Vegas Nerve stimulator

AngMichelle

Veteran Member

Joined : Apr 2006

Posts : 932

Posted 5/21/2006 10:28 AM (GMT 0)

The FDA just approved the Vagus Nerve Stimulator(commonlly used for epilepsy) for treatment of Treatment Resistant Depression. I'm really interested in this and was wondering if anyone out there had one or knew of a hospital or doctor who performs the procedure. Look it up, its pretty amazing the results it had.

els

Veteran Member

Joined : Oct 2005

Posts : 4033

Posted 5/21/2006 1:15 PM (GMT 0)

Hi AngMichelle, The FDA approved the VNS for the treatment of depression last year. They have been refining it for depression for 10 years now. I don't personally know of anyone who has it as insurance companies will not pay for the implant. So anyone who elects to get it would have to pay out of pocket for it....

AngMichelle

Veteran Member

Joined : Apr 2006

Posts : 932

Posted 5/22/2006 3:52 AM (GMT 0)

Not in all cases. Currently 130 or so insurance companies have approved it. And the company that makes the implant offers reinbursment and financial help for those who can't afford it. Medicare is working on it, but hasn't yet agreed to cover it. True, most still say its in an experimental fase, but more and more every day are at least allowing denial claims to be turned over with appeals.

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