So, even though I am paying cash the surgery center/hospital is still making me see a therapist for the evaluation. My doctor gave me a list of ones that he uses but they are all on the other side of Houston and I can't take more time off of work so I was hoping to do it after I got off or during lunch. I have called SEVERAL different ones and they all are upwards of $300! That is INSANE to me!

I had the same problem. Mine was going to be $350 and I told my surgeon that was outrageous. She recommended me to a place where it was $75 instead. I'd call your doctor back and tell him you can't afford $300 and if he has other recommendations that are cheaper. If that doesn't work check out the ministries to see if they offer services for cheap.

I'm shocked your surgeon doesn't refer you to one specifically! Good luck getting it done. The price is really high at $300. I think mine was $150.

Even though I was self pay, my insurance (CIGNA) paid for my evaluation. I just had a $10 co-pay. May be worth checking with your insurance company.

i have cigna too and had to pay for the report which was 90 and a 30.00 copay so it was 120 bucks out of pocket w/ insurance so i know that its expensive w/o it im sorry, i hope you can find someone cheaper...

If only I had insurance! My company doesn't offer it yet so all my medical is self pay, which sucks! I think I may have found one for $125, but the office manager has to call me back..crossing my fingers!

Don't underestimate the importance of the psych eval. My husband got the sleeve and at about the 6 month mark afterwards, went off the deep end and told me he wasn't sure we should be married anymore. Fortunately, we worked through it and we are well on our way to our 20th anniversary and I am going through the approval process for the sleeve now too.

It's amazing how much eating and emotions go together and when you don't have food to turn to, you will need other coping skills. This will affect every aspect of your life and every relationship you have.

The psych eval will be worth every penny. Having someone to help you understand what emotions you are going to deal with will be very helpful.

Definitely check with your surgeon, they may have a less expensive suggestion.

Good luck!!!!

YAY!!!!! Office manager called me back and I am good to go! This takes me to the final step (other than the preop diet)! SO EXCITED!! I actually did the happy dance!

Yay! It's meant to be!!

Our psych eval was $100, refunded us $30. As we saw it the eval was for the sake of the insurance company, nothing to do with helping us cope, no advice, no help. He just delved into our past and made us answer hundreds of questions on a computer.

My wife was promptly approved by insurance, I was promptly turned down. I was turned down because I told him about the short period in the 60's that I was a hippy and smoked dope,(erratic lifestyle). I would advise not just blabbing everything no matter how friendly they seem.

I was later approved, after the first of the year and we were into a new copay period

Happy for you girlie!

Our psych eval was $100, refunded us $30. As we saw it the eval was for the sake of the insurance company, nothing to do with helping us cope, no advice, no help. He just delved into our past and made us answer hundreds of questions on a computer.

My wife was promptly approved by insurance, I was promptly turned down. I was turned down because I told him about the short period in the 60's that I was a hippy and smoked dope,(erratic lifestyle). I would advise not just blabbing everything no matter how friendly they seem.

I was later approved, after the first of the year and we were into a new copay period :smile1:

What absolute BS. I'm in recovery, been clean almost 6 years and I told my surgeon this right off. He congratulated me! Said that was an accomplishment and good for me. The dietician did suggest that I have extra support after the surgery but to deny someone for drug use 40 years ago is crazy.

OP, good for you! Some of these prices for evals are ridiculous. There is always a better deal to be found and glad you got one.