worried about the psych. evaluation.

I had my psychiatic appointment today, my regular appointment that I have every month because I have bipolar, and it was a new Doctor. I asked her if she could give me a psych. eval. for wls and she said that she didn't do that but she would find out who does. I was wondering when or if your insurance wanted an eval. did you get that through your sugeon or did you have find out who does it on your own? My surgeon is Dr. Hornbustle if anyone could help. Thanks Penni

My surgeons office did all the leg work on that. They had two people to choose from. One was $200 and one was $50. Of course, guess who we picked! I just had to call the guy and set up an appointment. It was pretty simple. He gave me a standardized checkmark form to fill out about being suicidal, etc. He also asked me some questions, like "I'm going to tell you these three words and I will ask you them at the end of the visit to see if you can remember them. Cadillac, Stereo, Barn." So I made up a sentence in my mind to remember it. +I drove the cadillac, listening to the stereo, while driving to the barn+ It was really no big deal. I have had friends who's evals were weird. The person was not so nice. But hopefully your surgeons office will refer you to a WLS freindly psych. If you aren't sure of who to go to, give them a call and see if they have a reccomendation. I know mine and my husbands were a breeze! Take care, Kristen

I was able to use my pyschiatrist that I have been going to for about 1 year. He said it is no big deal. They are just ensuring that you are rational enough to follow basic instuctions and not do anything irrational. This helps with the Malpratice insurance in the very few cases where someone does themselves harm. I would venture a guess that is why your new psychiatric dr doesn't want to get involved. Keep herself out of the possible-lawsuit-chain. Either that or she feels it is a true specialty diagnoses, but she would be wrong. I would just stay on your Dr's office and not let them drop the ball. Does your insurance company have a suggestion? Give them a call. ... Ken Here are a few web qoutes: --------------------------------------------------------------------- Normally, we ask the psychiatrist or psychologist to evaluate for understanding and knowledge, and ability to follow the basic recovery plan. Very few persons are disqualified by the psych evaluation, it is usually painless, and it may be very helpful to you in defining your goals and your decision, as well as understanding yourself and how you may change after surgery ----------------------------------------------------------- These are conducted to apprise the surgeon of any cir****tances that might endanger the postoperative recovery or the success of the operation. Some of the issues considered include realistic expectations with respect to the surgery, psychological readiness, risk of post-operative depression, ability to appreciate and carry out required post-operative lifestyle changes, and acceptance of long-term follow-up and exercise programs. ------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.dr-411.com/doctorsearch.asp

Thank you so much Ken for all your help about the psych. evaluation. I had my first consult today, which went very well, and the "insurance lady" said that I just need to talk to you current psych. doctor and see if she will just write a simple note saying that I am in my right mind to have wls. I hope that she will write the letter. Surgeon's office said that if she won't they have someone who will do it for me. Again thanks. Penni

I found a better explanatory link. http://clos.net/psychological_evaluation.htm