1. Comprehensive Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation or Consultation: 3 to 9 hours:
Typically about 4 to 8 hours is required. Although it may be difficult to imagine what would take four or more hours, the time passes quickly. Patients with chronic or lengthy histories, or who have histories complicated by physical illnesses, or who have had difficulty obtaining a good outcome usually require this amount of time. This visit may extend over two days, depending on the time required to obtain and evaluate the data. Depending on the purpose of the evaluation, a comprehensive letter may be prepared for yourself and your attending physician.
The types of information obtained are:
- History of the Present Illness
- Review of Current Symptoms
- Past Psychiatric History including review of
available records - Past Medical History
- Sleep History
- Social History
- Medication History
- Family History
- Educational History
- Military History
- Marital History
- Private History
It includes Mental Status Examination, Formulation, Diagnoses, and Treatment Suggestions. If done for a second opinion or consultation, the fee includes a comprehensive letter sent to you and to your attending physician which you will review for accuracy before a final version is sent.
2. Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation for Legal Purposes:
A comprehensive evaluation is performed. This includes a letter sent to you and to your attorney, with prior review by you, the patient.
3. Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation for Medicare or Social Security Disability:
A comprehensive evaluation is performed. This includes filling out the necessary forms for Medicare or Social Security Disability in cooperation with the governmental agency.
4. Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation for Occupational Disability:
A psychiatric disorder may flare up while employed. This service consists of an evaluation for the purposes of meeting the requisite demands for a medical leave of absence from work, or for family medical leave of absence. The length of time to do this depends on whether the person requesting this service is a patient of mine or not. I do not perform evaluations for Workman’s Compensation.
5. Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation for Other Reasons:
At times, evaluations are required for special considerations for students, for employees with other needs, for insurance needs, and the like.