Doctors FAQs
Browse answers to common questions
No. But one can be added to your CloudTMS device purchase for $4200. Our chair is fully adjustable with neck and head support to help the patient stay comfortable and in place during therapy. The chair is fully adjustable and also comes with an electric foot pedal and hand controls. We can also recommend several chairs that can be purchased directly from online retailers like Amazon.com. These chairs typically range from $400-$3000 in price. Please see the following link for more details: https://amzn.to/2NSEOKk
Patients are asked to stop the use of Wellbutrin before beginning TMS and to abstain from alcohol during the course of their TMS treatment.
The most commonly reported side effects during clinical trials were headache and scalp discomfort. These potential side effects were typically mild to moderate, and were less common after the first week of treatment. During clinical trials, less than 5% of patients treated with TMS discontinued treatment due to side effects. If necessary, headaches from TMS can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications. If the side effects persist, the strength of the TMS pulses can be temporarily reduced to ensure the comfort of the patient.
TMS is typically contraindicated for individuals with permanent metal implants in or around the head, pacemakers, history of seizure disorder, on medications that reduce seizure threshold, serious head trauma, or have had brain surgery. In some cases TMS may still be applied at the discretion of the treating physician.
The mechanism of action of TMS is still not fully understood however the response to therapy is indisputable and has consistently demonstrated results in the majority of research being done in the field. The TMS electromagnetic pulse is generated by electrical current running through the TMS coil which by method of induction (Faraday’s law) generates a magnetic field perpendicular to the coil. This magnetic field passes through the skull unimpeded and in turn generates a corresponding electric field in the brain also by method of induction. This electric field is conducted by neural pathways under the coil in a somewhat unpredicable way as brain tissue is not uniform and anatomy varies from individual to individual. Neurons are conductive just like the rest of the nerve fibers in your body. Depending on the protocol used and frequency of TMS pulse entire regions of neurons under the coil can either become excited or inhibited. In Depression, neurons in the left DLPFC (Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) are targeted by the coil with an excitatory protocol (FDA cleared). Subtle changes in brain state as a result of TMS can last up to several hours and even days after a TMS session has been performed. If done repetitively over a 3-6 week period TMS induces structural changes in the brain where the coil has been placed. Increased gray matter density and blood flow to the part of the brain stimulated have all been clearly demonstrated in research using MRI brain scans.
Not everyone responds to TMS therapy for Depression but most people will. Many clinicians see a 70% – 80% response rate in their patient population. At least half of these responders will achieve full remission. In the literature TMS response rates when treating Depression have been shown to be at least as effective as medications used to treat Depression. And of course without all the side effects that medications bring.
Many patients say they can still feel benefit from TMS therapy years after their first round of TMS treatment. The effect appears to be quite durable especially in people who respond well to treatment. In some cases patients will go back for a few TMS maintenance sessions 3-6 months after their initial treatment.
Staffing in most TMS clinics consists of a physician MD, usually a psyhciatrist or neurologist but not limited to these specialties. Insurance will usually only cover these types of MDs. Other staff such as medical assistants, nurses, and admins are all qualified to perform the therapy once the staff has been trained by our certified techs. All CloudTMS technicians are trained by board certified Psychiatrists and Neurologists who have at least 3 years of experience performing TMS.
Yes. The CloudTMS TMS Machine is FDA cleared for the treatment of Depression. As such is reimbursable like all the other TMS devices currenty in the US market. Our customers tell us that reimbursements can range anywhere from $150 per session from Medicare and up to $600/session from private insurers.
We do not. We can only sell the device to practionners located in the United States and Puerto Rico.
Yes. We have a lease to own program. Typically the lease is structured as a 5 year low interest financing plan. Expect to pay anywhere from approximately $1800/month to $2000/month depending on your credit and final price of device after taxes and warranty extensions are added.
As TMS Therapy is a non-invasive procedure, anyone with the proper training and certification can perform it. There must also be an MD on premise while the therapy is being performed.
We currently do not offer a rental program but we do have financing available with competitive rates. Monthly payments are made over a 5 year lease to own program. Monthly rates can vary based on credit and additional warranty options rolled into the lease. Typically these payments range from $900/month to $1300/month.
The cost of the device is $56,995.00 and includes one year parts and labor warranty.