Behavioral Health Specialist

I have Aetna insurance, and they require that I see my surgeon, a dietician, and a behavioral health specialist once a month for three months to record my progress before they will approve me.  For anyone else who has had to go through this, with Aetna, or any other insurance and you know the specialist accepts Aetna and want to reccomment them, what is the name of your behavioral health specialist?  I don't know any in the area, and even though I only have to see them 3 times, I don't want to waste money if I don't like them.  I also know that everyone is different, but I know my chances of liking someone are higher if they get good reviews from someone who has gone through the same thing as me!  TIA!

Dr. Santavicia (not sure on the spelling)  I believe Dr. Macik's office gave me the name or I got it off the Aetna website.  I'll get the info tonight and send it to you.  He does mainly pre-op evals so he knows exactly what needs to be done.

Hi Aly - I would highly recommend Jeanine Mele.  She is in the Kennesaw area. Since you don't say where you are located I'm not sure if she would be too far from you.  I also do not know if she accepts Aetna but you could call her and ask if she's not too far from you.

Dr. Gary Santavicca has offices in Cobb County (I-75 and I-285 area, as well as conyers and Atlanta Medical).  He accepts a variety of insurance policies.

You might also want to check Dr. Stephen Ritz in Decatur.

Both of them do alot of work with bariatric patients. 

I use Dr. Santavica. 

OMG... I have macik as my surgeon.... great surgeon., However, to get the required "psych" consult I use Santivacia.... what a Quack a zoid.... good to get him to sign off on consult for ins. but I would not use him as a "real" therapist.....

Please trust me on this.... I've been in therapy longer than I care to admit.

I use Lucretia Martin... found her thru Northisde when I tried their supervised diet program.... PM me for more details. She is kind caring and understands eating issues.....




CC

Thank you all for posting.  Unfortunately, apparently he doesn't accept my particular Aetna insurance, as I can not find him on my provider list on the Aetna website (I will call later and confirm).  I certainly hope I do not have to go self pay.  I am already going to have to pay so much out of pocket.  If he does not accept my insurance, maybe Dr. Macik will work with another psychiatrist?  *sigh*  We will see, I suppose!  I have also yet to find a nutritionist that accepts insurance, mine at that.

I had to pay for the nut's visits out of pocket.  My insurance company only paid if you had diabetes which I did not have.

As for Santavicca's out of pocket charges I believe it runs about $375.00.  I would call his office and see if he can bill it as an out-of-network provider. 

If you think your insurance is demanding, try 6 months monitored diet and exercise, 6 months counseling or support group, and psych evaluation.  There's a reason why my screen name is bulldog - I feel like I'm just a pooch jumping through a lot of hoops to try to access the surgery.

Dr Macik will allow you to use another pych.  He hasnt objected to my using another dietician.  I think he offers referrals to us just in case we dont already have someone in mind.  Good Luck