Frustrated and Angry!

[stl2atl07 0]

I met with my Surgeon On February 3, everything was on track to get insurance approval, I got my psych eval done, got the letter from my GP faxed in, and the Bariatic Center won't accept my Psych Eval without a MMPI included.

It's gonna cost me $800.00 fior this test when I already have a Psych eval that clears me. I don't have $800.00 so it's going to be a few months or longer before I can get it done. That means I won't be getting my insurance approval for that much longer.

I'm really feeling like every time I look up there is a stumbling block with this surgery. First thing was the $600 program fee. They said I can make payments with that but I still have to have it paid before my Surgery.

Now Something else. Maybe I'm not supposed to do this at all. :smile:

Edited February 14, 2010 by stl2atl07

[arthukd 1]

Sorry you are frustrated but I had to pay 12K so at least you have insurance approval.

[BetsyB 9]

I'm sorry you're so frustrated. I totally understand---and it stinks.

You say you already have a psych eval that clears you---but you don't. You have part of the required psych exam. You're not cleared just because a psych says you are; they need specific items in order to make the clearance valid.

I would be inclined to take it up with the psych; if unfamiliar with the requirements for clearance, s/he should have spoken with your surgical group and/or insurance carrier to find out what was required. And then, it should have been done. Personally, I'd insist that s/he COMPLETE the exam you already paid for!

ETA: Did your surgeon let you know, from the outset, that there was a program fee that wasn't covered by insurance? Mine did--at the very first seminar. From the very outset, I knew I'd have to pay $300 before my preop nutrition class. It was not unexpected---but when it came time to pay it, it still kind of caught me off-guard. It's not the surgeon's office's fault---it's just the nature of overloaded minds. we simply can't absorb everything! My mind happened to prefer to focus on the things I needed to do to be successful with my band. My doctor's office, though, kind of wanted their money LOL

I don't think these are omens that you shouldn't have the surgery. I do think you need to remain aware that the aftercare does involve out-of-pocket costs you may not have considered; if you're concerned, it'd be a good idea to talk with your surgeon's financial person to find out if there are other things you aren't yet expecting that might come as a surprise.

Edited February 14, 2010 by BetsyB

[pickles123 0]

Don't hesitate to change surgeons. I did and others on here did also. Remember you have to deal with them a lot after surgery (for fills etc) and if they aren't good now they sure aren't going to be better after surgery.

[stl2atl07 0]

Karen, You should feel blessed you have that kind of funds instead of snapping at me because Im frustrated with my insurance. If I had money I would happily pay for this, no problem.

Betty, Thank you for the thoughtful insight. I'm not unhappy with the results of the first Psych Evaluation. I was given what I expected to get.

Yes, They did tell me at the Seminar about the Program Fee. At that time I had spoken to the Center several times. I had asked many questions regarding my insurance and what was required. No one told me about a Program Fee. So when I went to the Seminar, 3 months later It was like a slap in the face. I thought I had researched everything.

I have asked about my insurance covering the fills, and the fluroscopy they require for their fills. No problem there. I even asked about my Insurance covering if my Band slips or erodes. They will even replace it.

They just won't pay for Psychologic visits, nor testing. I guess I should really count my blessings. It was just tough to swallow, I thought I was just a few weeks away from getting my Date. Now, it may be next Fall.

Pickles, I've already changed Surgeons once. I really feel as this is the Best Center for me. They are a little stricter in their policy but I don't think striving for the best is a bad thing. Thanks for the Support.

Edited February 15, 2010 by stl2atl07

[Gone23456 0]

Does your surgeon deal with only a specific psych professional? My MMPI-2 was included in the cost of my visits. And my total for the 3 visits was only around $400. My insurance didn't pay for any of the visits either.

Is it possible to price shop for a cheaper visit since you only have to take the MMPI-2? I hope you can find somewhere cheaper so you can move forward with your journey!

Good luck!

[BetsyB 9]

I totally understand your frustration--and I, too, would be very upset.

It's good that you got what you expected from the psych consult, but really---the psych should have confirmed that s/he was providing what was required for clearance.

Do you think s/he would be willing to work with you, since there clearly was a misunderstanding? You went to see him/her, expecting that all that was needed would be done. It wasn't. $800 for an MMPI is a LOT!

I know the hoop-jumping is frustrating. But I agree with you that it's better to be with surgeons who are really thorough---even if the process is a bit prolonged---than to face the alternative.

I hope you find a really good solution, FAST. Once you're banded, you will know how totally worth it this process has been. But when you're in the midst of it, it feels awful!