Question:
Anybody have psychiatrist sample letter of recommendation?

Aetna requires Psych. Evaluation for WLS. Can any one provide me with a sample letter from Psychiatrist?    — JuliaV (posted on February 19, 2004)

February 19, 2004
I don't know if there really is one as they usually base it on the tests they give you.
   — mrsmyranow

February 19, 2004
I have AETNA and dont need a psych. test done..unless you are under the care of a psychiatrist/psychologist. look under the #157 obesity online at AETNA it states why they would ask for one..
   — por2geegurl

February 19, 2004
Why would you need a sample letter, you cant copy a doctors report hun? It is no big deal, just go see the shrink tell them you know what you are about to do and all will be fine.
   — Kathy S.

February 19, 2004
The letters are specific to each individual and usually include a note about your history, previous treatment efforts, current diagnosis and plan for support or treatment as well as whether or not you are considered as an appropriate candidate for surgery. Some insurance companies require supporting data re. test and interview results and psychological testing interpretations such as multiaxial diagnosis. Not something that is a blanket letter. I'm afraid a sample letter would do you no good. Best wishes and good luck to you. Polly
   — Jackie O.

February 19, 2004
My surgeon's office sent me to their own doctor, I had been seeing one regularly, but they insisted everyone had to be evaluated by that one. Well he pretty much said I had an emotional dependence on carbs and I needed to admit that I had an over eating problem (which I don't, I had insulin resistance which made it almost impossible to lose weight and easier to gain it!!!!) Well I would not except this diagnosis from a man who had met me one time for 30 minutes so I had my own doctor write me up a letter, and that did the trick, they waved the other doctors recommendations. Which was lose weight before surgery (if I could do that I wouldn't need it, would I?, and see a counselor for 6 months!!!) So I guess it depends on the situation, I don't think a sample letter will do you any good either. Also, I am 4 months out, and haven't had any problems staying away from the carbs, what a quack!!!! 369/254/?
   — GAYLE CARMACK-LYONS

February 20, 2004
My insurance company (State of Nevada Public Employees Benefit Plan) and surgical group required a psych evaluation also. I never had to get a letter from the doctor though. I went to one that was on my insurance plan who wasn't familiar with this particular type of evaluation. She just called the surgical group to see what exactly they needed and faxed it directly to the them and to my insurance company. I have no idea what she even wrote about me. Don't worry about the evaluation though. All she did was have complete a 300 question test (questions like am I suicidal, do I do drugs, am I depressed, and other mental issues). Then I met with her and she asked me to explain the surgery to her (she already knew about it but she wanted to make sure I understood) and she went into how I thought it would affect me mentally and physically, and how it would affect those around me. She told me that she can see I hold my stress in my body so she showed me some exercises that will help me release my stress. It really wasn't that bad. Good luck!
   — Julie Rich