Question:
Do I have to do follow-up sessions!!??

I just got a call from my Hospital/Clinic - they received my Pysch eval. and the Psycoligist says I need further sessions because of some issues. My paperwork can not go to the insurance company until this is taken care of. That's what I get for being honest - it probably stems from talking about my son who has some issues that cause me emotional distress. I had to pay cash because she said my insurance company wouldn't pay for it - now MORE sessions!! I'm in tears!!!    — Sally P. (posted on December 12, 2002)

December 12, 2002
Get another Dr. Do what I did call the insurance company and have them give you the dr in your area on their plan. They also gave me the approval code so it was all taken care of.
   — dkinson

December 12, 2002
I guess my take on this might be a little different than other folks. I say seek a second opinion... BUT.... usually if you are pended (postponed) by a psychologist they generally have a good reason to do it. They aren't the enemy and I struggle with the perception that they do it just to make more money off you although I guess there may be bad apple's out there that do that. Does having a psychologist pend you mean that you're crazy? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Most of us have issues that we've used food to deal with or anesthetise rather than simply facing them head on. Sometimes it's very helpful to talk out your issues with someone who is objective and competent to offer good advice. Rather than trying to find a way around the psych eval I'd suggest that you contact your county health department and see if therapy is available through them. That way it's usually free or based on your ability to pay. I applaud you for being honest! I think getting a second opinion is a good thing if you don't trust this psychologist's recommendations. It may even be that the therapy can be filed under a medical diagnosis of morbid obesity and your insurance company will pick up all or part of it. There are always options and chances are, if you stay honest and talk this over with the psychologist you can come to a mutually satisfying arrangement. I just want you to do what's in your best interest so you'll have the best, most successful WLS journey possible. Best wishes to you and keep your chin up - this is only a bump in the road - it's not a bridge out. Merry Christmas.
   — ronascott

December 12, 2002
Sally I'm with Rona on this one. Do not blow off what this psychologist has indicated needs some exploring. However, there is absolutely no reason you can't get that counseling from an in-plan provider to eliminate or lessen your cost. There are plenty of competent providers besides the one you saw and if the surgeon insists on that particular one then I would ask how much the kick-back is.<p>My surgeon has a psychologist/psychiatrist he usually uses for the evals but I did not even leave that possibility open. I made it clear I have a psychiatrist and had already talked with his office about the eval and he was willing to do it right away. Not only did it save money but lots of time. If he told me I had to see "his" psychiatrist we would have had a very involved discussion. He didn't even try and push.<p>I can personally attest that losing more than a whole person (weight wise) can result in you somewhat losing yourself (mentally). Had I been in counseling when I started to lose weight I might well have been able to avoid the severe depression that arose and ultimately helped me gain back over 200 lbs and brought me to this time of looking at surgery. They are professionals and ultimately I think you will benefit from it. Go in with an open mind. If nothing else you will have established yourself with someone should issues arise after surgery and you won't have to wait forever to get in. Sometimes as a new patient it can take 30-60 days and when you need help NOW it seems like 160 days.
   — zoedogcbr