Frequently Asked Questions

Treatment FAQs

  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, outpatient treatment that is FDA-approved for Depression, Anxious Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Smoking Addiction. TMS uses a pulsed magnetic field to safely stimulate targeted regions in the brain. The pulses excite some of the cells in the brain called neurons, triggering the electrical impulse to release their chemicals, called neurotransmitters.

    Over the course of several treatments, the targeted areas of the brain will have stronger connections between neurons and will allow more neurotransmitters to be available. TMS works by improving the function of the targeted brain region, which will lead to positive changes in mood.

  • TMS is non-invasive and doesn’t have the same side effects as ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy). Unlike ECT, TMS does not require the patient to be sedated, and it does not intend to induce a seizure. TMS does not have any cognitive side effects, such as memory loss, which is a common side effect of ECT.

    TMS can be done in the office setting, while ECT usually requires a hospital setting with anesthesia. Although ECT has a similar goal to TMS, to stimulate the brain to create functional and structural changes between neurons, TMS is using advanced technology and is a non-invasive option with long-lasting results.

  • TMS has no systematic side effects. Less than half of patients will report a mild headache after the first few TMS treatments. Most patients will tolerate the treatment very well, and only feel a mild discomfort or a “tapping sensation” during the pulses. Because the pulses are only 2-seconds long, followed by 20 seconds of relief, the mild discomfort felt during the pulses is usually well tolerated and becomes less noticeable to the patient over time.

    There is a small risk of seizure, which is extremely rare in clinical settings. The easiest way to avoid a chance of seizure is to be honest with your provider about substance use, such as alcohol, pain medications, or illicit substances. TMS is not reported to increase a risk of seizure after treatment, or expected to last longer than the 2-second duration of the pulses.

    Overall, less than 2% of patients discontinue TMS due to side effects.

  • A good candidate for TMS Therapy will have tried antidepressant medication, and found it was ineffective, noticed it stopped working over time, or was unable to tolerate the side effects. A good candidate will also be in talk therapy, or will have tried therapy in the past.

    If you have metal implants in the head or neck, implanted medical devices such as a pacemaker, have a history of seizures, or a history of psychosis, you may not be a good candidate for TMS. Our psychiatrist will complete a full evaluation before prescribing TMS to ensure you are a qualified candidate.

  • The first TMS treatment includes a “mapping” session in which the patient’s individual treatment protocol is determined. The psychiatrist and an experienced TMS technician will find the ideal placement of the coil and determine the strength of the magnetic field that is needed to cause the desired reaction of the neurons.

    The remaining treatments are only approximately 20 minutes each. The patient can talk to the technician, read, use their cellphone, listen to music or meditate while sitting comfortably in a chair during the treatment.

  • Patients can often start noticing improvements after 10 sessions and continue to gradually improve during treatment, and may continue to improve for 6 months after the treatments have finished.

    One out of two patients are expected to reach full remission from depression symptoms.

    Two out of three patients will have a response that is significant and sustainable.

Insurance & Billing FAQs

  • Northshore TMS is considered In-Network with the following plans:

    -Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBS) PPO

    -Aetna PPO

    -Aetna Medicare Advantage

    -Medicare & Supplemental Plans

    In-network insurances have a contracted, discounted rate and will apply towards your in-network benefits. Depending on the plan, the patient may be responsible for a copay, or have a deductible or out-of-pocket maximum to meet before insurance pays in full. Typically, in-network patients pay much less with discounted in-network rates.

  • If you are using an out-of-network insurance, Northshore TMS will work with you to explore your out-of-network benefits, however the insurance may only cover a smaller portion of your treatment costs. The patient responsible costs are usually higher than the in-network discounted rate.

    Northshore TMS is considered out-of-network with the following plans:

    -BCBS HMO

    -Cigna

    -United Healthcare/Optum

    -Humana

    -Meritain

    We currently DO NOT accept any Medicaid plans, including Illinois’ Managed Care Programs (Blue Cross Community Health Plan, Aetna Better Health of Illinois, CountyCare Health Plan, Meridian Health Plan, Molina Healthcare)

  • How do I apply?

    To apply for an uninsured sliding scale payment plan, reach out to the billing department and provide the information requested before scheduling an appointment.

    How do I qualify?

    To qualify for the sliding fee scale, you must bring proof of your “household” gross annual income.

    A “household” includes legal children, a civil union partner or married spouse, and legal dependents.

    Annual gross income includes salary, unemployment benefits, disability or social security benefits, investment income, or other sources of income that support the household.

    You should provide proof of all of the household income for yourself and everyone in your household. The following documents are can be used for proof of income for each member of the household:

    -Most recent tax return

    -Most recent pay stubs from employer for bi-weekly payments or

    -Most recent pay stubs from employer for weekly payments

    -Most recent W-2 or 1099

    -Letter from employer stating cash earnings that is on letterhead or notarized and signed by your employer or supervisor

    -Letter from the Social Security Administration documenting your SSI or SSDI benefits

    -Letter from the Social Security Administration documenting that you are ineligible for government benefits

    -Letter detailing unemployment benefits from your state unemployment office

    -Military Leave and earnings statement

    -Notarized letter stating you have no source of income signed by you