Your Questions Answered
Choosing a Neuropsychologist is an important decision. To make your visit easier, the ZENITH NEUROPSYCHOLOGY team has compiled and answered some of our most common questions from previous patients, in order to help you make your decision. If you have further questions, our clinic is happy to respond to your inquiries.
CLINICAL EVALUATION FAQs
Q: What is Neuropsychology / a Neuropsychologist?
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A: Neuropsychology is the study of the relationship between the brain and behavior. A Neuropsychologist is an expert on brain-behavior relationships. We conduct evaluations to characterize behavioral and cognitive changes resulting from brain disease or injury. Simply put, neuropsychological evaluations test how well your brain is functioning.
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Q: What conditions do Neuropsychologists diagnose?
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A: Neuropsychologists assess any changes in thinking, memory, concentration, reasoning, language, perception, behavior, or personality. These changes may be due to medical or psychiatric causes such as traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, thyroid disease, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, congenital conditions, HIV, diabetes, cancer, stroke, dementia, etc.
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Q: Do I need a referral or prior authorization for testing?
A: This varies among insurance providers. Please review the terms of your coverage directly with your health insurance provider.
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Q: How long does a neuropsychological evaluation take?
A: A neuropsychological evaluation can take as little as 3 hours or as long as 8+ hours, depending on case complexity. ZENITH schedules briefer testing sessions, with additional sessions added as needed.
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Q: How much does neuropsychological testing cost?
A: Patients’ financial responsibility varies based on the terms of their insurance coverage. Please review the terms of your coverage directly with your health insurance provider.
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Q: Do I have to process my testing through my health insurance provider?
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A: For a multitude of reasons, a patient may prefer a self-pay option. While this is not always possible due to limitations set by some insurance providers, our team can discuss your options with you during your initial consultation.
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Q: How should I prepare for my testing appointment?
A: Review the 'Preparing for Your Appointment’ page for detailed information about how to prepare for your appointment.
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Q: What should I expect at my appointment?
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A: A neuropsychological evaluation consists of gathering relevant history via record review and interview of the patient and/or reliable informants; neuropsychological testing; analysis and integration of data; and feedback to the referral source. Testing typically consists of standardized tests using oral questions, paper and pencil, computers, the manipulation of various test materials, and other procedures. Testing typically focuses on a wide range of cognitive functions including attention, memory, language, academic skills, reasoning and problem solving, visuospatial ability and sensory-motor skills. You may also be administered tests and questionnaires concerning your mood, behavior, and personality.
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Q: What happens after my testing is completed?
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A: After the testing portion of your evaluation is complete, your neuropsychologist will score and interpret all obtained test data. A feedback session will be scheduled with the patient, and verbal feedback will be provided to your referring provider. Ultimately, a written report will be issued and disseminated to all involved parties.
FORENSIC EVALUATION FAQs
Q: What do Forensic Neuropsychologists do?
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A: In the legal field, a Forensic Neuropsychologist provides the trier-of-fact with specialized information regarding brain-behavior relationships.
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Q: How much does forensic neuropsychological testing cost?
A: The cost of a forensic evaluation will depend on the specific characteristics of each psycho-legal context. Please have your attorney call the clinic for more information regarding costs.
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Q: Will my insurance cover a forensic evaluation?
A: Unfortunately, forensic evaluations are not covered by health insurance. Our clinic conducts forensic evaluations on a strictly self-pay basis.
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Q: How long does a forensic evaluation take?
A: A forensic neuropsychological evaluation can take as little as a few hours or as long as 8+ hours, depending on case complexity.
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Q: How should I prepare for my testing appointment?
A: Review the 'Preparing for Your Appointment’ page for detailed information about how to prepare for your appointment.
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Q: What should I expect at my appointment?
A: A neuropsychological evaluation consists of gathering relevant history via record review and interview of the patient and/or reliable informants; neuropsychological testing; analysis and integration of data; and feedback to the referral source. Testing typically consists of the administration of standardized tests using oral questions, paper and pencil, computers, the manipulation of various test materials, and other procedures. Testing typically focuses on a wide range of cognitive functions including attention, memory, language, academic skills, reasoning and problem solving, visuospatial ability and sensory-motor skills. You may also be administered tests and questionnaires concerning your mood, behavior, and personality.
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Q: What happens after my testing is completed?
A: After the testing portion of your forensic evaluation is complete, the forensic neuropsychologist will score and interpret all obtained test data. Feedback will be provided to the referral source in the form of a written report. The forensic neuropsychologist may also have to provide testimony about your test results during hearings and trials.
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