Question about pre-approval (psych eval)

Hi y'all... This is my first time posting, so I apologize if I've posted to the wrong forum..but...I need some advise... My insurance company requires a psychological evaluation to grant approval, which I'm going through...but the psychologist I went to asked me up front exactly what the insurance company is looking for....and I explained it was for approval for the surgery...mentally capable of handling the changes, etc...I've read some other postings and the comments from other people...but this psycholoist is wanting 3 1hr "testing" sessions at $175/hr to complete the approval...is this normal?  or just a way for him to make some money off the situation?  I was hoping ins would cover it since they are requiring it for the surgery, but apparently requiring one thing and approving the other does not mesh too well... Any suggestions??? Thanks!

Welcome, Thomas. I am pre-op but have had my psychological evaluation. Because I don't live in the area where my surgeon is I was told to get the evaluation from someone who has experience with weight loss patients. I called the local Bariatric center and asked them who their patients use and that's who I went to see.  I paid $150 and my insurance might reimburse. It was a 1 hour appointment. My suggestion is to call around to find someone who has done these evaluations because you shouldn't have to go 3 times - just my opinion. Good luck..........................Pat

Have you been to your surgeon yet?  If so, is this the psych they use?  If not, call them and find out who they use and go to that person. I was in and out in an hour.  I only had to pay my 10 % co-pay (54.00) and I got a three page letter about 2 days later.   I think this person may not have dealings with WLS procedures.  It always helps to go to someone who knows exactly what questions to ask you and exactly how to word your letter. Hope this helps! Chrissy