Newsletters

VNS Therapy Insights™ is a quarterly newsletter dedicated to bringing you the latest information on treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and on VNS Therapy.

February 2008: Volume 3, Issue 1 – The February issue begins with a summary of recently-published articles that provide insight into the mechanism of action of VNS Therapy, as well as how substance P may serve as a biological market for TRD. This issue also includes information on dosing strategies that have emerged as the result of more than 1,600 psychiatrists treating more than 3,000 patients with VNS Therapy for TRD. A case report is included in this issue, as well as an updated bibliography and information about a dosing study that is taking place in 30 sites across the U.S.

October 2007: Volume 2, Issue 4 – The October issue begins with the summary of a recently published case study published in the Journal of Electroconvulsive Therapy that describes outcomes and cost savings of a patient being treated with VNS Therapy after several years of maintenance ECT. This issue also includes important information on a revised process to help you determine the best strategy for pursuing access to coverage for patients in your practice that may be appropriate candidates for VNS Therapy. A second recently published case study that describes a 7-year response to VNS Therapy and tips for obtaining insurance coverage of VNS Therapy from Steven Buser, MD are also highlighted in this issue.

July 2007: Volume 2, Issue 3 – The July issue begins with an overview of presentations that featured VNS Therapy and TRD at the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in May 2007. Page 2 includes information about tools that are now available to help patients educate their employers about TRD and VNS Therapy and therefore enable them to pursue coverage for VNS Therapy when their employers have self-funded health plans. Also, this issue includes information regarding Medicare coverage, a VNS Therapy case history report, and an updated bibliography.

April 2007: Volume 2, Issue 2 – This issue begins with an overview of research on the durability of response to VNS Therapy. Also highlighted are educational opportunities on TRD and VNS Therapy at the APA annual meeting in May 2007. In addition, this issue includes information about strategies for reimbursement success, an update on Medicare and Medicaid coverage, an updated bibliography, and available resources for your practice and your patients.

January 2007: Volume 2, Issue 1 – This issue begins with an overview of research on the unique mechanism of action of VNS Therapy, and an overview of the long-term STAR*D Outcomes.  Also highlighted are the scientific posters on VNS Therapy presented at the November 2006 U.S. Psychiatric and Mental Health Congress.  In addition, this issue includes information about new faxable forms for TRD Outcomes, an updated bibliography, reimbursement updates and available resources for your practice and your patients.

September 2006: Volume 1, Issue 1 - The first issue highlights new research on VNS Therapy presented at the May 2006 Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). In addition, this issue includes information about the ongoing clinical studies on VNS Therapy, the TRD Registry, a recent bibliography of publications and available resources for your practice and your patients. 

Mental HealthWorks Quarterly Newsletters from the National Partership for Workplace Mental Health