO EXPECT
At your first appointment you will meet with Dr. Littman for an initial intake and discuss the appropriateness of TMS for you. He will answer any questions that you may have about the procedure and show you the treatment room and the TMS machine. Treatment will commence on Monday of the following week. The initial session lasts about 45-60 minutes and the follow up sessions last about 30 minutes (for those receiving the Theta Burst protocol, the follow up sessions are about 15 minutes). Treatments are given daily Monday through Friday for six weeks. During this time Suzanne Datto will be administering the treatments under Dr. Littman’s guidance and monitoring your progress. Dr. Littman will address any concerns about the TMS protocols during your time under our care. Throughout the course of TMS treatment you will continue to see your outpatient psychiatrist or other treatment providers for any medication management and/or psychotherapy. After the 30 session acute course Dr. Littman will collaborate with you and your treatment providers to discuss taper and/or possible maintenance treatment.
PAYMENT POLICY
Medical services are billed under Dr. Louis Littman, MD,PhD. Payment in the form of cash, check, credit, or debit is expected at the time of service. We are an out of network provider for most insurance companies. However, we will provide you with a form that you can submit to your insurance company for any out of network benefits that you are eligible to receive. Any reimbursement will be sent directly to you. Starting 1/1/18 we have become an in network provider for Comcast employees who have ComPsych insurance. We are also in network for college students who have AETNA STUDENT HEALTH. For patients who have these insurances we will do all the billing directly to the insurance company; any copays, if applicable, would be due at the time of service.