bcbs required psch eval

Blue Cross of IL PPO requires a psych eval at begin and end of 12 month diet. Does anyone know what the name of the evaluation is called? I think it is MMPI but not sure and was hoping not to get on the phone to BCBS today. thanks

I had the MMPI at the end of the 12 months (just did it yesterday), not the beginning. At the begginning I just talked to the psych about eating habits, what lead to my weight gain, family issues and took some questioners (food behaviors, satisfaction scale and one on eating disorders) I have not submitted everything yet, so I am not sure that is what they are looking for though. Would not hurt to call them, they have been very helpful everytime I have talked with them. Good luck!

I did the interview and the questionnaire at my one and only required meeting -- took at bit over 2 hours. No big deal! Katie

thanks guys. i did go to the bcbs website and printed their requirements but it is not specific. i am just going to bite the bullet and call them later today. maybe i don't need the MMPI at the beginning like you say. will let you know what they tell me. i called a psych clinic today to see what they charge for cash patients. it is $560.00 for the MMPI. i actually will not be effective with bcbs for a couple months. after i get married. so technically i'm not covered yet but thought i would start the ball rolling. you know what would really suck is if the benefits through his employer changes jan 1. talk about taking chances. yikes!!!!!!!!!

Hello, you do need to MEET with a psych at the beginning and end. I am not sure exactly what the first meeting is-MMPI or not, but it is required to see the psych twice in your 12 month program. The best way to get the ball rolling is to start seeing the nutrionist and dietician. A personal trainer never hurts either. I am on month 11-WOOHOO! One more month to go. I've lost 30 something pounds on my own. God that feels great to say. I've never gone a year without gaining-and this year I lost and I can confidently say I WILL NEVER GAIN THAT BACK! The 12 month program can be a godsend. Get ya healthy and on track for the post surgery life. I'll be much better suited for the surgery now. GOOD LUCK!

Funny thing. I called BCBS yesterday and was told I do not need a psych eval at the beginning, only at the end and it did not need to be a specific test just an evaluation. She also told me I did not need to see a Dr. and a nutitionist, only the Dr. She also told me I did not need a personal trainer at all much less every three months. I think I will call back next week and see what the next CSR tells me. This is what gets people in trouble. I work in a Dr's office and run into this all the time and it's always frustrating.

my thought is that you might as well give them MORE than they need as long as you are going to do it anyway! Durning my 12 month I meet with the Nurse practicioner and the Nutritionist EVERY month, The PT and the pysch every three months. I figured it could not hurt!! You do not want to waste your 12 month and not fufill the requirements. The EOB is very confusing. It just says 12 months, but does not really say everything! I am getting ready to submit next week, so hopefully all my ducks are in a row!!!

I have BCBS, and the only psych evaluation I had was through the Wish Center at my first consultation. I did not have to go through the 12 month supervised diet, and was still approved. (Also, I only had medical records going back 3 years) It's difficult to understand how some cases are approved easily (I'm not complaining) and others have such a hard time.... kate

My thoughts exactly. Even if they told me again it is not required I was going to give them all that and my bag of chips. As much as I would love to have WLS now, a 12 month program is not a bad thing at all. It will not be such a shock to change my eating habits now vs. after WLS. I do hope your package is undeniable. It sounds as though you have done your homework. Keep us posted on your progress.