Malvern, Pennsylvania-based Neuronetics develops products aimed at improving the life of patients with neuro health disorders. NeuroStar, a non-drug, non-invasive treatment can improve the quality of life for neuro health patients when traditional medication fails.
The transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment holds FDA clearance for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). It also has authorization as an adjunct for adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The company said the FDA also cleared it for adult patients with MDD that may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms (anxious depression).
Effective immediately, Aetna now allows TMS treatment under the supervision of behavioral health nurse practitioners for MDD patients. Additionally, the update removes a four-month psychotherapy trial before clinching eligibility for an initial TMS treatment course.
Aetna, one of the largest health plans in the U.S., covers more than 16.8 million lives. The policy update builds on payer momentum aimed at expanding coverage for TMS therapy, Neuronetics said.
“Aetna has joined the groundswell of payers that are alleviating access barriers for patients in need of mental health treatments,” said Keith J. Sullivan, president and CEO of Neuronetics. “By opening access to care through nurse practitioners and reducing eligibility requirements, Aetna is recognizing the need to help people earlier in their treatment journey.”
