Question:
Did you have to pay for your psych eval or did insurance pay?
I have a question. My surgeons office referred me to a psychologist that they use. She does not take insurance and charges 440.00 for the eval. My question is did anyone have to go to the one the surgeon refers? Can you go somewhere else that accepts your insurance? thanks! — Stephanie B. (posted on March 20, 2002)
March 20, 2002
I think that is rather rediculous that your surgeon requires you to use a
specific psychiatrist. My surgeons office recommended a few...but I am not
close to where my surgeon is, so I called my insurance company and got a
list of ones they recomended. I would ask the DRs office if it is
mandatory, and ask them why if they say it is. Seems like have worked out
some kind of deal with this woman, and I don't think that is right.
— Sarah P.
March 20, 2002
I have BCBS, and they didn't cover any psych eval (unless I had met a psych
deductible of like $800 or something), so I had to selfpay the $300. I
would think that you could go to any psychologist you want to, as long as
they do the kind of eval your surgeon requires. I would check with your
individual surgeon though, just to make sure.
— Angela B.
March 20, 2002
OMG!!! $440?!?! I went through the EAP program my husband's work offers,
though I did NOT tell them why I needed to see a psychologist. I did tell
the psychologist but did NOT tell him that I didn't tell the EAP folks! I
only paid $20, expected to be billed for more, but wasn't :) If this
confused you, lol, e-mail me!
— DonnaCarol
March 20, 2002
I had to pay for mine and it was 300 dollars for one hour ... not
re-imbursed by cigna ppo
— Barbara W.
March 20, 2002
DANGER ALERT! Call your surgeon and ask about seeing someone else, BUT!!!
You might stumble onto a non supportive doc who will give you a hard time!
I ran into a pulmonary doc like this:( You have been warned! I would TRY to
find one covered by insurance.
— bob-haller
March 20, 2002
My surgeon required this and all I had to do was use someone in the group
(group health associates) and only have to pay my co-pay of $10.00.
— paulsgirl
March 20, 2002
I had to pay for both, it cost me $350.00 here in NewYork, my insurance
company stated that they will pay me back 50% of my money. I suggest that
you go and asked your insurance company.
— Brenda H.
March 20, 2002
I have BCBS of GA and the 350.00 was not covered under my insurance. I had
to use the psych. the dr requested. Otherwise you might get an
non-friendly wls dr. I would check with insurance co. and ask dr. is you
could use someone else. BUT this might hurt you more than help, especially
if it is someone not for the surgery.
— pattyw
March 21, 2002
I had to pay for my eval. but it was only $50! The Psychologist is part of
the team at the Dr.'s office that I have. My insurance did not cover
anything but I didn't think $50 was bad. Now I REALLY don't think it was
bad! $350-$400?? WOW.
— Kathleen M.
March 21, 2002
I love the creative ways some of you have handled this! My insurance gave
me the run around and I had a hard time finding a psych to do the MMPI II
test that was required, so I just self paid at the psych my doc refers to.
It was $275 a year ago, but has since gone up. This same psych runs our
support group though so I feel like I'm still getting my money's worth from
him LOL. Another thought might be to ask on here for some folks who have
used your surgeon or are in your area, which psych they used. YOu might get
lucky and find a WLS, less expensive psych. <p> The psych was just
one more hoop I had to jump through and I did it cause I had to. Now, I
don't quite see it as the evil I did before. Being 10 months post op, I
now know what a huge emotional roller coaster this journey is and I know
that even five years ago, I wouldn't have done as well with it. I just
wasn't ready. This time, I was.
— Sharon L.
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