Has anybody used a social worker for the eval? My surgery center said it's ok and gave me a list of questions to give him. Just checking to see if anybody has used one an was there an issue.

Thanks in advance.

I would double check that with your insurance company before you spend time and money and then perhaps learn later that is not accepted. Just to be sure:)

Thanks, I will definitely call tomorrow.

So I called Aetna, they have no ide what they are doing. I called the pre-cert department, they could not answer my question. I called my surgeon's office and spoke the financial rep. She assured me it was ok that I used a social worker as long as the letter was on their letterhead.

I go tomorrow. Hopefully, I can leave with the letter and not have them fax it. I would rather have the origional and fexa copy to the surgeon.

My insurance states that my psych evaluation must be done with a person who at least has a Master's Degree

Does your social worker have a degree in psychology and are they licensed as a psychologist? If not I wouldn't expect that a social worker could clear you for bariatric surgery. Check with your surgeon for a list of acceptable professionals. Most that are affiliated with the surgeons have a specialty in dealing with bariatric surgery patients.

My surgeon gave me a list. I made an appointment with a clinical social worker that they recommend.

A LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker can do it. They are often times employed as therapists or counselors and are social workers. Most insurances require a licensed professional to do the evaluation . An LCSW employed as a counselor did my psych evaluation.

Edited July 29, 201412 yr by teecee

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. Any licensed behavioral health professional is deemed qualified, as long as they have a contract with your particular insurance company. And believe me,they won't see you if they aren't already approved to accept your insurance (unless you are paying out of pocket, in which case it won't matter anyway.) social workers, psychologists and counselors are equivalent.

I had my evaluation yesterday. It was a flat fee of $100. I think it went well. She was recommend by my surgeon's office.