Reconsideration of the lifetime limit of 50 rebated TMS sessions

Australasian Psychiatry 2026 Open access

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Authors: SAXBY A. PRIDMORE, Yvonne Turnier‐Shea, Marzena Rybak, Gregory Mark Peterson
DOI: 10.1177/10398562261431257
Cited by: 0
References: 13

Abstract

ObjectiveTo make a case for the Medicare benefits schedule (MBS) rule, that depressed patients who benefit from transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have a lifetime limit of 50 treatments, to be reconsidered.ConclusionEvidence proves TMS can produce remission in major depressive disorder/treatment resistant disorder (MDD/TRD) when medication has failed. This is a relapsing disorder, and further treatments are usually required (but are prevented by this limit). We suggest the limit be raised to 70 treatments (2 courses, or similar) per year.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Studies Treatment of Major Depression Electroconvulsive Therapy Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
Australasian Psychiatry
Volume
34
Issue
4
Pages
325–327
Publication date
26 February 2026
Language
EN