rTMS Clinic
Outpatient appointments are now available for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). Currumbin Clinic is proud to deliver this treatment for Depression in safe and non-invasive setting.
Wha is repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)?
Everything you need to know about repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) at our hospital.
rTMS Outpatient Treatment Process
A model is currently in place across Aurora Healthcare Specialty Hospitals for a rTMS fee for service option which allows patients to receive rTMS as an outpatient with minimal disruption to their lifestyle.
Referral
A referral from a General Practitioner or Psychiatrist is required to a Currumbin Clinic Psychiatrist requesting rTMS treatment as an outpatient.
Pre-Admission Assessment
A Pre-Admission Assessment will be arranged to determine your suitability based on your clinical inclusion criteria and financial assessment will be undertaken. Allocation of a Psychiatrist credentialed to a Aurora Healthcare hospital will then be made and an outpatient appointment will be arranged.
Session 1 – Initial rTMS Assessment
A one hour initial assessment consultation with a Psychiatrist to determine your suitability for rTMS will be arranged. Pre-treatment screening, baseline outcome measurements and patient consent will also be obtained. This will be billed via the Doctors' private practice. Once you have been assessed as a suitable candidate for outpatient rTMS, you will be listed and booked for rTMS and notified of your RMT appointment.
Session 2 – Resting Motor Threshold
A resting motor threshold is then conducted by a Psychiatrist with specialised training in rTMS and this acts as the prescription for the basis of the treatment.
Acute Course
You will be booked for an acute course of rTMS commencing with 20 treatments. Treatment will be administered 6 days/week.
Ongoing reviews with your treating/prescribing Psychiatrist can be booked via the Psychiatrists private practice. You will be billed by your Doctors private practice. Rates may vary. Please discuss this directly with your treating Psychiatrist
Evaluation of treatment outcomes
In order to evaluate the outcomes of rTMS treatment you will be asked to complete questionnaires on your mental state at the beginning of (pre) treatment and again after two weeks (mid), four weeks (end), and then finally two weeks following completion of (post) treatment that is around 6 weeks after commencing your rTMS treatment. The tools we use are internationally recognized so that we can benchmark the information and continue to improve our treatments.
Costs of rTMS
Costings
Initial course is 20 sessions but can be up to 30 sessions. Please give us a call to confirm this price.
Payment options
Payment can be made upfront or via an interest-free payment plan. Payment plans allow patients to pay for the costs of treatment over a period of time that suits their budget.
Private Health Insurance
Some private health insurance companies do cover outpatient rTMS cost. You can contact your health fund directly to discuss this or we can arrange a health fund check once your referral has been received. Prior Approval from Health fund will be conducted by the hospital as there is required supporting patient documentation from the VMO.
Medicare rebates
Medicare rebates of 70-90%. Upfront fee per treatment. Eligibility as per Medicare schedule.
Rebates are currently available for self-funding patients who are:
- First time recipients of rTMS therapy
- Aged 18 years and older
- Diagnosis of a major depressive disorder
- Have trialled two different classes of anti-depressive medications
- Have had psychological therapy
- Doctors consultation and initial mapping/threshold fees apply. Medicare rebates also available
*DVA, WorkCover, and funds who are parts of the Alliance group may cover outpatient treatment on request
Superannuation
In some cases, patients may be able to access their superannuation on compassionate grounds in order to self-fund rTMS treatment.
