How TMS Supports Military Veterans and Their Families with NeuroStar TMS
Military families face unique challenges, including trauma, separation from loved ones, injury, extreme stress, and the loss of life. These challenges can significantly impact the mental health of service members and their families, often leading to depression. At Colorado TMS, we’re proud to offer NeuroStar TMS as a proven and effective treatment for depression, providing much-needed support for military veterans and their loved ones.
How to Use Your TriCare/TriWest or VA Community Care Network (VACCN) Coverage for TMS
Colorado TMS Services is credentialed with TriCare/West and VA’s Community Care Network, and has worked closely with our community partners to help Veterans and their families over the past 7 years.
If you have TriCare/TriWest or VA Community Care Network (VACCN) coverage for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), it’s important to be prepared to communicate the prior authorization process effectively to your healthcare provider. Here’s how you can navigate the process:
1. Key Phrases to Use with Providers
– For TriCare West/TriWest: “I am covered under TriCare West (managed by TriWest) and need to initiate a prior authorization for TMS therapy, which is covered for treatment-resistant depression.”
– For VA Community Care Network (VACCN): “I am a veteran using the VA Community Care Network and need a referral authorized through TriWest to see a community provider for TMS.”
2. Communicating the Need for Authorization
– TMS requires prior authorization and proof of medical necessity (i.e., multiple failed medication attempts).
– For TriCare West (TriWest): “TriCare requires a Letter of Attestation to be submitted to TriWest to show that I have treatment-resistant depression.”
If the provider is unfamiliar, guide them to visit [tricare.triwest.com](https://tricare.triwest.com) to submit referrals and authorization requests online.
3. Directing Providers to the VA CCN/TriWest Portals
– If a provider is unsure about the process, let them know they can confirm eligibility by calling 833-4VETNOW (833-483-8669) for VA Community Care Network.
– For TriWest: Providers can check requirements and submit requests using the Availity portal.
4. Preparation for the Conversation
Before speaking with your provider, ensure you have:
– A list of previously tried antidepressants (including dosages, duration, and reasons for stopping).
– A formal referral from your Primary Care Manager (PCM) or psychiatrist.
– Your TriCare/TriWest member ID or VA eligibility documents.
By following these steps and providing the right information, you can help ensure a smoother process for accessing TMS therapy under your TriCare/TriWest or VA Community Care Network coverage, and receive and expedited treatment through Colorado TMS Services.
Depression and the Military
Depression can persist long after military service. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):
– Roughly 1 in 3 veterans show signs of depression during their healthcare appointments.
– Around 1 in 5 veterans experience symptoms severe enough to require a diagnostic evaluation.
– Approximately 1 in 8 to 1 in 10 veterans are diagnosed with major depressive disorder, which may require treatment through antidepressants, therapy, or TMS.
When traditional treatments, such as medication and therapy, don’t yield the desired results, TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) therapy offers an alternative.
Factors Contributing to Depression in Military Service Members
Service members face many stressors that increase the likelihood of developing depression. Some of these include:
– Traumatic brain injuries sustained during combat
– Substance abuse
– Physical or sexual assault during service
– Combat-related stress
– Separation from support networks while deployed
Additionally, depression risk increases for those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as trauma can lead to symptoms like guilt, insomnia, sadness, and hopelessness. Some of the VA’s key statistics on PTSD include:
– Approximately 30% of Vietnam War veterans have experienced PTSD at some point in their lives.
– Around 12% of Gulf War veterans report experiencing PTSD.
– Between 11% and 20% of those who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom experience PTSD each year.
This impact is not limited to military personnel. Families, particularly those of deployed service members, may also experience depression or PTSD due to the strain of deployment and potential trauma experienced by their loved ones.
Recognizing Depression in Military Veterans and Their Families
It can be difficult to spot depression, but understanding the signs is crucial for timely treatment. Watch for these common symptoms in yourself or a loved one
– Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
– Loss of energy and lethargy
– Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
– Feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness
– Significant changes in appetite or weight
– Trouble concentrating or experiencing “brain fog”
Treatment for depression in military families often involves a combination of talk therapy, antidepressant medication, and sometimes joining support groups where veterans can connect with others who share their experiences.
NeuroStar TMS: A Solution for Veterans and Their Families
While TMS therapy is not currently FDA-approved for PTSD, it is an effective and FDA-approved treatment for major depressive disorder. For military members and their families who haven’t seen success with traditional treatments, TMS offers a promising alternative. TMS can be used on its own or in combination with other therapies to provide relief from depression.
How TMS Works for Military Veterans
NeuroStar TMS uses a non-invasive electromagnetic coil placed on the scalp to stimulate targeted areas of the brain. The pulses generate mild electrical currents that activate brain cells involved in mood regulation. Each session lasts 18 to 40 minutes and is typically administered five days a week for several weeks before tapering.
Benefits of NeuroStar TMS include:
– Non-invasive treatment that doesn’t require sedation, allowing you to drive yourself to and from sessions.
– Minimal side effects compared to other treatments.
– Long-term effectiveness – A study showed that 62% of patients who responded to TMS maintained their improvement or remained in remission a year later.
– Coverage under TriCare, which includes health insurance for active duty military personnel, their families, retirees, and members of the National Guard and Reserves.
Colorado TMS Services: Supporting Military Families
At Colorado TMS Services, we’re proud to offer NeuroStar TMS as a treatment for depression, specifically tailored for military families. We understand the challenges military veterans and their loved ones face and are committed to helping them reclaim their mental health. Our team includes professionals who deeply understand the military experience and mental health challenges faced by those who serve.
Dr. Geoffrey Grammer a decorated Army Colonel with two tours of duty in Iraq. He helped establish the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) program at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, bringing his expertise to the benefit of military veterans and their families.
Contact Colorado TMS today to learn more about how NeuroStar TMS can support your mental health, and schedule your free consultation. At Colorado TMS Services, we can help you overcome your depression and get you back on your way to living a happier, more fulfilling life. Call us today for more information at (720) 671-0533 or visit our website.
