Psych Evaluation (Transformations, River Oaks) Mississippi heads up

[PLUUSGRL 13]

Just wanted to give those of you pre op in Central Mississippi or going through the Transformations Flowood, MS program a heads up on your psych eval. I went to one of the doctors on the preferred list and was told to pay my Co pay on the day of my psych eval ($134.00). What they lead you to believe is that everything is good after that and insurance will pay the balance after you have completed medically supervised diets if required BUT they don't tell you that you need the psych evaluation in order for the surgeon to submit to insurance and insurance won't approve without it BUT (yes another but) the doctor will not release the psych evaluation results to the doctor for insurance approval until you pay in full (another $561.00 that I was not prepared to have to pay). So how will insurance pay the claim if you need the psych eval in order for them to determine that they will pay which the doctor won't release until he is fully paid?They claim they will reimburse you when insurance pays, if it pays. I do understand that the doctor has to be paid, I just wish they would make it clear to you so that you can make arrangements to have that money set aside. It would have probably been better for me to go to one that takes cash ($400 range) where I could have paid half up front and the balance when I was ready for submission. I used Dr. Criss Lott in Richland, MS. As it stands now I will be going to see my pcp Monday to get the wls referral and paying the $561.00 so that I can get my psych eval results released. If all goes well I should have my file submitted to insurance next week. There is a big possibility that I will be denied because my 3 month consecutive medically supervised weight loss. I have completed it but during that time I had stomach ulcer problems and the doctor visits shifted towards that instead. Insurance could say the weight loss is not be documented enough. Im going to cross my fingers and see. But at least after it's submitted I will know what, if anything, I am lacking.

I really just wanted to let you all know to be prepared to pay for your psych evaluation in full. Hope this info helps someone.

[catobird1225 13]

That is ridiculous! My psych eval was very thorough and detailed! It only cost me 50 of $150! You need another doctor in my opinion! Oxford Bariatric is awesome!