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Katie's Way Plus presents deep transcranial magnetic stimulation as treatment option; says TRICARE and VA cover major depressive disorder
Summary
Representatives from Katie's Way and Dr. Jason Wyman described deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (deep TMS) as an FDA-approved treatment for depression and related conditions, explained insurance coverage and protocols, and said the provider plans further clinic expansion and local outreach.
Dr. Jason Wyman, colonel (ret.) and clinical lead for Katie's Way Plus, briefed the Veteran Affairs Advisory Committee on deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (deep TMS), an FDA-cleared, noninvasive brain-stimulation therapy he described as an alternative for veterans who have not responded to standard treatments.
"When a soldier, sailor, or marines comes into 1 of our clinic, we have same day access," Dr. Jason Wyman said, describing the organization's goal of rapid evaluation and treatment. He explained that about 30% of patients with major depressive disorder do not respond to standard medication and psychotherapy; deep TMS targets mood centers with a magnetic field and, he said, can speed recovery and reduce reliance on medication for some patients.
Katie's Way presenters described the treatment pathway and coverage details: the usual course is 36 sessions, and providers commonly seek preauthorization; Dr. Wyman said TRICARE and the VA cover deep TMS for major depressive disorder and that many authorizations are approved for as many as 60 sessions to allow for follow-up or booster treatments. He also noted FDA approval history and international practice, and said Europe has sometimes adopted related therapies earlier than the U.S. regulatory process.
Brandy Rangel, facility director for Katie's Way in El Paso, and other presenters said Katie's Way operates multiple clinics nationally and plans additional local capacity. The presenters described use cases including treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, smoking cessation, perinatal and postpartum depression, and experimental or early-use approaches for PTSD and other conditions.
Panel members asked about eligibility, referrals and cost. Dr. Wyman said active-duty patients require provider referral and preauthorization; TRICARE Select beneficiaries and family members can self-refer in some cases. He acknowledged that co-pays can be a concern and said Katie's Way pursues grants and other financial assistance to limit patient out-of-pocket costs.
Presenters said they would be at the Borderplex Expo the next day for further questions and outreach to veterans and service providers.
Ending: Katie's Way urged veterans and clinicians to discuss TMS as an option, and said the organization will work to minimize financial barriers while expanding local clinic capacity.
