Commenter:       Brister, James
Title:     staff psychiatrist
Organization:     G.V. Montgomery VA Medical Center
Date:     08/21/2006
Comment:

I have been using VNS on treatment resistant deoression on veteran here at VA Hospital. It has finally given them some relief. they have been fighting depression for years and finally see hope. Most are doing things they haven't done in a decade. These people were so depressed that none saw a reason to go on living. We have even started to reduce med doses in some patients. It is safe and well tolerated and should reduce treatment costs. As is currently known, VA tries to do things right- A little up front cost cuts the over all cost. This treatment has finally given me a way to help people that I never could help before.

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MCD/viewpubliccomments.asp?nca_id=195&expand=Y#0807200609062006A