Optum, United Healthcare, and United Behavioral Health announced that its transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) clinical policy now permits psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) to order, supervise, and administer NeuroStar TMS therapy. The update applies to PMHNPs in states that grant full practice authority and who operate within the advanced practice registered nurse scope of practice, covering 26 states and Washington, D.C.
The expansion lifts a previous restriction that limited TMS delivery to psychiatrists alone, thereby enlarging the provider base that can deliver NeuroStar’s core product. With the new policy, the therapy becomes available to an additional 34.8 million commercial covered lives, a significant portion of the U.S. population that includes many patients who have not responded to or cannot tolerate antidepressant medication. The move is expected to improve access in underserved communities where psychiatrists are scarce.
Dan Reuvers, President and CEO of Neuronetics, said the policy change “recognizes the critical role that psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners play in delivering care and will help ensure that more patients, particularly those in underserved communities, can access the life‑changing treatment they deserve.” A PMHNP who has used the therapy noted that the expansion “opens the door for so many more patients to get the help they need.”
Neuronetics has been unprofitable, with losses increasing over the past five years, but the company has reported revenue growth, including an 18 % year‑over‑year increase in its local consumables segment. The company also recently announced a CFO transition and workforce reductions of up to 5 % of employees, reflecting ongoing cost‑optimization efforts. Despite these financial challenges, the coverage expansion is a positive development that could accelerate adoption of NeuroStar therapy and support future revenue growth.
The policy update follows a series of prior coverage expansions, including New York State Medicaid, TRICARE for adolescents, and Medicare, which have all broadened the patient base for TMS. Optum’s decision to allow PMHNPs to deliver the therapy is the latest step in a broader trend of insurers expanding access to evidence‑based mental‑health treatments, positioning Neuronetics to capture a larger share of the growing TMS market.
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