Question:
How long should the eval take and cost?

I have made an appointment for my eval. I spoke with the Dr on the phone and she told me the eval was very extensive and would take at least two sessions, not including any aftercare or follow up she may feel I need. (What a crock) I don't feel I need any of that I just want to loose weight and be healthy) I feel like she is using our need for this surgery to make a few bucks. After all it's a surething if someone wants/needs it bad enough!!!! I called my insurance co. and they said they would pay a whopping $20.00 toward the eval. the Dr told me I probably asked the wrong question because they usually won't pay a thing. I'm not so sure I like this lady. the crap we go through!!!LOL Please if anyone has any info on these evals or maybe someone in my area VT/NH please e-mail me with suggestions and comments. TY    — Penny S. (posted on June 13, 2003)

June 13, 2003
I had to pay for my eval out of pocket my insurnce did not have a provider that worked with my surgeon. I paid $150. for one session and that was it. I didnt require any additional follow up. Ask your surgeon who they recommend that is WLS friendly. I bet they have an opinion on who they like to use. Good luck to you. Wendi
   — lovemonterey

June 13, 2003
Hi Penny, I posted this on the message board today and copied it to here. I hope it is helpful. You may email me if you like at [email protected]. Good luck on your journey.. What I learned is the difference between a Psychiatric Evaluation with a Psychiatrist and a Psychological Evaluation with a Psychologist. Now I know that the difference here maybe obvious, but as far as MOST surgeons are concerned either one doesn't matter for their needs.... And the differences I've found are: The Cost & # of visits for approval - One verses the other is most insurance's will pay for a psychiatric evaluation (less a co-pay or deductible) and it only requires a one time visit for WLS unless of course there are issues that require additional sessions and no 500 questions (this one cost me $15 co-pay). With a psychological evaluation, insurance will only pay a portion and you are left owing the rest, also the number of visits is usually 3 not to mention the 500 questions (this one would have cost me $320+$15 co-pay). Now some may want or be required to have the more extensive evaluation, and granted it may well be worth it in the long run. However, if you just require a brief evaluation and not the extensive one, I think we should at least have that choice. I hope this information is helpful to someone. I know I was surprised to learn the difference, and my surgeon didn't require one over the other. God Bless, Vikki
   — Vikki L.

June 13, 2003
HI. MY EVALUATI0N TOOK ABOUT 2 HOURS. IT COST ME $85.00 AND I HAVE INSURANCE. I FILLED OUT SOME PAPER WORK, WEIGHED IN ANSWERED SOME QUESTIONS TO THE NURSE, TALKED TO THE SURGEON, TALKED TO THE NURSE AGAIN AND I WAS DONE. IT WAS SIMPLE, AND IT WAS ONLY ONE VISIT. GOOD LUCK.
   — Shelly G.

June 13, 2003
I AM SORRY. I MISREAD YOUR QUESTION. I HAD MY EVAL AND IT COST $61.43 AND IT TOOK LEWSS THAN A 1/2 AND HOUR. VERY BASIC-HISTORY OF WEIGHT PROBLEM, WHAT PHYSICAL PROBLEMS BEAUSE OF YOUR WEIGHT, HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A THERAPIST FOR ANYTHING, DRUG USER, DRINKER, SMOKER, ETC. LIKE I SAID VERY BASIC AND RIGHT TO THE POINT. AND BEFORE I LEFT HE TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO REASON FOR ME TO NOT HAVE THE SURGERY AND GOOD LUCK.
   — Shelly G.

June 13, 2003
The cost depends on numerous factors: 1) Does your insurance have mental benefits? 2) Do you have a copay or deductible? 3) Is the Dr in network or out of network with your insurance company? Personally, I've don't know why it would take more than one session for an eval...If you're not getting good vibes from this Dr try another. I have to agree with you...seems as if she is a lil money hungry. My eval lasted a lil less than an hour and was more like a interview...she just asked basic questions...life, family, job and I was on my merry way! Good luck...oh, check on the site here and see who's in your area and email some that have had their eval or check the doctors page and see if any psychs are listed in your area.
   — Robin J.

June 13, 2003
I found that it all depends on who you see. I found a range - one wanted $600 for a two hour session, one hour to talk and one hour to fill out the 500 questions; another would be happy to do the evaluation in six sessions; and my final choice - less than an hour discussing the surgery for $175. I had to pay out of pocket, but she could see me in less than a week. My suggestion - make LOTS of phone calls to find the best person for you.
   — goldylox

June 14, 2003
I am in the process of getting my evaluation done. I have medi-cal in California. They are paying for it. My doctor said that I need to come in for four or five visits in order for medi-cal to pay for it. I think this is a rip off but she is the only one I found to do it. I have one last visit with her on Tuesday. (I hope it is the last). I had to take the test on my second visit. If you haven't taken one yet, It is the stupid thing you will ever do. Mine asked if my pets talk to me! It also asked if I was suddenly becoming hot and sweaty. Helllo! It is summer and I am fat. Of course I am hot and sweaty.
   — Cameron Van Winkle