Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluations
If your surgeon or pain specialist has referred you for a psychological evaluation before bariatric (weight-loss) surgery or a spinal cord stimulator (SCS), you're in the right place. This page explains what the evaluation involves, what to bring, and what happens afterward.
First, the most important thing: this is a routine, required step — not a "pass/fail" test. Surgeons and insurance companies require it before major procedures, and the vast majority of patients complete it without difficulty. We treat it as a collaborative step to identify your strengths and make sure you're prepared for the changes ahead.
What the Evaluation Involves
- A clinical interview — we'll talk about your health history, your understanding of the procedure, your support system, and how you're preparing for the lifestyle changes that follow surgery.
- Brief standardized questionnaires — paper-and-pencil or computer-based measures that are a standard part of surgical clearances.
- Most evaluations are completed in a single visit.
For bariatric surgery: we focus on readiness for lifestyle changes, support systems, and realistic expectations — the factors that support long-term success.
For spinal cord stimulators: we focus on pain coping strategies and your understanding of the implant procedure, to help maximize the device’s effectiveness.
After Your Appointment
We coordinate directly with your surgical team and prepare a professional clearance report that satisfies insurance requirements. For bariatric evaluations, the report is generally provided at the feedback session; otherwise, the clearance report is typically completed within one week of your appointment. We share the results with your medical team promptly.
Insurance & Cost
We are in-network with Aetna, the NC State Health Plan, and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) for pre-surgical evaluations. If we're out-of-network with your plan, we provide a superbill you can submit for reimbursement; the self-pay fee is a flat $660, all-inclusive. We'll help you verify your coverage when you schedule.
What to Bring
- Photo ID and your insurance card
- A list of your current medications
- Your surgeon's name and practice (if the referral didn't come with records)
- Glasses or hearing aids, if you use them
Where We Are
Our office is at 34 Myrtle Street, Belmont, NC 28012 (open in Google Maps) — convenient to Charlotte, Gastonia, Lake Wylie, and Rock Hill. Street parking is available. Note that the office is on the upper floor of a converted house and is reached by a flight of stairs; if you arrive early, have a seat in the chairs at the top of the stairs and Dr. Ellison will call you in at your appointment time.
Questions or scheduling: call or text (803) 620-4411. Surgical teams can fax referrals and records to (828) 620-4411.