Psych eval question??

Can anyone tell me if they had a psych eval that didnt involve the 500 question test?  My insurance requirements dont state that I have to have that but they do state that I need an evaluation from a liscensed professional pyschologist rulling out any alcohol, mental or abusive disorders.  Did everyone do the big test or did someone just have a written letter from the doctor saying I am stable and ready for the surgery????  I am in my 5th month and trying to set up my evaluation soon.  PLEASE HELP!  Another reason Im asking is that my PCP set me up with the local psychologist and it will only cost me my copay where as the doctors who will give me the huge test is gonna cost me $350.  Now you see why it matters !

Hi - I know it's frustrating.  I had the test and a 2 hour psych eval - $300, not covered by insurance.  When I asked about it, I was told that for CT anyway, that was standard practice.  My surgeon had a psych clinic that he works with, and they were able to get me in within a month.  Check with your surgeon and see if he/she has any recommendations that may not take so long.  Good luck!

I did not have to take the test. I called my insurance, Cigna and told them I was looking for a Dr. to do my Psych evaluation for weight loss surgery. They gave me 6 names. I called and waited to see who would call back first. I got an appointment with a Psychiatrist that is at the ear nose and throat assoc.  We had an hour visit I paid 20.00 co-pay and picked up my letter in a week. I would call soon, because I was a new patient my appt was a month and a half wait. I kept calling to see if there was a cancelation,but there never was. I hope this helps. I have my last of the 6mo visit this Wed.!!!

Hi!  I didn't have to take any type of test.  I went in and talked to the psych and he would ask me questions and he would be writing things as I answered.  At the end, he said everything looked good to go.  The whole visit lasted an hour if that.   And I had no out of pocket cost.  My ins is Tricare.  Hope that helps some.  :)  Good luck! Erica

Nathsia, Relax the questions are easy. Like "do you want to be a florist ??" blah blah.. The name of the test they give is called the "Minisota Multiple Personality Inventory 2"  You can google it and see what types of questions they are gonna ask and what they are looking for.  It is very easy and quite entertaining.  Relax. the test is so easy and stupid.  Michele

The test that is typically used is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory or MMPI-2. However, I did not have to take it, and you don't have to if you don't want to. Just find another psychologist. I am in my 2nd year of graduate school...getting a doctorate in clinical psychology, and there is little to no research supporting the use of the MMPI-2 in the evalution of bariatric surgery candidates. So, if you can't afford to go to the psychologist who uses the test, then I think you should definitely look for someone else...you are absolutely free to do so.

HI. I didn't have to take the test. The fee for the Psychologist was covered in my initial consult fee (425.00) which covered the huge notebook full of info my surgeon gives you, initial consult, psychologist eval (she is on staff in his office), nutritional orientation & nutritional eval (she is on staff in his office too) and pre-ops. However, the other office that does surgeries in my local area is requiring a friend of mine who is using them to have that test done. She thought it was required & I had never heard of it until she mentioned it to me, which was after my psych eval. It really does surprise me how differently each surgeon does things from evals to post op eating instructions. Good luck. Jenifer

It is not just the surgeon's who have different requirements but also the insurance companies.  I have two almost completely different set of requirements to fulfill (in regards to the psychological testing)... One from the surgeon and one from the Insurance (which is a PPO). I am learning that patience and compliance are two of the important words for this process.