Question:
Need Help in Pittsburgh, PA...

Hi all. If you are from Pittsburgh PA I'm glad you are reading this! My insurance has a last minute request for a "Psychological Clearance". All they are looking for is a letter stating I understand the ramifications, etc. of this surgery. My surgeon's office does not require this, so they had limited recommendations as to who to go to. Dr. Paul Friday at Shadyside is the only one they know of, and his office will not do the letter without a complete battery of psychological tests. Please understand we are just trying to play the "insurance game" at this point, so if anyone knows of a Psychiatrist/Psychologist in or around the Pittsburgh PA area that you have dealt with, please let me know. Believe it or not, the insurance company told me that all I need is one visit for one hour for this letter! Any help would be appreciated.....you can respond here or privately to my email at [email protected]. Thanks so much!! Renee D    — Renee D. (posted on August 22, 2002)

August 22, 2002
Hi. I had Dr. Hamad for my surgery and her office recommends Barb Fickey. Call Amie Brickner at (412) 624-1956 to set up the Psych. Eval. I did not go to her because she was booked way in advance and I wanted something right away, so I saw Dr. Friday. Maybe she can help you with what you need. Good Luck to you!
   — Leah H.

August 22, 2002
Both me and my wife Jen were approved by dr friday. Each appointment takes about a hour plus doing that MMPm test. I am not sure of the tests acctual name. But time in total for you will likely be just over a hour. Its not a series of appoitments unless a serious problem appears. He talked to me for about a hour, discussed the effects of surgery and the changes it would bring and was interested if I were a present drug or alcohol abuser and aware of what I was about to do. I have GREAT respect for him and believe you should see him. Its not a bunch of visits or anything l9ike this.. Dr Friday is also a caring guy. He returned my call oin Christmas eve while he was on vacation when I was having a time dealing with my new post op wife. Now that was fantastic! See him its noi big thing.<P> Although having been thru this I think EVERY pre op to be seen this way BEFORE surgery. Relax he facilitates surgery and rejects nearly none. He is there to help! Feel free to contact me privately if you have more questions.
   — bob-haller

August 22, 2002
I had mine done in Somerset that was a social worker type Psych. Try seeing if any of the hospitals have one. GOODF LUCK!!!
   — brandy H.

August 22, 2002
I am 16 mos. post-op rny open long limb distal and I also had to speak to Dr. Friday. The tests he is talking about is paper tests. Basically they ask your reaction, or if you have ever had a problem. Its about 1 hr. So you should be ok to go to him. All of his questions is common sense. He even helps explain how the surgery works with patients. E-mail me if you want to talk more.
   — lynbaby B.

August 22, 2002
I also had Dr. Hamad and seen Barb. The appointment was only an hour and a half. I don't remember the number but I also know thay use a different lady now because Barb is no longer with I believe Western Psych. The number below that Leah left should be able to refer you to another person.
   — Chris9672

August 23, 2002
Hey! I made an appointment at Western Psych... took about 2-3 weeks. My appointment was with Jan, I think she has a social worker-type title. She was so easy-going. My appointment lasted all of 10-15 minutes. She asked all the questions about binging, drugs-alcohol, support systems, and all that stuff. From researching this site I was scared to death of this part. I was sure I would have the evaluation from hell, but it went smooth. Oh, I think I went to the 5th floor.... anyway The wall said "Internal Medicine Clinic". I'm not sure if they share that area or what because when I called to get my eval results(after waiting 4 months!); I got nothing but the runaround. My appointment was actually at Montefiore Hospital-UPMC... but nobody there seems to know that they do this evaluation there (They tried to send me down the street to another hospital... go figure!)
   — Kim K.