Question:
DOES AETNA REQUIRE A PSYCH EVALUATION?

I READ SO MANY PEOPLE SAYING THEY ARE GOING FOR THEIR PSYCH EVAL. WHO REQUIRES THIS? THE INSURANCE COMPANY OR THW WLS DR. I HAVE READ THE THINGS AETNA REQUIRES FOR WLS APPROVAL, A PSYCH IS NOT ONE OF THEM! WILL I HAVE TO DO IT ANYWAY? IF SO I WANT TO MAKE MY APPOINTMENT NOW! THANKS CYNDI    — CYNDI B. (posted on September 5, 2002)

September 4, 2002
I have Aetna US Healthcare MC and did not have a psych evaluation prior to my surgery. Two of the six co-workers I know who've had the surgery with the same insurance company did have a psych evaluation so I have a feeling this may be something the doctor orders for whatever reason and it's not a requirement of the insurance company.
   — Kelly S.

September 4, 2002
I have United Health and I had to have the psych evaluation. They told me it was required because of insurance reasons. I was very surprised about the actual appointment it was only about 5 minutes long and did not ask me one question about the surgery. He just asked if I was depressed, if I had ever been in jail, or if I had ever been treated by a mental health professional etc.
   — Tricia A.

September 5, 2002
I have AETNA HMO and they didn't require a phych eval for me. Actually, an evaluation hasn't even been mentioned by my surgeon and I have a tentative surgery date of 09/24. It took 4 weeks for approval with Aetna and I only was approved after typing up an extensive life history on myself both medically and diet related. This seemed to get their attention. I faxed it myself rather than going through my surgeon's busy office! Good Luck!!!
   — Cheryl T.

September 5, 2002
Although many insurers require it, Aetna does not. However, your surgeon might. Mine required an evaluation by a psych nurse even though Aetna didn't.
   — lezawomack

September 6, 2002
Neither my surgeon, the hospital, nor my insurance required it. I did talk to one surgeon that required it and one that said the hospital required it.
   — [Deactivated Member]