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Code deleted, see 90867, 90869.

Official Description

Therapeutic repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment delivery and management, per session

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Therapeutic repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive procedure designed to treat various mental health disorders by stimulating specific areas of the brain. This treatment is particularly focused on addressing conditions where certain brain regions exhibit abnormal activity levels. For example, individuals suffering from depression often have reduced activity in the left prefrontal cortex, which rTMS aims to target and stimulate. The procedure involves the application of a magnetic field generated by an electrical current, which is delivered through a wire held against the scalp. This magnetic field penetrates the skin and skull, inducing a current in the brain that activates nearby nerve cells, similar to how direct electrical stimulation would work on the cortical surface. The rTMS treatment is tailored to the individual’s specific needs, including the targeted brain area, treatment duration, and application method, ensuring the most effective therapeutic outcome. The therapy is known to influence the brain's biochemistry, neuronal firing patterns, and neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin, which are crucial in managing mental health disorders. The precision of rTMS can be enhanced through the use of stereotactic MRI reference, allowing for accurate targeting within a few millimeters. Each session of rTMS treatment is carefully delivered and managed, contributing to a comprehensive approach to mental health care.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The therapeutic repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment is indicated for various mental health disorders, specifically targeting conditions where certain areas of the brain exhibit abnormal activity. The following are the explicitly provided indications for rTMS:

  • Depression - rTMS is utilized to stimulate the left prefrontal cortex, which is often less active in individuals with depression.
  • Anxiety - The treatment aims to address overactivity in specific brain regions associated with anxiety disorders.
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - rTMS can help modulate the neural circuits involved in OCD.
  • Auditory Hallucinations - The therapy is used to target brain areas linked to the perception of auditory hallucinations.
  • Migraines - rTMS is also indicated for the management of migraine symptoms by influencing brain activity.

2. Procedure

The procedure for delivering therapeutic repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) involves several key steps, each designed to ensure effective treatment delivery:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation - The patient is positioned comfortably, and the specific area of the brain to be treated is identified. This may involve the use of imaging techniques, such as MRI, to ensure precise targeting.
  • Step 2: Equipment Setup - The rTMS device is prepared, which includes a coil that generates the magnetic field. The coil is placed against the patient's scalp at the predetermined location.
  • Step 3: Treatment Delivery - The rTMS session begins with the activation of the device, delivering magnetic pulses to the targeted brain area. These pulses are typically administered in a series, lasting a few minutes each, and are repeated over several weeks.
  • Step 4: Monitoring - Throughout the session, the patient is monitored for any discomfort or adverse reactions. Adjustments to the treatment parameters may be made based on the patient's response.
  • Step 5: Post-Session Care - After the session, the patient is assessed for any immediate effects of the treatment, and follow-up appointments are scheduled to continue the therapy as needed.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for rTMS involves monitoring the patient for any immediate side effects, which are generally minimal. Patients may experience mild discomfort at the site of stimulation or transient headaches. It is important for patients to follow up with their healthcare provider to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to determine the need for additional sessions. The overall recovery process is typically quick, allowing patients to resume their daily activities shortly after each session. Continuous evaluation of the treatment's impact on the patient's mental health condition is essential to ensure optimal outcomes.

Short Descr TCRANIAL MAGN STIM TX DELIV
Medium Descr TRANSCRANIAL MAG STIMJ TX DLVR & MGMT
Long Descr Therapeutic repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment delivery and management, per session
Status Code Carriers Price the Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Significant Procedure, Not Discounted When Multiple
Type of Service (TOS) 6 - Therapeutic Radiology
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 8 - Other non-OR or closed therapeutic nervous system procedures
Date
Action
Notes
2012-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, see 90867, 90869.
2011-12-31 Note Deleted code reference changed from 90868 to 90869.
2011-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, see 90867, 90868.
2007-01-01 Added Code added.
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Description
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