Payers Covering 34.8 Million Lives Permit Nurse Practitioner-Administered Deep TMS
Optum/United Behavioral Health now covers Deep TMS administered by psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners for commercial plans insuring 34.8 million U.S. lives. Multiple other major payers including Medicare Administrative Contractors, the VA, and TRICARE West have adopted similar policies to expand non-drug mental health treatment access.
1. Optum Updates TMS Coverage Policy
In late 2025, Optum/United Behavioral Health revised its clinical policy to authorize psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners to order, supervise and administer Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy in full-practice states. This change extends beyond psychiatrists and affects commercial plans covering about 34.8 million members.
2. Additional Payer Adoption
Following Optum’s lead, several commercial insurers, Medicare Administrative Contractors including First Coast, National Government Services and Novitas, as well as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and TRICARE West now allow nurse practitioners to provide Deep TMS services under applicable scope-of-practice regulations.
3. Impact on Access and Capacity
By broadening the pool of qualified clinicians able to deliver Deep TMS, BrainsWay expects reduced patient wait times and improved access in regions facing psychiatrist shortages. Nurse practitioner administration aims to address provider capacity constraints and support timely, non-pharmacologic mental health treatment.
4. Company Strategy and Outlook
BrainsWay is engaging with clinicians, payers and policymakers to promote its FDA-cleared Deep TMS platform for multiple indications. Ongoing clinical trials and outreach efforts intend to further solidify reimbursement pathways and expand global patient access.