Question:
What kinds of information in the surgeon looking for on the psych eval?
My psych has never done this before and wants to know what the surgeon is looking for the letter to include — jpgoodie (posted on March 31, 2003)
March 31, 2003
at I always say, it is best to find out directly from your surgeon what
information s/he requires. in general, however, the psych eval is to
determine if you are capable of understanding the surgery; have reasonable
expectations about the risks and chances for success and failure; your
ability and willingness to comply with post-op care, diet and exercise; and
if you have any mental or emotional issue that might interfere with your
recovery.
— Kasey
March 31, 2003
Hi! After we chatted, my Psych explained to me exactly what my insurer
wanted In his letter he had to cover multiple topics. He said that they
want to make sure, in his opinion that; I am making the decision of my own
free will, that I am committed to the surgery and it is not just a
"whim", that I understood this surgery is very hard to reverse,
that I understood the possible complications, that I didn't have other
underlying causes for not being able to lose and keep off the weight, that
I was coherent enough to understand what I was getting myself into, that in
his opinion I should be able to stick to the new diet post-op (believe it
or not some ((rare cases)) people can't) and that I was not doing it for
"cosmetic" reasons. My psych's letter was about 2 pages. I hope
this helps.
At the recommendation of my psych, I also included a letter to the insurer
with my initial request paperwork. It detailed just how clear I was about
the surgery, I explained that I understood what I was about to do, I
detailed my co-morbities and how they impact my life (without too much
emotion) and I detailed what I had to look forward with my health and how
my insurer would probably have to cover the costs of GERD surgery, breast
reduction, a scooter so I could be mobile etc. It felt good to put it all
on paper. I was approved the same day it was initially reviewed -1st shot.
Good Luck, my big day is Wednesday!!!
— M B.
March 31, 2003
Joanne, my surgeon's office required that we use their psychologists to
evaluate us. I'm sure not every doctor is like this, but I've heard this
from others as well. I would just double check with surgeon's office that
it is ok to use yours, if you haven't already. Goodluck to you!
— Lezlie Y.
March 31, 2003
I agree with Maggie. I also had to take the MMPI tests (very simple but
long). According to my answers it showed I was mildly depressed and
anxious. I already knew this and had a personal therapist and psychologist.
The one giving me the test just talked about my following up with my
thrapist and psych after surgery. I had NO problem getting my approval.
— Jamie M.
March 31, 2003
Hi, Joanne! I think different insurances make different requirements. For
my son's, he had to have the psych eval prior to approval. He took a form
that the surgeon's office provided to him, and the psychologist filled it
out and faxed it back to the surgeon's office. They then included the
results with his paperwork for approval. In my case, the surgeon's office
asked that I use their psychologist. She had me answer a one-page list of
questions pertaining to how I was feeling the past week. Then we discussed
some prior issues, past depressive episodes, and just generally talked
about my life, self-esteem issues, etc. I think they are looking to see
that you can adapt to the changes required, and if you've had past
depressions they want to know, as depression is more likely to occur in
someone who's already had it. I guess a lot of post-ops do suffer from
depression at one time or another. It was about a half-hour appointment.
I would check with your surgeon's office to see if they have any kind of
form they would like you to take to your psych. Good luck!
— Carlita
March 31, 2003
Just a note: If you are using a psychologist or psychiatrist your surgoen
recommends, check with your insurance company to make sure they are in
network (if you have a network!) My husband got caught - the first
psychologist we knew was not in network, the second one I thought was in
network and later found out she termed with our plan several months before.
(And didn't inform us of that at the time my husband presented his
insurance information.) We had a bigger bill than we anticipated because of
it.
— koogy
April 1, 2003
My surgeon has a very good explination of this on his web site. Check it
out at: http://www.thinnerfuture.com/steps_surgery/letter.htm Here are the
basics: Adverse psychiatric conditions such as psychosis, severe behavioral
disorders or severe neurosis may contraindicate surgery. Full understanding
of the aim, risks and complications of surgery. Ability to understand and
comply with instructions and recommendations. Acceptance of the need for
active participation in the postoperative demands after surgery, for the
rest of the patients life. Assessment of expectations or unrealistic goals.
Good Luck.
— Amber L.
April 1, 2003
Hi! I wasn't allowed to use my own psychiatrist and my surgeon had a
"protocol" that they wanted.So I found a different psych. and my
surgeon sent them their requirements.
— jennifer A.
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