Overview
A pre-surgical psychological evaluation helps your medical team better understand your readiness for a procedure, identify areas where additional support may be helpful, and meet any psychological assessment requirements set by your surgeon or insurance carrier.
The goal is not to determine whether your pain is real, but to better understand your individual needs, identify areas where additional support may be helpful, and help you and your medical team make informed decisions about your care.
Why is this evaluation important?
Surgery and recovery can bring physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes. A psychological evaluation provides an opportunity to discuss your expectations, understand potential challenges, determine appropriate goals and identify strategies to help you navigate recovery. The goal is to support your preparation for surgery and help your care team develop a plan that considers both your physical and emotional well-being to promote strong outcomes.
Procedures we evaluate for
- Spinal cord stimulator and peripheral nerve stimulators
- Spine surgery
- Bariatric surgery
- Intrathecal drug infusion therapy
What to expect
Your evaluation typically includes a conversation about your health history, current concerns, expectations, and goals, along with questionnaires or psychological testing when appropriate. This is an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have about surgery or recovery.
Following the evaluation, a written report is provided to your referring physician, with your consent, to support treatment planning and meet any documentation required by your insurance carrier.