Question:
WLS referred psychiatrist vs. network Psychiatrist

I have already seen a surgeon, but the women he referred me to for psych evals are not part of my insurance plan, so I went to someone who was. The person I am seeing has had me attend 3 sessions so far, and she is under the impression I have to see her 4 times even though I have told her that isn't the case.This just seems to prolongs the process of getting insurance approval and a date, and she is focusing on a lot of things that have nothing to do with surgery. {My past history, my childhood, and my current relationship} So now I am waiting for the evaluation ... and I was wondering, if she states a lot of personal issues, outside of the surgery itself and my ability to deal with it mentally, do I have to submit her evaluation, or can I see someone else, and then submit their evaluation? Note to self .... next time, go with the person your surgeon recommends! Thanks! Dawn    — blank first name B. (posted on April 11, 2002)

April 11, 2002
Hi Dawn.........I had my psych evel done on the 1st of this month and it was ridiculous(I thought).One of the questions I was asked "do you like to look at mechanic magazines?" In what way does that have to with WLS? She also told me that she didnt think I would qualify for surgery. I spoke to a nurse at my surgeons office and was told that they are only supposed to include things that are relevant to the surgery and after.(ex: you understand the life changes and the risks involved etc..)I hope this has helped a little. Good Luck
   — Tina C.

April 11, 2002
Hi, Dawn - I am from your general area and my surgeon also recommended the CSW who works on his bariatric team. Although she wasn't on my plan, I went ahead and saw her - it was only $75.00 and I only had to see her once. It was a quick and easy eval. Perhaps it is not too late to see your surgeon's person? Good luck! I am from NY State and close to 9mos post op and doing well with no regrets! Regards, Jean
   — Jean K.

April 11, 2002
Thanks Jean and Christina, for your advice. Congrats on your success Jean! :) Christina ... best wishes on your journey!
   — blank first name B.

June 8, 2002
I just got denied by my insurance company due to my psych eval. I went to my employee sponsered psychologist instead of the psychiatry group that works with my surgeon. Because I thought the psych eval was just a formality I thought I would go where I did because it was a free benefit where I work. Now I have to go back and talk to the first psychologist who was not very familiar with WLS. He said he thought I was depressed and needed to be reevaluated in 6 months. The funny thing is he never told me this or contacted me regarding further counseling or treatment.I only found out about it from my insurance company. My only depression is related to being overweight and that is not going to go away after continuing to live with this problem for 6 more months. If he won't change his mind I will go to the psyphiatrist I should have gone to in the first place. My advice is: if you really want this surgery and you want to make it as easy as possible to get approved go where your surgeon recommends. They will be more familiar with the whole process and it will be worth it in the long run. Gale
   — Gale H.