Question:
Psych eval w/recom. for addtl. counseling and ins. approval

I had a Psych eval and he wrote that he recommended additional counseling to deal with my depression. Do you think insurance will deny if I haven't sought additional counseling?    — classite (posted on February 14, 2006)

February 14, 2006
I dont feel that the insurance will deny you IF you contintue to show that you are working in the direction of helping yourself. There are things such as food journeling, excercise, and maintaining all other wishes of your insurance. But from on that has been there, please, reconsider seeing and talking to someone else about your depression. I went for years depressed before I asked for help. I can honestly say it is the best money ihave every spent.
   — GrannyBoy

February 14, 2006
The surgery will be denied if they can't see that you are recieving counselling. They may pass you initially but when the surgery bill goes to insurance they will check to see if you have been going to psych. and will not pay if you haven't. Counselling costs big bucks but look in your area for free clinics they may beable to help you at a cost according to your income.
   — vickicarson

February 14, 2006
Why chance it? Get the counseling.
   — HeidiXOXO

February 15, 2006
Why take the chance? Start goin until the surgery is approved.
   — Novashannon

February 15, 2006
That actually depends on what he wrote in the letter to your surgeon.. If he wrote that you are a good candidate with extra counseling, then you probably won't have any problems.. If he wrote and said that he feels that you need additional counseling before he gives his final report, then you may have problems.. When I had my psych. eval, he recommended I be put on depression meds, but he also put that I was a perfect candidate for the surgery.
   — mzb2u

February 15, 2006
Cheryl, I agree with others that depression is a serious illness, and it does not necessarily go away after one loses weight. Please consider getting the counseling. Group counseling is ususally much less expensive than individual sessions. Best of luck. Kasey 365/210 (nonop)
   — Kasey

February 15, 2006
I don't think anyone can tell you whether or not your insurance will deny you, that will depend on how things are written and how the insurance company processes the claim. I worked in mental health for over 9 years and work on the insurance side for almost 2 years. My surgeon requires a psych eval along with several other specialists prior to surgery. The psychologist did additional testing on me (MMPI-2) and recommended additional counseling as well. I have clinical depression and have had for years. I also was extremely candid about my family history. While I recommended and agreed with the additional counseling, it was a recommendation not a requirement. The Psychologist recommended to me and my surgeon that I follow-up with continued counseling to help myself. This had nothing to do with insurance. While I agree that counseling would most certainly be an avenue to pursue (for your benefit only....not because someone tells you to) because sometimes those underlying issues have greatly contributed to our obesity. As far as it being a reason for the insurance to deny you, I think that is unlikely, unless THEY have a requirement that you seek counseling or unless YOUR SURGEON refuses surgery because he requires it. Above all...take care of yourself!! Tammy Oklahoma
   — Thin2WinNOklahoma