What is neuropsychology?
Neuropsychologists are psychologists with further training in the relationship between our brain and how it affects behavior. Neuropsychologists provide comprehensive assessments to examine cognitive and behavioral changes that can be caused by brain disease or injury. Neuropsychologists also help patients improve brain functions and cope with changes.
How does a neuropsychological assessment work?
Your neuropsychologist will begin by interviewing you about your life, including your medical history and current concerns. A series of verbal and paper and pencil tests will then be administered. In some cases, computerized tests may be conducted. The tests will examine cognitive and emotional functioning, including measures of attention, concentration, intelligence, learning and memory, language skills, and visuospatial skills. Neuropsychological tests are standardized, meaning we give them to all patients in a similar manner and this allows us to compare a patient's performance to their peers to determine if a particular skill is a strength or weakness. This pattern of strengths and weaknesses helps us understand how the brain is functioning and what conditions may be affecting a person.
How long will it take to finish the assessment?
A complete assessment generally takes about 3 hours, but this can range from 2 hours to 6 or possibly more depending upon the referral question, complexity of the situation, and the patient's condition. For example, fatigue or confusion might extend the length of the assessment. Most people can finish the normal 3 hour assessment in one sitting. Breaks are provided as needed and additional days can be scheduled if necessary.
Why was this neuropsychological assessment recommended?
Neuropsychological assessment helps to document a patient's cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Interpretating this pattern can:
- Help with differential diagnosis of various brain conditions.
- Provide a baseline to compare later evaluations with. This allows your doctor to determine if functioning has worsened or improved with treatment or to determine if functioning is declining because of a disease process.
- Reveal strengths and weaknesses in daily functioning skills, like financial management ability, that a patient may need assistance with.
- Assist with determining if a given treatment or neurosurgical procedure is appropriate for a particular person.
- To make recommendations to improve functioning and coping.
How should I prepare for my assessment?
These are really not the type of tests a person can study for. Please do not worry about "passing" or "failing." These are not those types of tests. Instead, these tests describe how well a patient if performing relative to their peers.
It would be very helpful if a loved one or someone who has known the patient for the past few years can participate in the interview in case the patient has difficulty providing information about their history. It is also helpful if the patient can bring in their records of previous neuropsychological testing or neurodiagnostic testing, such as brain MRI or CT scans.
On the day of your appointment please take your medications as usual and bring a list of ALL medications to the appointment. If you wear glasses or a hearing aid, please bring them. Try and get a full night’s sleep and a good meal before coming. Please try to not consume alcohol or illicit substances for at least 24 hours prior ot the assesmsent.
You have the right to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" explaining how much your medical care will cost
Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
- You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
- Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
- If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
- Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call us at 805-988-6197.