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

NSV has moved to a direct patient fee for service payment model. There
are specific appointment places available, and the current wait time is
approximately 2-3 weeks for in-office appointments. The initial interview
appointment also can be arranged via secure telehealth.

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.

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.

Services are no longer restricted by “one size fits all insurance limitations”. The initial interview will take anywhere from 1 – 2 hours depending on history and complexity of your case. Testing can vary from 3 hours to a full day (or more) depending on your needs. We no longer.

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.

For those who may not be familiar with neuropsychological evaluations, or may not
know how they could benefit from one, an initial “Mini-Consult” may be helpful.

A “Mini-Consult” is a 45-minute session one-on-one telehealth visit with the
Neuropsychologist for the following purpose:

• Review the doctor’s order or reason for the consultation.
• Discuss the concerns, questions, and needs of the patient and family
• Learn about ways the neuropsychological evaluation may be helpful and what
  to expect.
• At the conclusion, Dr. Peck would review initial recommendations, including
  the apparent level (straightforward to highly complex) of complexity and type
  of evaluation (clinical questions versus administrative issues such as capacity
  determination, forensic matters) to br provided.
• This appointment is not designed to provide a formal “final” opinion or
  diagnosis, but to lead to the best use of the patient’s time in completing the
  formal neuropsychological evaluation.

Benefits of the Mini-Consult: Direct access to the Neuropsychologist to learn more
about how this type of evaluation may benefit a patient’s specific situation.

What the Mini-Consult will not include:

• Detailed clinical interview and history-taking
• Review of medical records important for the clinical history
• Formal neuropsychological testing battery
• Interpretation of detailed evaluation findings
• Clinical diagnosis and recommendations specific to the individual patient’s
  situation

If you would like to schedule a Mini-Consult, please call our offices. The cost of the
Mini-Consult is $300.00 and is via telehealth.