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We accept referrals from any GP, Psychiatrist, or other allied health professional.  

Referral

Screening

TMS Prescription & RMT

Acute Course

Final Review

Maintenance Course
If Needed

How can I refer my patients?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can refer patients for TMS?

Best Brains and Minds  we accept referrals from any GP, Psychiatrist, or other allied health professional.  

An experienced TMS clinician  will conduct a thorough assessment prior to treatment to ensure safety and suitability for treatment. Generally, patients with a history of epilepsy or have metal implants in their head should not receive TMS treatment.  

This can include (not exhaustive): 

  • Metallic implants in your head, ears, eyes or neck (not including dental implants) 
  • Metal stents in the neck or brain 
  • Other metal objects around your head region 
  • Facial tattoos with metallic ink 
  • Deep brain stimulators 
  • Aneurysm clips or coils 

After we receive your referral, one of our TMS Clinicians will contact the patient to organise a screening call.  The clinician will then refer the patient for a dose mapping session with the Psychiatrist for assessment and to determine the Resting Motor Threshold for TMS dosing (RMT). If MRI guided TMS is prescribed the client will be referred for a bulk-billed MRI. The nursing staff will then organise a treatment schedule with the patient.  

TMS was approved in Australia by the TGA in 2007 and was recognised by the RANZCP in 2013, as an approved treatment for medication-resistant Depression.  Medicare rebates for eligible patients were introduced in 2021.  TMS for other conditions is currently an off-label treatment.  

Yes. It is recommended that no major changes be made to patient’s medication during the treatment period. This is  in order to accurately assess the effects of TMS on the patient’s condition.  

While MRI guided TMS is our preferred and more accurate method of TMS navigation, patients that cannot have an MRI can still receive TMS. We offer other approved TMS protocol can be administered using an alternative method to accurately place the TMS coil.  

Yes, we will notify you after the patient has completed their initial review with one of our TMS Clinicians. We will also contact you once the treatment is completed to notify you of the patient outcomes. You may also request to be sent progress report throughout the treatment.  

Patients must fulfil the following requirement to be eligible to receive Medicare benefits 

  • Be over 18 years of age 
  • Be referred with depression as their primary diagnosis 
  • Have not previously received TMS therapy 
  • Have triad at least 2 classes of antidepressants without satisfactory improvement with patient adherence to antidepressants treatment, the recommended therapeutic dose trialled for at least 3 weeks, the treatment titrated to the maximum tolerated dose (where clinically appropriate).  
  • Have undertaken psychological therapy, if clinically appropriate.  
  • Have not received a completed course of TMS previously under Medicare. (if unsure, we can assist clients to clarify this).  

There  are a number of protocols of TMS for a number of conditions. Each are tailored to the conditions and symptoms we are aiming to treat. For patients who have multiple comorbid conditions, a personalized treatment plan will be determined. The duration of treatment may vary in these cases dependent upon the condition(s) being treated.  

The treatment plan will be assessed on an ongoing basis according to how the patient is responding and the treatment goals.  

NB: Each specific condition to be treated must be provided on the referral form.  

The patient will receive follow up contact with one of our Registered Nurse or TMS Clinicians, to assess how they are functioning after treatment. You will receive a final report from the treating Psychiatrist outlining the outcome of treatment and any further recommendations for treatment if deemed appropriate.