New FDA Approved Therapy for Depression: Timeline from Prescription to Procedure

On July 18, 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) approved vagus nerve stimulation as a treatment for chronic depression. On August 18th, I was a part of a conference call hosted by the manufacturer of the vagus nerve stimulator.

According to Company officials, it is going to take a long time for reimbursement to reach universal coverage by third party payers at the overall policy level. The procedure was just approved by the FDA. Insurance companies are giant bureaucracies with many layers of people whose only job is to say "NO". It is just a fact of life that reimbursement will take time to "grind" through the system.

That is why I devoted an entire eighteen page chapter of my book to insurance codes and the reimbursement process. The Patient Advocate Foundation gave me permission to reprint its guide to the insurance reimbursement and appeal process. The Patient Advocate Foundation is a national non-profit organization that serves as an active liaison between the patient and their insurer.

The manufacturer of the stimulator reiterated on its conference call on August 18th, that insurance coverage will be on a case-by-case basis. In the first two weeks of the official launch, there has been a wide variance by third party reimbursers for VNS Therapy and depression. On a case by case basis, some patients have able to obtain to get pre- approval by Medicare, the VA and private insurance companies. At the other extreme, some reimburers have said absolutely not, maybe, we need to think about it, etc. The Company indicated that the more that patient's fight for reimbursement, the better chance they have to obtain approval.

Charles Donovan was a patient in the FDA investigational trial of vagus nerve stimulation as a treatment for chronic or recurrent treatment-resistant depression. He was implanted with the vagus nerve stimulator in April of 2001. The treatment completely changed his life. He chronicles his journey from the grips of depression thanks to vagus nerve stimulation therapy in his book:

Out of the Black Hole: The Patient's Guide to Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Depression

The book was exhibited at the American Psychiatric Association's Annual Meeting in late May. It is available on his web site, 24 hours a day/7 days a week through the toll free number 1-888-VAGUS-88, Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. He is founder of the http://www.VagusNerveStimulator.com Web Site.

---

It Aint Easy Being Brave

A zoo attendant entered a lion cage carrying only a... Read More

Aspartame and Your Mental Health

In 1965, a chemist working to develop an ulcer drug... Read More

What Is God Thinking?

What can you say to a parent who loses a... Read More

Acidity Depresses Thyriod Function

THE RISKAccumulation of acids in your body, due to insufficient... Read More

What About Drugs for Anxiety and Depression?

As a counselor, I am often asked, "Can drugs be... Read More

Disability is NOT a Life Sentence

On September 30th 1998 I was crossing the street in... Read More

Dont Be Surprised!

Life wasn't easy for cave men. They had to hunt... Read More

Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Depression - A Natural Treatment

A new research study has again shown that a diet... Read More

Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Treatment for Depression to be Launched in May

Final FDA approval of vagus nerve stimulation as a therapy... Read More

Suicide Prevention: 12 Universal Laws

The Law of PermanenceSuicide is always a permanent solution to... Read More

The Cost of Giving Up

I'm sure at times of deep crisis many of you... Read More

5 Way Tips To Manage Depression

Being lonely is a normal share of our everyday lives.... Read More

Psychiatrist Begin Training About Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Depression

The manufacturer of the vagus nerve stimulator has begun face-to... Read More

When Your Mind Develops A Mind Of Its Own

We've all been there? One minute your listening intently as... Read More

5 Super Effective Tips To Kill Depression

Being lonely is a normal part of our everyday lives.... Read More

Andropause and Depression

Andropause correlates directly with depression ? a major player in... Read More

FDA Approves Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Treatment for Depression

On July 15th, 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA)... Read More

Major Symposium About Vagus Nerve Stimulation & Depression at the American Psychiatric Association

A major symposium about vagus nerve stimulation as a treatment... Read More

Change Your Life Forever with New Medical Breakthrough Treatment for Depression

With the next few weeks, the FDA is expected to... Read More

Antidepressants 101- What You Absolutely Need to Know

IntroductionChange in social and economical states throughout the world although... Read More

Depression Keeps 19 Million Adults From Being Productive

Approximately 19 million American adult workers allow depression to limit... Read More

More Than You Can Handle?

There's a dangerous illness afflicting women everywhere across the nation.... Read More

A Simple Cure For Anxiety And Depression

Our innate desire is to be happy, and when we... Read More

Depression: Based on a True Story

"Ring, ring." The crisis operator answers the phone to a... Read More

How to Get Rid of Your Worries: 5 Golden Rules and a Warning

Suresh was a worried person when he came to me... Read More

FDA Deems Vagus Nerve Therapy Approvable as a Treatment for Depression

On February 3, 2005 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration... Read More

Control Your Own Level of Motivation

When I first mention this to most people, they really... Read More

Depression is the Number One Cause of Disability in the United States

According to the World Health Organization, 4 of the 10... Read More

Depression

The 'experts' have tried to evaluate me as a sufferer... Read More

Is it ADHD or is it Depression?

During the assessment process it is of great importance for... Read More

What?s The Latest on Suicide Risk and Antidepressants For Children?

FDA confirms some antidepressants increase suicide risk in some children.... Read More

How To Help A Stressed Or Depressed Loved One

Having lived with a depressed partner for 3 years and... Read More

Stress and Depression are Killing Us!

A short generation ago, families could set their watch by... Read More