The Bariatric Psychological Evaluation at Behavioral Health Consulting Psychology, PLLC is conducted by Patrick C. Quinn, PhD, MHA. Dr. Quinn has administered over a thousand psychological evaluations specifically for bariatric surgical clearance since 2000.You can make an appointment for the Bariatric
Psychological Evaluation with Dr. Quinn, a licensed psychologist, through a Video Interview from your home or work. This appointment is “Fee for Service”. This means there is a flat fee of $135.00. Dr. Quinn does not file or accept your insurance as payment.
The first step in making your appointment for the Video Bariatric Psychological Evaluation is to get a referral from your surgeon, then call Dr. Quinn at 704-706-9218 to make an appointment and to discuss the best way for you to have your video evaluation.The advantage of the Video Interview for the Bariatric Psychological Evaluation is that it allows you to obtain the same Bariatric Psychological Evaluation as in the traditional office visit, without the trouble of traveling to a psychologist’s office for your appointment. The disadvantage of the Video Interview is: it requires a smart phone or computer equipment and being, at least a little, “comfortable with new technology”.
A computer, iPad, Android pad, or any smartphone that can connect to the Internet is required.(The best experience will be on a fast internet connection, but even a telephone connection to the internet is usually adequate.)
It is strongly preferred that you use a HIPAA compliant video conferencng application. Dr Quinn can arrange for you to use a HIPAA compliant program. You will be sent a internet based link by text or email that does not require you to download any software to your computer or phone. However, if you strongly prefer, you may use FaceTime, Duo, Skype, or any other program that allows for Video Calling on your computer or smartphone. All Apple phones have FaceTime and all Android phones have Duo for video calling. Any computer connected to the internet can use Zoom or Doxy.me.
You must have a personal or confidential email address to receive the Authorization for Release of Healthcare Information. This document is necessary to Release your report to your Bariatric Surgeon. You will receive an email from DocuSign (the most commonly used application for signing documents over the internet), which will allow you to electronically sign the Release right on your phone, pad or computer.
You will be asked to send a photograph of your Driver’s License / ID (and your best email address) to the same number you called to make your appointment (704-706-9218). Most patients take a picture using their smartphone, then send the picture right from there. This is so Dr. Quinn can identify you for the Release and for the video call. Texting the picture of your ID and texting your best email address is usually done right after you finish making your appointment.
On the date and at the time of your appointment, Dr. Quinn will initiate the FaceTime, Duo, Doxy.me, Zoom, or other video call, based on your stated preferences, when you made your appointment.
You can provide your payment information at the end of the psychological evaluation video interview. (OR) You can opt to receive an email with an Invoice, which can be paid through the Square Application, using a link in the email. You may use a Health Care Savings Account card to pay for your evaluation in either method.
** It is rare that some Insurance Companies may request additional psychological testing be included in your Assessment, to aurthorize your Bariatric Surgery, such as the Millon Behavioral Medicine Diagnostic (MBMD). This can be done for a small additional fee, and this test can be provided to you over the internet. If you know your Insurance Company requires additional testing or has a special form that must be completed, please let Dr. Quinn know as soon as you are informed of this requirement. We can quickly “catch up” with any additional requirements. (BC/BS of TN is a company that sometimes requires this. Dr. Quinn does not know of any others that request additional testing beyond that included in the video conference. In the vast majority of evaluations, the one-time video call will meet the requirement for the Psychological Evaluation.)