[Rrae]

Just wanted to start a thread on this subject, as I recall how I felt when first told I need to have this before being considered a candidate for SCS Implant.

At first I felt intimidated and paranoid wondering if I was being perceived as 'crazy'.

This was not the case. Most insurance companies require a psychological assessment as protocol before being considered as a candidate for this procedure. What they are looking for is your expectation of what the implant will do, what is your perception of the pain you suffer, and if you are truly willing to accept this 'foreign object' put into your body.
From the physician's perspective, they are mainly looking to rule out any type of somatoform or conversion disorder, and perhaps to make sure there is not an untreated drug/addiction dependency.

I was told that, in the past, before these assessments were mandated, there was a higher rate of failure with the implants for several reasons, one of which the patient did not have a clear and realistic expectation of what the implant would do. Insurance companies were losing alot of money over this.

So, relax, be open and honest and in the end everyone will be on the 'same page' and feel better about the procedure.
Afterall, it does take quite a teamwork to make it a success - You, your family, your primary care physician, your pain specialist, and the representatives of the company who will be rendering your new 'bodypart'.

Anyone care to weigh in?

As far as the 'assessment' goes, mine consisted of a 200 question form to fill out (similar to an ACT/SAT test) and a 45 minute visit with the therapist. He mainly focused on asking me about my family life and how the pain has affected my quality of life.