Hi all!  I need some assistance here....I have Oxford as my insurance, which covers mental health, however, it will not cover my phych. evaluation which is mandatory prior to the surgery.  All the mental health drs. want from $200 - $350 for one hour of their time...is this normal and does anyone have any suggestions?!?  HELP PLEASE!!!

I have a couple of ideas for you.   1. Call Oxford ..ask who is in network for psych evals. 2. Do you have EAP (Employee Assistance Program) benefits? Magellan EAP has a service      through their EAP at no charge to you for Bariatric Assessments. I know of Magellan's EAP services because I am a  licensed psychotherapist  and  an EAP provider for their Bariatric Screening.  I have a  private practice in Florham Park and do not charge anywhere near what you were quoted per hour.  If you are interested in more information. You can email me at  [email protected].  Hopefully for you 1 or 2 will work out for you. Good Luck, Susan

hi there $200 seems to  be the average rate with people here on the NJ board and on the main OH board  good luck to you Roberta

The psych doctor I saw didn't accept my insurance so I submitted the bill to the insurance which paid a portion of it. I would submit a copy of the bill to the insurance perhaps it will be paid. Most insurance do cover psychotherapy. You just have to lay the money out first. Unfortunately its expensive upfront. But even if your insurance doesn't cover it submit it anyway you might be surprised.

I was very fortunate in that my surgeon has a program that gets your psych eval, nutrtionist eval and physcial therapist eval all in one shot and it's only $300 for the bundle and it includes all follow-up visits with them. My surgeon is Dr. Ramsey Dallal, Einstein Bariatrics, Elkins Park Pa.  I went outside of NJ because I was not too keen on the doctors that my insurance approved as in-network for NJ. Don't forget ANY AND ALL out of pocket medical expenses are a tax write off, and even if they don't meet Federal Tax requirements, you can deduct them against the State!!!!  That includes mileage to and from doctors, tolls (if any), over the counter drugs/meds, prescriptions, co-pays, etc... The info and advice in a lot of the other replies to your post are good too!! Good luck and God bless... briggie

What great advice!  Thank you all!!!  I love to read messages from experienced people..it makes me feel that I am not alone! THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!