Question:
Is there a way to block a psych eval from your insurance carrier

Had my psych eval today. Dr. decided I needed threrapy combined with Adderal and Topomax before she would reccomend me for surgery...HELLLLOOOO! I have been through nearly every program (physcian and otherwise) before I went to BTC...I have the blessing of my primary care and BTC, yet my insurance REQUIRES a psych eval before they approve. The psych said it would be 2 days and after "I" approved her results before she submitted it to the insurance company? DO I HAVE ANY OPTIONS??? PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN. THANKS    — Julie W. (posted on September 25, 2001)

September 25, 2001
What's her diagnosis? What's the medication for? And why not go to another psychiatrist for a second opinion?
   — Dee P.

September 25, 2001
I believe that if you pay the bill in full without having them submit it to your insurance carrier for payment (unless they have already done that), there's no way your insurance would know. You could always decide to file for insurance reimbursement later.
   — gvlgal

September 26, 2001
Did you already sign something allowing them to release this information? If not, it is a confidential record. Try to remember what you signed when you went in. Also, see if someone at BTC can help you. Did they recommend this evaluator? I agree with the suggestion to get a second opinion. I bet you can find a WLS friendly psychologist if you ask around enough. Good luck.
   — kcanges

September 26, 2001
Julie. If possible, use a pychologist. They cannot prescribe meds. Pay your bill yourself. If it is already turned in, tell them to cancel it. Tell them not to send in the report. They can't do it without your ok. There are a lot of privacy laws. Now, you know what to say when you see the next one. I looked up people in AMOS in my area and emiled them to see who they used who was wls friendly. Had to go three times, take a psyche test, and then the surgeons office got me approved before I even got the report. The psychologist sent the report to me, not the ins. co or surgeon anyway. Good Luck!!
   — Linda B.

September 30, 2001
Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and ideas. I was able to work this out in my favor...In response to the anoymous person...I DO value the opinnion of the psych. However, I don't believe a test and 2 hour interview with a total stranger should convince ANY patient that they have suffered emotional abuse and ADD...I believe some psychs are just looking for a client...I backed out of the surgery before to do additonal research...
   — Julie W.