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Is Spravato Right for You? Understanding the Basics
- September 21, 2023
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NeuroMod Health
When it comes to finding new ways to treat mental health conditions, like major depressive disorder (MDD), there’s a lot to learn. One interesting option is Spravato (Esketamine), a nasal spray developed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals. But before you dive in, it’s important to know who might benefit from this treatment and how insurance plays a role. In this article, we’ll break down who could consider Spravato and what you need to know about insurance.
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Getting to Know Spravato
Imagine if there was a different kind of treatment for depression, one that targets a different neuroreceptor system from traditional antidepressants. That’s what Spravato aims to be. It’s a nasal spray that contains Esketamine, (derivative of a well-known IV anesthetic Ketamine). Spravato works together with regular antidepressants to help people with depression feel better faster.
Who Can Consider Spravato?
Not everyone is a good fit for Spravato, so doctors look at a few things to decide:
- Diagnosis: To consider Spravato, you need to have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD).
- Treatment History: If you’ve tried different antidepressant medications before and they haven’t helped much, Spravato might be an option. It’s designed for people with what’s called, “treatment-resistant depression”.
- Health Check: Before starting Spravato, your doctor will make sure you don’t have any health conditions or take any medicines that could cause problems when used in conjunction.
- Being Safe: Doctors also think about your overall health and any history of substance abuse to make sure that Spravato is safe for you.
- Keeping an Eye: If you do start your treatment with Spravato, your doctor will closely monitor how you’re doing. They want to make sure it’s helping and not causing any negative side effects.
Understanding how insurance fits into the picture is important too.
- Getting Authorization: Because Spravato is a newer kind of treatment, your insurance might need to say it’s okay before you can use it. This is called “prior authorization”. Spravato treatment centers can help with this process.
- Insurance criteria: Every insurance company has its own criteria about what treatments they cover. Some might cover Spravato only for certain people who really need it. Others might have more options.
- Paying Some Yourself: Even if your insurance helps, you might still need to pay a portion yourself. This could be a part of the cost, like a copayment or a deductible. It’s a good idea to ask your insurance and the treatment center.
If They Say No: If your insurance says they won’t pay for Spravato, don’t worry. You can ask them to take another look. Sometimes, if your doctor gives more information, they might change their mind.
Spravato could be a game-changer for treating treatment resistant depression, giving people hope for feeling better. But it’s not for everyone. Before jumping in, make sure to talk to your doctor about whether Spravato might be a good choice for you. And remember, insurance can be a bit tricky, so ask lots of questions to understand how it works with Spravato. Working closely with your doctor and insurance company can help you make the best decisions for your mental health journey. After all, getting better is about more than just medicine—it’s about getting the support you need.
