Tricare Prime & Psych Eval - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

sassygrl · 09-24-2008, 05:52 PM

Hi Everyone ,

I have my surgeon consult Friday.
Today I got a call from the nuts office.
They need a referral from my insurance for a psych evaluation , and they will also be giving me a 3 hour test, and then a follow up. Anyhow, I called Tricare to request the referral, and the rep seemed surprised that they wanted to give me a test.
She gave me 8 visits but said to test me the nut would have to call and request it. I'm curious if all of this a Tricare requirement?

It seems the psych evaluation will be on the same day as I see the surgeon. do you think? gulp

I have a couple of questions.
What is the three hour test about? What should I expect? I'm wondering if I'm getting this because I take med's for anxiety and depression.

Thanks for your help , I'm getting nervous : (

Andie · 09-24-2008, 05:58 PM

I'm not sure...don't know what the "3 hr" test is? Sorry can't help ya!

KarenInKali · 09-24-2008, 07:05 PM

3 hr test at the psych's office? I have no idea.

TriWest didn't give me a referral - all I had to do was pick a psych and mae the appointment. I did have to pay $50 out of pocket for her report, but Tricare paid for the appointment.

sassygrl · 09-24-2008, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarenInKali

3 hr test at the psych's office? I have no idea.

TriWest didn't give me a referral - all I had to do was pick a psych and mae the appointment. I did have to pay $50 out of pocket for her report, but Tricare paid for the appointment.

I know, this nut is a preferred provider. So why all the fuss?

I just need to relax and what will be will be.

Thanks

Skylark · 09-24-2008, 07:20 PM

Hi,
I'm going through the exact thing with Tricare at this moment. My surgeon wants a psych eval too, as do most surgeons. With Tricare, the first appointment (1 hour), you do not need a referral--it's merely an eval. The second appointment is three hours of testing. Tricare only approved 1 hour. I called my psychologist and she cut the test to two hours and is charging me $100 out of pocket. On the tricare website under the Provider Connection, I quote, "The beneficiary first has to undergo a Gastric Bypass Psychological Evaluation, a specialized appointment for all patients being considered for gastric bypass surgery. This can involve psychological evaluation and up to one hour of psychological testing as well as support group activities for patients bother pre- and post surgery."
Hope this helps!
Skylark

Corrine · 09-24-2008, 07:48 PM

I'm Tricare Prime and had to do a psyc evaluation too but it certainly wasn't a 3 hour epic - maybe an hour at most. As best I can rememeber, it cost me $25.00.

It was a very relaxed thing - we talked about my eating habits, why I thought this surgery would help me, had me counting backwards from 100 deducting 7 at a time ???

A Subby's Wife · 09-24-2008, 07:54 PM

I have Tri-Care prime and I had to do a Psy Eval, but no 3 hr test. I was lucky and did not have to pay anything out of pocket. After the surgery, I have to do a follow up psy eval, but that is supposed to be covered through Tri-Care as well. I did get a referral, but the nurse put it in the system and psychologist had the approval and called me to make an appointment before I even got my approval letter. Good luck to ya! Let us know about the 3 hour test and what it was all about.

Skylark · 09-24-2008, 07:56 PM

I can believe it--every time I call Tricare I get different answers. Wish I had your psychologist! I'm almost finished with all my pre-op requirments and each time I needed Tricare approval (I'm prime too), it's been a fight. Now I REALLY KNOW I can do this--I've had to fight for it and am winning

kario · 09-24-2008, 08:05 PM

I have Tricare prime too? I did My psych eval Monday. I called my PCP they put in the referral. I made an appointment. It was maybe an hour. That was it, no follow up. I did do a computer test that was long at the surgeons office.

jtroth · 09-24-2008, 09:30 PM

I am in Tri South and looks like you are too.
I had to do the eval as well. But my primary dr put the referal in for me. I went in met with the guy for like 30-45 minutes then I had to come in and take a test that is slotted for around 3 hrs. But didn't take me anywhere near that long. I didn't even talk to anyone that day other to check in and leave after I was done.