Initial

Analysis

Woman receiving a qEEG as part of her Initial Analysis

Your Initial Analysis Begins with Objective Testing

Your first step is evaluation — not treatment.

The initial analysis for MeRT® begins with two non-invasive tests:

  • A quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG)

  • An electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)

These tests measure brainwave activity, heart rhythm, and brain–heart coherence. The goal is to understand how your brain is functioning before making any treatment decisions.

After testing, our clinical team reviews the data to identify areas where communication between brain regions may be dysregulated.

If appropriate, this information is used to design an individualized treatment protocol.

What is a qEEG?

A qEEG — often referred to as “brain mapping” — measures the electrical activity of your brain.

Small sensors are placed on the scalp to record brainwave patterns. The process is painless and does not involve radiation or stimulation.

The data helps identify patterns that may be associated with disrupted brain communication. These findings are reviewed in the context of your symptoms and medical history.

eeg report

Examples of EEG Findings

qEEG results may show:

EEG image from initial analysis showing deficit

Deficit

Areas with lower-than-expected activity, which may be associated with cognitive or processing challenges.

EEG image from initial analysis showing excess

Excess

Elevated activity that may correlate with restlessness or difficulty focusing.

EEG image from initial analysis showing focal excess

Focal Excess

Localized overactivity that may be associated with prior injury.

EEG image from initial analysis showing frontal lobe excess

Frontal Lobe Excess

Patterns sometimes associated with changes in motivation or mood.

EEG image from initial analysis showing normal activity

Normal

No notable irregularities in measured activity.

Interpretation is always made by our clinical team in context — EEG findings alone do not establish a diagnosis.

Woman getting a qEEG as part of her EEG-guided rTMS treatment for cognitive performance and mental health

What to Expect at Your Initial Visit​

Your first appointment typically lasts about 45 minutes. During this visit:

  • New patient paperwork is reviewed

  • A qEEG and EKG are performed

For children being evaluated for autism, please allow approximately one hour.

You will then return for a 45-minute consultation with one of our clinicians to review the findings, ask questions, and discuss whether EEG-guided rTMS (MeRT) may be appropriate.

Dr. Julie Kim, Medical Director, oversees all treatment plans.

There is no obligation to proceed with treatment.

Insurance and Payment Information

Coverage for the initial analysis (qEEG and consultation) varies by insurance plan.

We are considered an out-of-network provider for most insurance carriers and do not submit claims on your behalf. However, we can provide you with the appropriate documentation, which you may submit to your insurance company to inquire about possible reimbursement.

Please note that we are unable to treat patients with Medicare or Medicaid.

The neuromodulation equipment used in MeRT is FDA-cleared for Major Depressive Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Use for other conditions is considered off-label. Insurance reimbursement for off-label applications is uncommon.

Some patients have reported partial reimbursement for EEG testing or clinical evaluations, depending on their individual health plan. Coverage is not guaranteed and varies by policy.

We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

CareCredit® financing is also available. CareCredit is a third-party medical financing company that may offer promotional financing options for qualified applicants. Approval decisions are made directly by CareCredit.

If you have questions about your specific insurance situation, our New Patient Coordinator will be happy to review this with you.

Contact Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More About Your Initial Analysis

It’s completely normal to feel uncertain when you’re exploring new options for yourself or a loved one. The initial analysis is designed to give you clear, objective information about how your brain is functioning — before you make any decisions about treatment.

Our New Patient Coordinator is available to answer your questions about the qEEG, consultation process, scheduling, and what to expect during your visit. She can explain how the testing works and help you determine whether an initial analysis is the right next step for you.

If you decide to move forward, she will assist you in scheduling your qEEG and consultation at a time that works for you.

Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More

(949) 418-1108

Or fill out the Contact Form below and we will contact you. 

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Absolute Contraindications

Absolute contraindications for cortical MeRT treatment: Pacemaker, Defibrillator, Vagal Nerve Stimulator, VP Shunt/ Magnetic intracranial shunts, Deep Brain Stimulator, Epidural Cortical stimulator, Steel shunts/stents, Cranial metal fragments (i.e. shrapnel, excluding titanium), Cochlear implant, Aneurysm clips, coils, pipelines flow diversion, Pregnant or breastfeeding, Primary brain cancer / metastatic lesions in brain (unless palliative care), Magnetic dental implants, Implanted cardio-verter defibrillators (ICD), Ocular implants.

Relative Contraindications

Relative contraindications require closer protocol attention and may or may not disqualify someone from receiving cortical MeRT treatment, depending on the doctor’s discretion and the person’s individual condition. These include: History of Seizure or seizure disorder, Titanium shunts/stents, Spinal Cord Stimulator, Hearing aids, Ferrous cortical implants, Magnetic ink tattoo, Bipolar Disorder Type I/II, Baha Implant.