4.5.44 Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Simulation (rTMS)
WorkSafe can consider paying the reasonable costs of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) when required for treatment-resistant depression caused by a work-related An injury/disease is work related if it arose out of or in the course of employment and the scope of employment. injury or illness under Victorian workers compensation legislation (the legislation).
The Agent will periodically review a worker’s entitlement to rTMS to ensure the treatment and services remain reasonable for the work-related injury or illness and are payable under the legislation.
From 1 July 2018, WorkSafe has supported the use of outpatient rTMS treatment. Agents may need to consider the reasonableness of non-hospital accommodation to support outpatient treatment.
Approval of outpatient rTMS follows the steps as outlined in the relevant sections below. For inpatient rTMS requests, Agents must refer to the NeNET process, which requires Clinical Panel approval.
Reasonable costs of non-hospital accommodation
Depending on the location of a worker’s residence, the cost of travel and accommodation to access outpatient rTMS treatment may be covered under the WorkSafe Travel Expenses Policy. For eligible workers, this may include travel, meals and hotel expenses.
Agents are encouraged to discuss travel and accommodation concerns with injured workers and refer to the Travel Expenses Policy.
Policy
Refer to policy for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) policy specifies the conditions by which rTMS can be paid. The policy includes information regarding:
- who can request and provide services
- what WorkSafe will and will not pay for
This section of the Claims Manual must be read in conjunction with the rTMS fee schedule and the following policies:
Fee schedule
For all information regarding current fees and rates, please refer to WorkSafe's rTMS Fee Schedule.