Last week I went for my consultation/physical with my surgeon-to-be and was a bit rocked by the amount of tests ordered. I suppose I should have asked for more details beforehand, but when it was described as a "physical" I assumed some things like EKG and stress tests would be done right there. I also thought that some of the tests (like psychiatric) mainly applied to those with insurance requirements. I hate the thought of spending whatever 90 mins with a shrink costs simply to be deemed "sane", you know?

Here's what I have to do before I get a surgery date:

• sleep study for suspected apnea
  
• Abdominal ultrasound
  
• Chest Xray
  
• EKG, Pulmonary function test, pulse oximetry
  
• EGD outpatient (upper endoscopy for acid reflux related symptoms)
  
• Blood and lab work-up
  
• Internal/Family Physician written consultation and clearance.
  

I haven't had a "family doctor" since mine retired some years back.

Don't you think the physical and emotional health of the self-pay patient should be as thoroughly examined as that of the insured?

Insurance companies don't require it for fun and games--it costs them more! They require it because the outcome of the tests helps ensure SAFE surgeries.

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Respectfully I have to disagree. The psych eval is little more then a CYA for the doc AND the insurance company. They are RARELY in depth appointments and they ask you standard questions. I have never seen where a shrink goes to the trouble of being IN DEPTH with the reasons we got fat in the first place. How can they... they see your for 60-90 min ONCE.... I work in this area... and I see it day after day..

CYA- Covering their butts it what people are all about these days. If the shrink signs off the doc can wash his hands later on down the road should you get anorexic or bi-polar or whatever...

Just my opinion

I agree the psych exam I had was a joke... when the Dr found out I was a nurse and worked for the same hospital system as his wife that is what we talked about. I had to fill out a questionaire of about 1000 questions about 1% pertaining to my upcoming surgery.