Question:
Why do I need a psych evaluation before I can even see the surgeon?

I was recently approved for surgery but when the surgeon's office called to let me know, they said I need to have a psych evaluation along with a gallbladder ultrasound and lab work before I can get an appointment with the surgeon. Does that seem strange to anyone else, or is that the way it usually works.    — Tracy S. (posted on December 14, 2001)

December 14, 2001
I'm not sure about all Dr's but i think everyone has to have one. Don't worry its pretty simple.
   — Nancy K.

December 14, 2001
My surgeon's office requires not only a psych eval, but nutritional counseling, EKG, chest Xray, blood work, pulmonary consult with sleep study, and gastro consult with endoscopy BEFORE you get an appt with him! And he handles all of the paperwork for insurance approval so we may go through all of this pre-op stuff, and not even be ultimately approved by insurance! I think all Dr's are different and are trying to do whatever is required to make sure we come out of surgery safe and well. I dont have a problem with that! Good luck and best wishes. Donna
   — donnalawbabe

December 14, 2001
Usually its a stall technique for the insurance company. I think they are trying to determine if your expectations are unreasonable.I have an acquantance who was disapointed in her surgery because she wasnt pretty after losing the weight. Well sorry,she wasnt pretty before so losing the weight just made her healthier. For me I didnt care and know it wont improve my looks, I will be satisfied just to lose the co-morbidities and gain the flexability. Thats what they want to hear...just my opinion. Greg
   — Greg S.

December 14, 2001
"Why do I need a psych evaluation before I can even see the surgeon?" I "think" it is required for several reasons. One, the insurance company would love to have a reason to deny us coverage, and two, everyone wants to "cover their butt". Three, it makes more money for everyone to drag it out. I'm not trying to be a smart A##. I just see so much of this psychological stuff as being a rip off. I've had to go through so much of it in the past for approvals for my other surgeries. And with the exception of councling for depression, this psychological stuff is a rip off. I can understand them wanting to make sure we have reasonable expectations, but whatever you say can and does get misinterpeted sometimes and that leads to.. "you need more counceling" whoppie... more money for us!!! I've learned to tell them what they want to hear so you don't get socked with having them drag it out. I feel for all of you who have yet to go through it.
   — Danmark

December 15, 2001
Hi, the psych eval is used to determine the patient's mental readiness for this type of surgery and consequent lifestyle changes. The docs want to know basically if you understand what you're actually getting into. It is also used to uncover certain mental illnesses such as borderline personality disorder and untreated compulsive overeating and bulimia. There are actually some people who are NOT good candidates for this type of surgery because of non-conpliance issues. Some patients are advised to seek therapy in order to clear up some of this stuff beforehand, if possible. I think it's a very good tool, not just some venture the insurance companies and doctors have dreamed up to make money. I can understand why some folks who have had bad experiences with psychs before may feel this way. But in general, I think it's necessary in order to avoid problems later for both patient and doctor. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]