In October 2024, UHC/Optum updated their policy and removed the sentence regarding "a psychiatrist must directly supervise TMS (i.e. be in the building)." It now states that a physician shall oversee the treatment, but does not have to personally administer the sessions nor be in the area. A prescribing or covering physician must be immediately reachable and interruptible in case of question or problems during treatment."
UHC/Optum is telling me that what they mean is that an MD has to be in the building while TMS and not just be reachable virtually. Has anyone come across this issue? Am I reading the policy incorrectly? Our psychiatrist, examines the patient, conducts cortical mapping and oversees the treatment via me (Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner), but is not in the building while TMS sessions are going on.
I would appreciate your feedback!
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