Hello all,

One of the final things I have to do before having a date set is my psych eval. This may seem like a silly question, but... Can i go to anyone? During orientation, I remember my surgeon preaching that we go to one of their recommended psychologists. His reasoning was these psychs knew exactly what to say for insurance companies approval. I live close to two hours away from said psychs. Has anyone run into this issue? I would assume they would know what to do with having an order and being a licensed professional. But after hearing about other patients being denied i'm concerned.

Thank you!

Suggestions/advice?

I would try and see if your team could recommend another therapist that was closer to you and covered via insurance (if that’s your route).

It all varies. For my sleeve surgery I just went to a licensed counselor/social worker & for my revision I had to see a psychotherapist whom literally followed a list of questions from the bariatric team. I thought the social worker wa better than the therapist lol.

the only way I would go see someone 2 hours away is if the team said it was deal or no deal and it were the only way I would get approved.

1 hour ago, Bryn910 said:

I would try and see if your team could recommend another therapist that was closer to you and covered via insurance (if that’s your route).

It all varies. For my sleeve surgery I just went to a licensed counselor/social worker & for my revision I had to see a psychotherapist whom literally followed a list of questions from the bariatric team. I thought the social worker wa better than the therapist lol.

the only way I would go see someone 2 hours away is if the team said it was deal or no deal and it were the only way I would get approved.

I talked to the secretary at my surgeons office and was told they didn't know anyone to recommend me to in my area and i could go wherever i'm covered. I called my insurance company and they said i could go anywhere accepting.

I just wasn't sure if I should bite the bullet and drive up there just because it is who they typically deal with. My surgeon has brought up several times that the psychologists they typically deal with know the lingo and have a better shot at getting accepted. Opposed to the denials they have from outside psychs based upon how it is written out.

I have heard it is either a huge list of questions, surveys, or a quick twenty minute chat.

That's funny you say that. At my job so many people say the same thing.

At this point in my journey i'm willing to do almost anything for a date to be set.

Your last sentence just answered your Q in my thinking. Make the 2hr trip for almost guaranteed clearance, or risk denial going somewhere else?

I wouldn’t risk it if it were me.... make a day of it and drive the two hours.

I would call around to local counselors to explain what you need and see if they think they can handle doing the evaluation and report. Another route would be to see if the psychologists/counselors on the surgery team's list can do the interview by phone due to your distance. I went to a counselor that was suggested on my list and it was all of a 30 minute interview. I have a feeling that because he knew the routine, my appointment was a lot shorter than it could have been.

Do you have to visit your doctor for anymore monthly visits? Maybe you could schedule two appointments on the same day so the trip seemed more worth it. That said, I would go with the known in order to avoid any insurance complications.

I would make the drive. I would hate for you to run into any obstacles if another doctor words something not quite right.

I live 2 hours away from my psych as well, matter of fact I am traveling now to make my very last appointment which is to see them. In my opinion I would travel and make the appointment just to get it over with and get the ball rolling for my surgery instead of prolonging time trying to find someone who will give me an appointment 2 months from now, but everyone is different. Anyways good luck on your journey[emoji173]

You should definitely stick with your team.I did for my evaluation.I was approved for surgery 1st try

See if you have anyone in your binder that does them over the phone ours had some listings and they accepted insurance

18 hours ago, nibble said:

Your last sentence just answered your Q in my thinking. Make the 2hr trip for almost guaranteed clearance, or risk denial going somewhere else?

Lol your right. I just wanted to see if anyone had been in my position. I'm willing to make the drive if need be but i'd still rather go to a local. I wanted to see if anyone knew whether your average psych has bariatric knowledge or if it was an elective for them. I know its not their specialty. Just curious i suppose.

16 hours ago, FLHappyGirl said:

Do you have to visit your doctor for anymore monthly visits? Maybe you could schedule two appointments on the same day so the trip seemed more worth it. That said, I would go with the known in order to avoid any insurance complications.

I go to him next month and he said to complete all my tests and lose thirty pounds. Based on them he makes the decision if i can set a date. Thank you!

15 hours ago, Timey said:

I live 2 hours away from my psych as well, matter of fact I am traveling now to make my very last appointment which is to see them. In my opinion I would travel and make the appointment just to get it over with and get the ball rolling for my surgery instead of prolonging time trying to find someone who will give me an appointment 2 months from now, but everyone is different. Anyways good luck on your journey

Thank you! Did you get in fairly quickly with the team psych? Thank you, and good luck on yours as well!

14 hours ago, newmebithebypass said:

See if you have anyone in your binder that does them over the phone ours had some listings and they accepted insurance

Thanks for the idea! I didn't realize they offered it over the phone.

5 hours ago, actuallylosingit said:

Thank you! Did you get in fairly quickly with the team psych? Thank you, and good luck on yours as well!

Yes the team psych actually has an office within the doctor's office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The drive was good and the visit went great.