What's a reasonable cost for a Psych Eval?

[MacMadame 81]

Mine was billed to the insurance company at $350. However, I went through my EAP and they only cover $85. The shrink just eats the rest, I guess, because I only have to pay $10.

[triser72 0]

I paid $175 for a social worker/licensed counselor to do my psych eval.

[msjessy 0]

I agree with other posters. $1200 is way too much for a psych evaluation. Unless that is the cost for several sessions...to help you be mentally prepared for the change in lifestyle both before and after surgery.

My psych appt is coming up soon and it is a $250 charge. I went thru the "preferred' psych for my DR because I am trying to get all of the clearances done this month and didn't want ANYTHING to delay this process.

I would definitely look into using your insurance and finding a participating psych (unless your DR advises you can only use this psych).

Good Luck!!~

[Shalee04 7]

Mine was $200.00

[Carrie_C 9]

Wow, I paid $95 for the psych AND nutrition evals, and I thought that was a lot.

[wsw27 0]

I paid $300 for my psych consult. $1200 seems very high, unless the fee covers several visits. I am hoping to go through NYU for surgery and the office requires all patients to see their psychologist. Call the surgeon's office and find out if there are other options, or if you can get a referral from your insurance company. From what I 've read on this site, every doctor has a protocol for the psych and nutrition consults. If the surgeon wants you to see this particular psychologist, get more details about why the fee is so high before you go to the appt.

[LSF 264]

Mine charged $210 - but my insurance is paying for it. I just had to pay the co-pay ($25) and he is making me go back. I have to keep a food journal and exercise journal.

[Jodi_620 37]

My surgeon has the psych right in his office. She charges $1200 but only asks $500 from the patient. She then bills the insurance company the full $1200. If they don't pay anything then she leaves it at that. If they do, she will return to me any money in excess of the $1200.

[knd 0]

If your dr. isn't requiring you to see that particular psych and you have mental health benefits thru your insurance, try to find another participating provider. $500 is still alot to put out upfront. Especially if it is a covered benefit. And it's just supposed to be an evaluation.

[pennyt 14]

My surgeon has the psych right in his office. She charges $1200 but only asks $500 from the patient. She then bills the insurance company the full $1200. If they don't pay anything then she leaves it at that. If they do, she will return to me any money in excess of the $1200.

That doesn't sound ethical on the part of the psychologist.

[Jodi_620 37]

That doesn't sound ethical on the part of the psychologist.

I don't see it as unethical. $1,200 is her fee but if the insurance company doesn't cover it then she gives the patient a break. My surgeon gives a discount to self-pay patients too.

[anewbb 0]

A lot of Drs accept the amt ins will pay without billing additional to patient. It is the same thing as when ins contracts with the dr to pay a certain amt and the dr can not bill for the rest.

The dr requiring you to use that one could be another matter all together.

Still I agree the amt is excessive. I will be self pay also and I was given a list of ppl I could use or one of my choosing. I live 2 hrs away and the surgeon has no problems with me getting as much pre-op stuff done closer to home.

Hugs

Rita

[Jodi_620 37]

A lot of Drs accept the amt ins will pay without billing additional to patient. It is the same thing as when ins contracts with the dr to pay a certain amt and the dr can not bill for the rest.

The dr requiring you to use that one could be another matter all together.

Still I agree the amt is excessive. I will be self pay also and I was given a list of ppl I could use or one of my choosing. I live 2 hrs away and the surgeon has no problems with me getting as much pre-op stuff done closer to home.

Hugs

Rita

I agreee anewbb, I was not told that I was required to see the "in house Psych". It was just convenient to have everything in one office which is so close-just a couple blocks from my office so I decided that it would make the whole process easier for me to use her. I would imagine that the cost also has a lot to do with where you live...nothing is cheap in my area.

[tas 0]

I finally had my Psyc Eval this week. I told them it was out of pocket and the cost was $125.00. What a big difference from the original place that wanted $1,200.00 for the same. I'd recommend people to call around and ask for prices. It actually went rather well. Lasted about 45 minutes and she just echoed what the doctor told me. What was involved and what to expect and was I ready for the life change. Not bad at all and a lot less expensive that originally priced. Thanks to all.

[Carrie_C 9]

That's great!