BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s policy describes conventional, bilateral, deep and theta burst TMS, as well as accelerated treatment schedules.
TMS methods described in the policy
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee describes transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, as a noninvasive method of delivering stimulation to the brain. According to the insurer’s medical policy, TMS uses a coil placed on the scalp to deliver that stimulation.
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee policy describes conventional TMS delivered over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The policy also describes bilateral TMS, which is another approach included in its overview of TMS methods.
Deep TMS and theta burst stimulation
According to BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, deep TMS uses an H-coil helmet. The insurer’s policy identifies this as a form of TMS alongside conventional and bilateral approaches.
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee also describes theta burst stimulation in its medical policy. The source lists theta burst stimulation among the TMS approaches addressed in the policy extract.
Accelerated TMS schedules
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee policy notes that accelerated TMS involves more than one treatment session in a day. The source’s description distinguishes accelerated scheduling from the specific TMS approaches it also discusses.
According to BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, the FDA cleared the Stanford Neuromodulation Therapy, or SAINT, protocol. The policy describes that protocol as delivering 1,800 pulses of intermittent theta burst stimulation every hour, 10 times a day, for five days.
The source presents the SAINT protocol as an accelerated TMS schedule. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s policy specifically identifies intermittent theta burst stimulation as part of the protocol it describes.
What this means for Tennessee patients
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s policy shows that TMS can be discussed in several forms, including conventional, bilateral, deep, theta burst, and accelerated schedules. For people looking for treatment locally, this directory lists 97 published clinics in Tennessee, which may help patients identify nearby options and ask providers about the approaches they offer.
This is general information, not medical advice.
More Tennessee reporting on treatment updates.
This report is educational and is not medical advice. Coverage, availability and eligibility can change; verify details with the named source or your care team.