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Why Spravato?

 

Spravato (esketamine) is approved for treatment of individuals suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Spravato is an excellent treatment choice for those struggling with depression despite previous medication trials. 

 

Things to consider about treatment with Spravato:

  • Spravato is FDA approved, which means that many health insurance companies will cover treatment with Spravato. 

  • Spravato is a nasal spray, which is administered in the office setting. This is a painless procedure that does not require the use of needles. 

  • Per FDA regulations, Spravato can only be administered in the office setting under direct supervision of an appropriately licensed medical professional. This ensures that you have appropriate access to medical and emotional support should you experience any issues during treatment. It also reduces the risk of misuse or abuse of the medication. 

 

Qualifying for Spravato

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  • Must be at least 18 years old.

  • Must be able to provide a history of at least 2 previously tried antidepressant medications (some insurance plans require additional tried medications).

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For further details regarding qualifications for Spravato treatment, click here. 

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Paying for Spravato 

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Spravato is approved by the FDA specifically for treatment of TRD. Due to this specific approval, and the guidelines for providing treatment, many health insurance plans cover this treatment option.  

 

Each health insurance plan is different, we are therefore unable to indicate how much you may owe for treatment with Spravato until your insurance plan has approved treatment. Prior to starting treatment with Spravato, and throughout treatment, we will work with you and your insurance plan to ensure that it is covered. You will be provided with information about expected out-of-pocket costs prior to starting treatment with Spravato. Payment for any uncovered portion of treatment, including any copay, is expected at the time of service.

 

We are currently able to accept the following health insurance plans:

  • Cigna

  • Aetna

  • Colorado Medicaid

  • United

  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield/Carelon​​

 

 

The Spravato Experience 

 

To get started with Spravato treatment:

  • You will first have a 60-minute intake assessment during which your psychiatric history will be reviewed. In this appointment, we will work with you to determine which treatment option is best for you. 

  • Authorization for Spravato treatment must be obtained from your insurance carrier prior to starting treatment. As soon as authorization is obtained, you will be scheduled for treatment.

  • Each treatment session lasts for 2 hours. Initially, you will follow the below treatment schedule:

    • Phase 1: Weeks 1-4, 2 treatment sessions per week

    • Phase 2: Weeks 5-8, 1 or 2 treatment sessions a week

    • Maintenance phase: Week 9 and beyond, to be determined by your overall response to treatment. Most clients need 1 to 2 treatment sessions a month in the maintenance phase. 

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Special Considerations for Spravato

 

Each client receiving treatment with Spravato is required to be enrolled in a specialized drug monitoring program. We will assist with the enrollment process. There are specific standards that must be met at our clinic in order to receive Spravato treatment. These include:

  • You must have someone drive you home after each treatment session. â€‹â€‹Please be aware that Solaris is unable to assist with transportation. You are responsible for arranging your own reliable transportation. If a ride is not available to pick you up within 10 minutes of treatment completion, you will need to secure a rideshare or taxi service at your own expense. 

  • Each treatment session is a minimum of 2 hours long.

  • Treatment will only be administered in office. This is not a take-home medication. 

  • You must continue treatment with your current psychiatric medication provider. 

  • We strongly encourage consistent engagement in therapy sessions.

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