Straight answers, before you ever pick up the phone.
Everything patients and referring physicians ask us most — about getting started, costs, navigated TMS (nTMS), and what treatment actually looks like.
Appointments & referrals
Do I need a referral to be seen at Meridian Neuro?
It depends on the service. For neurology and nTMS programs, no referral is needed — you schedule a comprehensive neurological evaluation with Dr. Gee directly. For neuro-vestibular physical therapy, you can self-refer or come with a referral from any physician — no neurology consult required. For speech & language therapy, a referral from any physician is all that's needed.
What happens at the first appointment?
Every treatment program begins with an evaluation. For neurology and nTMS, that's a 60–90 minute comprehensive neurological evaluation with Dr. Gee. For therapy, it's an initial evaluation with your treating therapist. In every case, you leave with a clear explanation of what's going on and an honest set of options.
Do therapy patients have to see the neurologist first?
No. Neuro-vestibular physical therapy and speech & language therapy stand on their own. You start directly with your treating therapist — no neurology consult required.
Where are you located, and what areas do you serve?
We're at 18 Endeavor STE 105, Irvine, CA 92618, serving all of Orange County — with convenient access from Tustin, Lake Forest, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, and Mission Viejo. Free parking on site.
What are your hours?
Monday through Thursday 9 AM–5 PM, Friday 9 AM–2 PM. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Call (949) 850-2885 or email info@meridianneuro.net.
How paying for care works
Do you take insurance?
We're a cash-pay practice and don't bill insurance directly. That's what removes prior authorizations, visit caps, and insurer-driven care decisions. We provide superbills on request that you can submit to your insurer for possible out-of-network reimbursement, and we accept HSA and FSA payment.
How much does treatment cost?
Every service has a flat fee, quoted before you book — at your evaluation, or by phone or email. All costs are reviewed with you before treatment begins, so there are no surprise fees. Call (949) 850-2885 for exact numbers, or see Programs & Fees for how the model works.
What is a superbill?
A superbill is an itemized receipt with the codes insurers use. You pay us directly, then submit the superbill to your insurance company, which may reimburse you at its out-of-network rate depending on your plan. We're glad to walk you through it.
What if a treatment isn't working — do I keep paying for it?
No. Programs are phased, with a built-in go/no-go checkpoint where you and your clinician review your response and decide together whether continuing makes sense. We continue treatment because it's working, not because it's scheduled.
About nTMS treatment
What is navigated TMS, and how is it different from standard TMS?
Navigated TMS (nTMS) is non-invasive brain stimulation guided by your own MRI. Standard TMS positions the treatment coil using external scalp measurements; the Nexstim NBS system we use tracks your head position in real time and maps stimulation onto your brain anatomy with millimeter-level precision — the same target, found again, every session. More on our Neuromodulation page.
How long is an nTMS session?
Under 30 minutes. There's no anesthesia — you're awake and comfortable — and you can drive yourself home and resume normal activity immediately.
Does nTMS hurt?
Most people feel a tapping sensation on the scalp. Some notice mild scalp discomfort early in treatment that typically lessens over sessions.
Which conditions can nTMS be considered for?
Following a comprehensive neurological evaluation, Dr. Gee may recommend nTMS as part of an individualized treatment plan for conditions including migraine and chronic headache, post-concussion syndrome, treatment-resistant depression, Parkinson's disease, stroke recovery, tinnitus, and cognitive performance optimization. Whether it's appropriate for you is a clinical decision made at your evaluation.
Is nTMS FDA-cleared?
The Nexstim system's US FDA clearances include treatment of major depressive disorder — relevant to treatment-resistant depression, which also requires a co-managing psychiatrist on record, since Meridian Neuro is a neurology practice, not a psychiatry practice. For other conditions, nTMS may be considered by Dr. Gee as part of an individualized, physician-directed treatment plan based on his clinical judgment and the published research.
Who oversees nTMS treatment?
Every stimulation parameter is set and monitored by Dr. Joey Gee, DO, FAHS — board-certified neurologist, headache specialist, and our medical director.
Physical, speech & language therapy
What does neuro-vestibular physical therapy treat?
Dizziness and vertigo (including BPPV), balance dysfunction, motion sensitivity, post-concussion symptoms, gait and mobility challenges with Parkinson's disease, and balance recovery after stroke. Details here.
My symptoms have lasted months or years. Is it too late for therapy?
No. The brain's capacity to adapt doesn't expire. Chronic dizziness, long-standing post-concussion symptoms, and communication challenges well after stroke are exactly what our therapists have spent 20+ years treating. An evaluation will give you an honest picture of what therapy can offer in your situation.
What does speech & language therapy cover?
Aphasia after stroke or brain injury, cognitive-communication challenges (attention, memory, processing), voice therapy, dysarthria, swallowing evaluation, and the SPEAK OUT!® program for Parkinson's disease. Details here.
Can I do therapy and see the neurologist at the same time?
Yes — that's the point of the integrated model. When your situation involves several systems (common after concussion or stroke), your therapists and Dr. Gee coordinate one plan in one location.
Referral questions
How do I refer a patient?
Send records to info@meridianneuro.net or call (949) 850-2885 and ask for referral coordination. Therapy referrals go straight to the treating therapist — no neurology consult required. Neurology and nTMS referrals are scheduled for a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Gee.
Will I get my patient back?
Yes. We report findings back to you and return patients for their ongoing care. Meridian Neuro doesn't provide longitudinal general neurology — no ongoing epilepsy management, MS disease-modifying therapy, or ALS follow-up — so referral relationships stay clean.
What don't you treat?
We don't prescribe controlled substances (opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants), don't provide longitudinal general neurology, and don't provide emergency or acute care. For stroke symptoms or any emergency, patients should call 911.
Didn't find your answer?
Call us, or start with the evaluation that fits your situation.