Question:
Have you needed the psych consult approved before other consults?

I have Humana HOM Choice. My surgeon is terrific and so far, I love him. However, after getting the proverbial run-around for 3 weeks from the woman in his office who schedules appointments, she now informs me that Humana HMO Choice requires me to complete the psych consult first (after telling me something completely different on June 6th). She said at that point, the dr has to send the report into Humana. Humana then reviews it and at that point makes a determination if I can continue with the 8 other consults I need prior to submitting for approval of WLS. I called Humana and they were unable to tell me if this was true. I think she is just giving me the run-around. Has this happened to anyone else? Thanks for your help!!    — Maridee B. (posted on July 5, 2003)

July 5, 2003
This is not unusual, I had the same requirement. I needed a psych evaluation before surgery can be approved by both the surgeon and one of my insurance providers. I guess they need to make sure that we are able to withstand the surgery and the changes that follow. (My surgery date is 7/16/03 in Chicago)Marcy
   — Marcy Z.

July 5, 2003
My insurance company required me to do the same thing which I thought was nuts!!! But in the end, they approved it. Good luck.
   — peanutpatty

July 7, 2003
my wls doc requires a psych consult before she will even do the surgery. i am pre-pre even seeing my wls (only have a seminar scheduled w/ her so far, 3 months out from when i called to get in) and i found out through the referral coordinator at my pcp's office what psychologist my wls doc uses. hopefully i can get into the psychologist before my appt with the wls doc.
   — Keri P.