TMS Treatment now fully bulk billed
TMS Erina
TMS Erina is a medical practice based on the Central Coast in the Platinum Building at Erina. We are focused on providing TMS (Transcranial magnetic Stimulation) as an alternative treatment for depression.
Most people have heard of antidepressants for depression treatment, but TMS might offer an alternative for some people – for example, to people with depression for whom antidepressants haven’t been fully effective or aren’t an option because of side effects, or for medical reasons.
TMS Erina was created to meet the growing needs of the local community for a painless and effective treatment, and we guide patients through every step of the process, which is drugfree, effective, scientifically proven and safe.
It’s important to remember that TMS therapy isn’t suitable for everyone and will depend on the individual. It is important that individuals have a thorough psychiatric and medical evaluation to determine if a certain neurostimulation treatment will be suitable for them. TMS will only be prescribed after detailed consultation with one of our TMS Erina psychiatrist’s.
What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
TMS is a non-invasive procedure that improves the symptoms of depression using magnetic fields that stimulate nerve cells.
TMS targets a particular area of the brain’s circuits and resets the activity in those areas. It does this by stimulating the brain using an electromagnetic coil placed against your head. It delivers a magnetic pulse in the area of the brain involved in mood control and depression. It is particularly effective for people who have experienced little or no success with common treatments, e.g., medication, psychotherapy. It is a relatively pain-free procedure that is drug-free and offers fewer side effects to the alternatives.
The stimulation takes 10-30 minutes and is typically given over consecutive weekdays in our clinic at Erina. While receiving stimulation, the patient is fully awake. TMS is usually well tolerated, with minimal side effects. There are no anaesthetics or adverse effects on memory. In fact, memory and thinking may improve with TMS treatment for depression.
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TMS Treatment Benefits
There are many benefits in choosing TMS as a treatment for depression, at TMS Erina.
NON-CHEMICAL
TMS is a safe, drug-free, painless, non-invasive treatment
SUCCESSFUL
This drug-free method of treating depression is effective, scientifically proven, safe and TGA approved
LOCAL SUPPORT
Caring clinicians administer treatment and review response.
How does it work?
TMS is a painless and effective treatment which has been used to successfully treat thousands of patients with depression worldwide.
It is usually recommended when a patient has been unresponsive to two or more antidepressants.
Some people have a profound and life-changing response to TMS treatment after trying many antidepressants and not getting better. For others who do not like the side effects of antidepressants, it is a non-chemical solution.
TMS uses an electromagnetic
coil to induce a magnetic current.
This focuses a magnetic field in the region of your brain involved in mood control and depression.
A painless high frequency pulse is applied for 20-30 minutes.
This induces improvements in neural functioning over the course of treatment.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE? 
COSTS
After recognising the benefits of TMS for treatment-resistant depression, Medicare is now funding TMS treatment for depression, with these restrictions:
You have not had TMS treatment before
You are over 18 years of age
You have tried 2 or more antidepressant medications and they have not been effective, or have been intolerable due to side effects
If these apply you are likely to be eligible for the Medicare rebate which reduces costs markedly. Exclusions apply for certain medical conditions
The following services are fully bulk billed:
- Initial Psychiatric TMS Assessment
- Initial TMS treatment course (35 Sessions)
- Maintenance course (15 Sessions)
Self funding costs
For those who do not meet the Medicare criteria, costs range from $100-$145 per session.
NB: Treatment approvals can be requested for Worker’s Compensation/CTP and DVA patients
HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH TMS ERINA?
Call TMS Erina today to learn more about how TMS can improve your mental health:
1. Send through your GP referral to us at TMS Erina.
2. Come in for your initial assessment by a Psychiatrist.
3. If TMS is deemed appropriate, begin daily 30 minute treatment sessions (Mon-Fri) in our comfortable rooms.
4. A full course of treatment entails 20-35 sessions over 4-7 weeks.
5. Maintenance sessions are available 4 months after initial course if required.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
After recognising the benefits of TMS for treatment-resistant depression, Medicare is now funding TMS treatment for depression, with these restrictions:
You have not had TMS treatment before
You are over 18 years of age
You have tried 2 or more antidepressants and they have not worked, or have been intolerable due to side effects
If these apply you are likely to be eligible for bulk billing.
COSTS
The following services are fully bulk billed:
- Initial Psychiatric TMS Assessment
- Initial TMS treatment course (35 Sessions)
- Maintenance course (15 Sessions)
Self funding costs
For those who do not meet the Medicare criteria, costs range from $100-$145 per session.
NB: Treatment approvals can be requested for Worker’s Compensation/CTP and DVA patients
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand you may have many questions about TMS. Click below to review some of the common questions we are asked in regard to the process of TMS or contact us directly.