Question:
What can I do about my psych doc telling fibs on my evaluation?

I had a Psych evaluation over a month ago, they said they could not get it done because they were busy. but I bugged them, and they got it done. BUT>>> there were things on my report that are not true, things I never said to the doc, he actually said I said things that I never said.. I am nervous because the insurance company pays big attention to that, any advice?    — Kate D. (posted on June 27, 2002)

June 27, 2002
OK, big secret coming out now: a lot of docs do "canned" reports, or secretaries simply change the names and make whatever changes to a report that the doc dictates, but to save time, since many of the exact same things are said patient to patient, use a canned report. As a result, something may have not been deleted from your report that may have been on a previous report. I suggest that you highlight the inaccuracies, send a copy to the doctor with a letter and request a revised report be sent, noting the inaccuracies. Send a copy of your letter to the insurance company, with a copy of the highlighted report. This documents your protest of specific inaccuracies. The claims adjustor will draw their own conclusions based on this. Good Luck!
   — merri B.

June 28, 2002
I bet they were'nt to busy to take your (or your insurance's) money or to bill for it. They sound as bad as the jerk who did my evaluation. I waited two months for the horse's a## to get mine ready. I finally had to start calling and bugging them. He got even as he wanted me to see a dietician. (I did that 18 months before and it did'nt help). But it made it so I had to wait another two months (beyond the two months he made me wait). If you know the report is false, I'd be tempted to get a lawyer and go after him. Seems crooked to me. I hate phychiatrists. They are the scum of the earth (although there are some good ones). I just seem to get the greedy ones instead of the ones who really care. Thankfully I've found some good ones in my area although they could'nt help with my WLS because my insurannce company wanted "their boy". Sure hope things work out well for you.
   — Danmark

June 28, 2002
I actually had a psychiatrist do a report on me for my therapist that contained things I never said, also! My therapist asked me about the items and showed me the letter and we straightened it out. (Psychiatrist said I tried to cut my wrists as a child. Absolutely untrue!) I think these guys get totally mixed up sometimes because they see so many people and don't take good enough notes! Anyway, just wanted to let you know not to take this personally, it's happened to a lot of us. If you're really concerned and it's major stuff, you could call the psychiatrist back and ask him to send a corrected letter - at NO CHARGE!
   — Kathy J.

June 29, 2002
Hi. My understanding of the purpose of the psych evaluation is to evaluate you NOT on your overall psychological demeanor or history but to determine your ability to withstand the emotional rigors of WLS and your ability to make a true commitment to a life-long life-style change in eating and exercise habits. Here is the wording for a standard psych evaluation from a WLS surgeon in FL. I wrote one for myself covering these topics and just asked the psychiatrist to sign it. It let me have control over what was written and it saved him a lot of time and trouble. I believe in TELLING these doctors what you need/want- we pay them for performing services for us. They aren't GODS!! PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION A psychiatric evaluation of (Name) is requested with respect to suitability for Weight-Loss Surgery. Please evaluate (Name) with respect to: -Adverse psychiatric disorders: psychoses, severe neurosis or severe behavioral disorders which might contraindicate surgery. -Unreasonable expectations or unrealistic goals. - Ability to understand the risks and discomforts of surgery. -Ability to understand and comply with instructions and recommendations from a WLS team. -Acceptance of the need for active participation in specialized nutrition and exercise behaviors following surgery. The results of your evaluation will assist in determining (Name)'s suitability for surgery and may also be made available to __________(Name of Insurance Carrier) for determination of coverage eligibility. Thank you for your assistance. In my own, I just wrote (typed- professionally) : (Name) has been evaluated on her psychiatric suitability to undergo surgical treatment for Morbid Obesity. -She shows no indication of ...adverse psychiatric disorders that would exclude her from having WLS. -She shows no indication of psychosis, severe neurosis or a severe behavioral disorder that would exclude her from having WLS. etc...(Just write a sentence that covers each of the above topics). Signed_______(M.D.) Date_____. I hope that this helps! R. Towne
   — Rebecca T.

June 29, 2002
I was described as prone to hysteria and naive and pollyannish. I'm so cynical it's unbelievable! I'm like anyone else in the world, I have problems, but these definitely weren't mine. I'm not sure who she was evaluating that day!!!
   — Nell C.

June 29, 2002
If he's a psychiatrist, report him to the state medical board. They'd be very interested, I'm sure. If he's a psychologist, find out what licensing agency in your state handles them and report him too. Doctors need you a lot more than you need them. You're a customer--you didn't get a service that you paid for. So go for it.
   — Cathy S.