Many surgeries are directly associated with changes in mental health. Sometimes pre-existing mental health conditions can put patients at risk for poor medical or psychological outcomes after surgery. In some cases, pre-existing mental health conditions can make it unsafe to proceed with surgery. Everyone wants surgery to be successful, and a psychological evaluation prior to surgery helps pave the way for a safe procedure, smooth recovery, and long-term success. Our practice also conducts opioid risk assessments, psychodiagnostic evaluation of chronic health problems, such as insomnia and pain disorders. Click below to learn more about our evaluation process.
Evaluations & Assessments
Most patients completing an evaluation at BHP are preparing for surgery. Surgery always involves more than the procedure itself. Preparation, recovery, and long-term lifestyle changes are also part of what many people’s surgical experience includes.
Bariatric Pre-Surgical Evaluation
Because the brain and gut are closely connected and influence each other (think about being “hangry”), bariatric surgery comes with significant mental health risks. The pre-surgical psychological evaluation is done to ensure that no major risk factors are present before surgery. Ruling out risk factors prior to surgery greatly reduces the likelihood of major mental health problems after surgery and ensures patients are well-prepared to manage the large number of lifestyle changes that occur after surgery. Ultimately, good mental health before surgery paves the way for better success with weight loss and other health outcomes after surgery.
Here’s what you can expect from your bariatric evaluation:
- Complete psychological testing online, or on paper at our office. There are several tests to complete and patients can expect to spend a couple of hours completing the testing.
- Complete a 30-60 minute interview with a psychologist. The interview will mostly consist of questions about weight, eating behavior, bariatric history, and mental health, including past history and current symptoms.
- Possible follow-up phone call after the interview. There are sometimes discrepancies between information obtained in the interview and test results. This is not uncommon and often is not a problem. The evaluating psychologist may give you a call to reconcile the differences.
- Possible treatment before surgery. Sometimes existing mental health problems need to be treated prior to surgery. Our office will help connect you with any treatment needed before surgery.
- Learn the evaluation results. Your psychologist will discuss the result of the evaluation with you, either during the interview or during a follow-up phone call. The bariatric program will be notified of the result of the evaluation.
Pre-Surgical Evaluation for Spinal Cord/Peripheral Nerve Stimulator or Pain Pump
When it comes to stimulators and pumps, there are two main concerns relating to mental health. First, certain mental health conditions can make it unsafe to have a stimulator or pump implanted. Second, and more commonly, there are several mental health conditions that reduce the likelihood of successful pain relief from a stimulator or pump. The pre-surgical psychological evaluation is done to ensure that implantation will be safe and that the device is likely to work well and provide good pain relief.
Here’s what you can expect from your stimulator or pump evaluation:
- Complete psychological testing online, or on paper at our office. There are several tests to complete and patients can expect to spend a couple of hours completing the testing.
- Complete a 30-60 minute interview with a psychologist. The interview will mostly consist of questions about pain, impact of pain on activities, pain treatment, daily activities, and mental health, including past history and current symptoms.
- Possible follow-up phone call after the interview. There are sometimes discrepancies between information obtained in the interview and test results. This is not uncommon and often is not a problem. The evaluating psychologist may give you a call to reconcile the differences.
- Possible treatment before surgery. Sometimes existing mental health problems need to be treated prior to surgery. Our office will help connect you with any treatment needed before surgery.
- Learn the evaluation results. Your psychologist will discuss the result of the evaluation with you, either during the interview or during a follow-up phone call. The bariatric program will be notified of the result of the evaluation.
Evaluation for Opioid Misuse Risk, Post-Bariatric Wellness, and Other Health Concerns
Physicians and other healthcare providers will often refer a patient for psychological evaluation when there is a question about how the patient’s mental health or psychosocial functioning may be impacting the patient’s health condition or engagement in treatment. Healthcare providers may also refer patients to psychology if they believe that behavioral treatment could bolster whatever medical treatment is being provided. Patients can also self-refer for these same questions and concerns.
Here’s what you can expect from this type of evaluation:
- Complete psychological testing online, or on paper at our office. There are several tests to complete and patients can expect to spend a couple of hours completing the testing.
- Complete a 30-60 minute interview with a psychologist. The interview will mostly consist of questions about the patient’s physical health conditions and mental health, including past history and current symptoms.
- Discussion of Diagnoses & Treatment Options. At the end of the evaluation, your evaluating psychologist will discuss diagnoses with you and answer any questions you have. Together you will discuss treatment options and make a plan for moving forward with any treatment recommendations, which may include services in our clinic or with other providers.
- Updates to the Referring Provider. If you were referred by a healthcare provider, the provider will be informed about the result of the evaluation, including any treatment recommendations.
Insurances We Accept
We accept most major insurance plans and Medicare policies, including:
- Aetna
- Anthem
- Cigna
- Humana
- Medicare
- KY Medicaid
- Passport
- Tricare
- Wellcare
- Workers’ Compensation
- UK HMO
- United Healthcare
*We also offer a reduced self-pay rate for patients without insurance.