TMS When You’re in Colorado (A Guide for Travelers & Temporary Residents)

Sam Clinch • December 10, 2025

Your main options while you’re in Colorado


Short/accelerated courses



If you have very limited time, accelerated TMS (iTBS or compressed protocols) lets clinics deliver many sessions over a few days rather than weeks. Inspire offers accelerated regimens (MagVenture-capable) and lists accelerated TMS as an option for patients who need a fast course, but note: accelerated courses are often not covered by insurance and usually require self-pay or sliding-scale arrangements.
Maintenance or “rescue” sessions


Maintenance or “rescue” sessions



If you’ve completed a full course and need occasional boosters to maintain gains while away, maintenance TMS (weekly, biweekly, or monthly sessions) is common. Clinics also provide rescue or extension courses when symptoms re-emerge. Maintenance often requires a clinician discussion to set frequency, and many insurers do not routinely cover maintenance so clinics may offer packages or discounted session bundles.


Full course continuation


If your original acute course was interrupted, many clinics will pick up or adjust your plan; this typically requires review of previous mapping and progress measures and coordination with your home TMS provider. Inspire performs mapping and tailors plans to each patient’s needs.


How to decide which option is right for you


If you’ll be here only a few days:


Accelerated TMS is designed for condensed schedules and may be the best fit -discuss candidacy and coverage with the clinic.


If you’ve already responded to a course:


Maintenance sessions help prevent relapse; frequency is individualized.


If your course was interrupted: 


Share mapping and session history so the treating clinic can resume safely; mapping is commonly required and is done by the treating physician. 


Not Sure If Insurance Covers TMS?

Get a personalized estimate - see if you qualify for insurance and what you’d pay without coverage.


Practical step-by-step: how to arrange treatment while you’re here


1. Contact Inspire before you travel


Tell the clinic your travel dates, current TMS status (sessions completed, device used, mapping notes if available), and insurance. Inspire runs benefits checks and prior authorizations when appropriate - doing this early saves arrival-time delays.


2. Send your medical/TMS records


Ask your home clinic for: treatment summaries, coil-position/mapping parameters, stimulation intensity, session count, and recent outcome scores (e.g., PHQ-9). Electronic copies speed planning and help the treating physician match prior care.


3. Book a consult & mapping


Most patients have a consult and a mapping appointment before ongoing treatments. Mapping identifies the stimulation site and dose; many clinics perform the first treatment after mapping. Expect mapping even if you previously had one - equipment and coil positioning vary by clinic.


4. Confirm schedule & logistics


After mapping, the clinic will schedule your course (standard daily sessions, accelerated multiple sessions/day, or a maintenance spacing). Confirm clinic hours and arrival instructions - Inspire is open
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM and generally responds to patient requests within one business day. Plan travel if your stay includes weekends. 


A medical professional in blue scrubs places a device on a patient's head. Inside a medical office by a window.

Insurance, cost & paperwork - what travelers must know


Insurance checks & prior authorization


Inspire will check benefits and submit prior authorizations where appropriate. Coverage depends on insurer rules, diagnosis, and previous treatments. Accelerated and maintenance protocols commonly require self-pay - always request an itemized estimate after the clinic runs a benefits check.


Maintenance & rescue costs


Maintenance TMS is often not covered by insurers; clinics typically offer single-session payments or discounted packages. If insurance won’t pay a repeat course, Inspire and other clinics may provide sliding-scale pricing or financial assistance.


Self-pay & pricing examples


Inspire’s financial policy and pricing guides include example self-pay figures and sliding-scale options. For exact out-of-pocket numbers, request a current estimate during your consult.

A medical professional in blue scrubs places a device on a patient's head. Inside a medical office by a window.

Logistical tips - travel, driving & what to bring


Mapping & appointments


Bring: a recent treatment summary, medication list, photo ID and insurance card. If you have the exact mapping/coordinator notes, bring them, they save time. Mapping often takes an hour; schedule travel time accordingly.


Driving & daily routine


Standard TMS typically allows patients to drive and resume normal activities after a session, making it practical for travelers. (Other in-clinic therapies such as Spravato or ketamine require onsite monitoring and prohibit same-day driving.)


Comfort for accelerated days


Accelerated schedules may require long clinic days (multiple sessions with short breaks). Bring snacks, water, headphones, chargers and something to read or watch. Clinics usually provide a comfortable space but plan for several hours on accelerated treatment days. 

Medical & safety considerations



Screening: The clinic screens for implanted metal, seizure history and other contraindications before mapping. This is essential.


Monitoring: Staff track progress with standardized measures. If symptoms recur, clinics offer rescue or maintenance sessions; if insurance won’t cover repeat courses, clinics may provide discounts or hardship assistance. Inspire offers treatment extension, rescue and maintenance when indicated. 


Download Your Roadmap to TMS


Want a clear picture of what to expect? Download the TMS Treatment Roadmap by Sydney


Coordinating care after you leave Colorado


Ask for a course summary: Before you depart, request documentation of sessions delivered, mapping parameters and outcome scores to give your home provider.


Plan maintenance locally: If you need ongoing maintenance, either arrange with your home clinic or agree with a local clinic to provide scheduled sessions. Consider a maintenance package if you will travel repeatedly. 




Quick checklist to prepare



Before traveling/scheduling with Inspire:


  • Call Inspire and share travel dates + your TMS history; ask them to run a benefits check.


  • Request and send your mapping/treatment notes and recent outcome measures from your home clinic.



  • Confirm clinic hours & arrival instructions (Inspire: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM).


  • Bring photo ID, insurance card, medication list, and comfort items for long appointment days.
  • Can I do accelerated TMS if I’m only here for a week?

    Often yes. Accelerated protocols are designed for condensed schedules; discuss candidacy and insurance/self-pay options during your consult. Accelerated protocols are powerful but are often not covered by insurance.

  • Will my home insurance cover sessions in Colorado?

    Possibly — coverage varies. Inspire will run a benefits check and attempt to secure prior authorization, but accelerated and maintenance protocols may not be covered. Ask for an itemized estimate.

  • What if I need more treatment after I leave?

    Clinics can provide rescue or maintenance sessions; many patients receive booster sessions or scheduled maintenance to sustain improvements. If insurance won’t cover repeat courses, clinics may offer packages or hardship discounts.

Every Question Answered

Want to know more about TMS? Check out this in-depth guide to TMS therapy with transparent and easy to understand explanations about TMS processes, protocols, and treated conditions.

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