Referral and Treatment Process for Esketamine:
If you and your doctor decide that Esketamine might be a good option for you, the first step is a referral to one of our certified treatment centers. To begin Esketamine Therapy, please speak with one of our medical assistants or your provider to schedule an initial Esketamine Evaluation. During your initial evaluation, you and your provider will discuss your medical history, current medications, and other important information. Once the initial evaluation is complete, SNBCare will coordinate with your insurance to receive approval for treatment (Prior Authorization). Before starting, you’ll need to be enrolled in a special safety program called REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program, which helps ensure that the treatment is used safely. You may be asked to hold off taking certain medication on the day of treatment which will be discussed with your provider. The SNBCare staff will also explain what to expect, answer your questions, and confirm that you have a plan for transportation/commute after each session since you will not be able to operate heavy machinery after treatment.
At the treatment center, Esketamine is a self administered nasal spray under the supervision of a health care provider. You’ll be observed for at least two hours afterward to monitor for any side effects, such as sedation (tiredness), dizziness, nausea, or sedation (feeling disconnected). During the monitoring period, you will be asked to sit back and relax in one of our treatment reclining chairs and encouraged to bring a book or some headphones as you undergo treatment. The healthcare team will check your vital signs and ask you how you’re feeling. After the observation period, you’ll go home with instructions to rest for the remainder of the day. Esketamine treatments are typically done twice a week at first, with the frequency decreasing over time as you progress through your treatment plan. Your provider and the treatment team will work closely with you to monitor your progress and adjust the plan as needed.