Psychologist in Atlanta

I had my initial consultation with Dr. Johnson (my $25 copay was worth it to drool over him  even if the insurance doesn't pay and I pay for the whole visit).  Anyway, I'm working on my list of things to do.  I'm pretty sure my insurance won't pay for the psych visit, so I called 2 on the list his office provides and they cost the same $375.  Does anyone have any experience with Dr. Gary Santavicca (he has 50+ very positive ratings here on OH.com) or Dr. Bonnie Moscovitch (who I didn't find on the list here)?  Any information is appreciated. Thanks! Elli

I'm one of Dr. Hart's patients, so I had the same list as you did. I found Dr. Santavicca to be everything that the ratings listed him as. There is a TON of paperwork to fill out beforehand, and then he asks a few questions... goes through a "things you might not have thought of" sermon of sorts... He's very nice, but EXTREMELY talkative. It didn't matter to me though, because I just wanted my clearance letter. If he did what he said, it should've been there this Tuesday- (I only saw him 1 week ago today- 5/23). LaTonya @ Atlanta Bariatrics is on vacation from today until this next Tuesday, so I won't get to find out if I'm ready for a surgery date until then or not. Hope this helped!

I highly recommend Dr. Gary Santavicca or also look into Dr. Stephen Walfish.  Dr. Santavicca was the doctor that I used pre-WLS and yes....he's very talkative, lol but it's great information.  He's very thorough and prompt.  You won't have to chase him down to get your clearance letter. Dr. Stephen Walfish is very active in the support group that I attend at Atlanta Medical Center...great personality!

Hello Elli, I had my consult with Dr. Santavicca in Janruary and I lik'ed him is is very informative and funny. He will tell you up front that he is here to help. Have you called your insurance company to see if they will pay, they usally have another department that handles physic visist. Also his office staff is great with call and verifying your insurance. I have UHC but they do not handle the physc visit i have Cigna that handles it and his office confirmed this and I had a $40.00 copay. Check all of this out before you go and pay that money. Etoria

Thanks for all the information.  Dr. Santavicca's office said they would call the insurance to see if they will pay.  I'm expecting not.  I did set up the appointment for June 10th, but because of the cost, I called the 2nd doctor.  Apparently $375 is the going rate for self-pay.  Everybody seems to have very positive experiences with Dr. Santavicca, so I think I'll keep that appointment.  Nobody has anything to say about Dr. Moscovitch (positive or negative).  I was just thinking I might be more comfortable with a female rather than male.  In the end, it probably doesn't matter.  I don't have issues that need to be worked through, just need the clearence letter. Thanks again for the help! Elli

I used Dr VanHaveran off the list - he was great :) Also check with him in reguards to your insurance - he took mine. hope this helps :)

Yeah I used Dr. VanHaveren as well and he accepted my insurance.

Hmm, I'll have to check out Dr. Van Haveren too I guess. And *****yMel, it's nice to have you back.  Glad your surgery went well. -Elli

Thanks Elli!

I used dr Van too nice guy.  He took my insurance also.  Hey speaking of how do I know when this comes back?  I havent heard anyting come to think of it. I saw him on May 22nd.  Will he call or just send info to Dr hart Office?