Psych Eval & Medicaid

Hi there everyone, Well, I got my acceptance letter from the hospital so I called to set up an appointment with the recommended psych. Doc Nancy Brumby in Columbia. After talking with the receptionist, she explained Medicaid does NOT cover this exam. Big disappointment! Can ANYone tell me how to get around this? I asked Natalie at Bariatrics if I found my OWN psych. around here that accepted Medicaid, would they accept it and she said maybe, but maybe not and that at least 70% of patience have to just pay the $308 for Dr. Brumby. There is certain questions I guess, criteria...Any ideas? Thanks for any help.

The psychologist I went to said that Medicaid just usually does not cover these evaluations because there is no diagnosis that can be used. I think, from what he said, that pretty much the only ones who can get it covered are those who are going to someone already for other reasons. Mine only cost me $70. Connie

hey hun i have a number for u she takes missouri care but not sure about straight medacade she just didi mine and she is great BAUER , BARBARA PHD 1701 E BROADWAY STE 302 Columbia MO 65201 Ph: (573) 815-8121 if that doesnt work then call medacade and get the website and see what other providers there are good luck hun....they will fax what is needed to anyone and dont let them tell u different

I was in the same boat as you. I had to pay the 308 to see Dr Bumby as well. She is great and it was the only thing keeping me from getting surgery so I had to do it. It was very difficult to find a way to come up with the money, but I just had to let other bills go to pay for it. There is no other way around it. I had another psych eval that they didnt accept. They are very strict on the criteria of the evals. They will more than likely NOT accept anyone else except Dr Bumby.

Thanks guys! I sure appreciate the input. Right now I am VERY short on money. School is starting back next month and I have 3 teens who all need a little bit of SOMEthing to start back to school in, ya know? It's hard to make it all spread out. I will first call the number for Dr. Bauer in Columbia first and see if she would give an acceptable eval. If not, I'll have to find the money somehow, I guess. Boy, I tell ya, after I have this surgery and start shedding the weight, it will be SO much easier to get a decent paying job and not have to live paycheck to paycheck!!! Thanks again, everyone. Take care, Kelly

I have posted on this before and will share it again. Ask your doctor's office if Medicaid has to abide by Missouri insurance statutes. If they do, check into the following state of Missouri regulation: 20 CSR 400-2.160, which requires insurance companies to provide two visits per year for evaluation/diagnosis. I just don't know if it applies to Medicaid or not. It does apply to managed care companies. Can't hurt to check it out - my psych doctor was completely unaware of it.