ClinicalNeuropsychologyis a specialty field within Clinical Psychology which focuses on the human brain and how medical, emotional, and other factors such as age, drugs/medication, trauma, sleep disorders etc. may influence day-to-day thinking, memory and behavior.

Neuropsychologists help in the understanding of brain & behavior relationships in cases of known or suspected neurological impairment through evaluation and assessment services.  Clinical Neuropsychologists typically consult with treating physicians, specialists and case managers to assist in medical healthcare, mental health or vocational planning.

A neuropsychological assessment can aid in differential diagnosis of neurological versus psychological syndromes and facilitate appropriate treatment decisions for a variety of disorders.

The assessment typically begins with a clinical interview where the clinician reviews your medical records and history with you and usually a family member, close friend or caregiver.  This is followed by a detailed evaluation of areas such as attention/concentration, motor skills, language, visual-spatial abilities, memory, intellectual functioning, executive functioning and emotional adjustment.

If your doctor orders a brain CT or MRI, that report will discuss the physical structure of your brain. It will determine if it looks normal or not, it will NOT state how the brain is working. Neuropsychological testing provides the functional capabilities of your brain through measuring language, sequencing, memory, problem solving, emotional/behavioral functioning and executive thinking as well as motor and perceptual skills.  The results of neuropsychological testing provide important information of how the brain is actually working.

If you are experiencing difficulties or changes in the following instances your physician may recommend an evaluation:

• Memory
• Attention or Concentration
• Reasoning & Thinking
• Organizational skills
• Multitasking
• Spatial skills (the capacity to understand, reason and remember the spatial relations among objects or space)
• Insight & judgement
• Personality
• Academic skills (Reading, writing & arithmetic)

 

OR

If you have concerns about cognitive, behavioral, or personality changes due to the following instances your physician may recommend an evaluation:

• Aging
• Stroke
• Head injury
• Dementia
• Depression
• Epilepsy
• Motor vehicle accident
• Concussion
• Brain surgery
• Neurological illness/disease
• Medical conditions or medical procedures

Due to the limited number of neuropsychologists in the area and the increased need from referring providers for this type of testing the appointments are typically 8-12 weeks out.  We do offer a cancelation list this is continuously worked and updated.

Typically, you will need to come in to the office twice. Once for your clinical interview and once for the actual testing.  There are times when we are able to complete both the interview and testing all on the same day.  This does depend on your insurance carrier and/or other circumstances for which you are being evaluated.

Dr. Peck meets with each patient for a clinical interview which includes history taking and symptoms review. He then will have one of his specially trained technicians (psychometrist) administer the actual tests.

The initial interview will take anywhere from 35 minutes to an hour depending on history and complexity of your case. Testing can vary from an hour and a half to three or more hours all depending on your case and the testing Dr. Peck has ordered for you to complete.

No, there is nothing you can study to prepare for the testing, however, there are a few things you can do make the most of your testing.

These include:

• If it’s your first visit please bring your picture ID, any registration forms you may have and if applicable, your insurance cards.
• Get a good night’s sleep the night before your testing day.
• If you have them, be sure to wear your hearing aids and/or eyeglasses.
• Eat something before you get to the office so you aren’t hungry. You can also bring a small snack and something to drink.  (We do have coffee and water available in the office)
• Take your medications like you normally would, unless you were instructed by Dr. Peck in the clinical interview to do otherwise.
• Make sure to leave in plenty of time to arrive for your appointment 10-15 minutes early. Be sure to allow for traffic delays.

A neuropsychological exam uses pencil and paper tests, computerized assessments and questionnaires to better understand/ answer you and your physician’s concerns. Any family members, friends or caregivers that come with you to the actual testing appointment will be asked to wait in the waiting room.

Your results will be sent to your referring provider usually within 3 weeks of the completion of your testing.

You will need to follow up with your referring provider to discuss your results.  After you have seen your provider and if you still have questions about your results, you may contact the office to discuss appointment options to speak with Dr. Peck.

It is office policy that all fees (copay, coinsurance, deductible or private pay) be collected at the time the services are rendered.

Our office does not offer any type of payment plan or financing.

No. At the time of your first appointment you signed a waiver of insurance. This means you waived the option of having us file with your insurance.  (Private pay is not available to Medicare patients)

Our office will do everything within its means to ensure you know your coverage for this type of evaluation.  Ultimately, however, it is your responsibility to know your insurance plan and coverage.  Most insurances do cover testing as long as medical necessity can be proven.  Some plans require referrals from your PCP or prior authorizations.

Please Note:  Services provided to assess competency, learning disabilities and psychoeducational testing are typically not covered by health insurance carriers.