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FAQ's
What is Neuropsychology?
Pediatric neuropsychologists are licensed psychologists who received specialized training in brain-behavior relationships. In addition to the doctorate program, predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship programs provide additional training. Pediatric neuropsychologists specialize in working with children.
Does my child need a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation is appropriate for a child with a history of any of the following:
- Any brain injury or trauma (including concussion)
- Any attention or learning disorders that are not being adequately addressed in the school
- Any medical or genetic disorders that can impact learning, cognition, or attention
- Any changes in cognitive, academic, or behavioral functioning
- An evaluation by a psychologist or the school, but the treatment following that evaluation has not been helpful.
Do I need a full neuropsychological evaluation?
Neuropsychological evaluations are not always necessary. If Dr. Kelly has previously conducted a neuropsychological evaluation within the past 2 or 3 years, then an updated brief neuropsychological evaluation would typically suffice with updated areas reassessed.
Also, while a referral question may not be very broad, such as with AD/HD or Dyslexia, shorter evaluations are often sufficient to answer the question in a way that includes reviewing other areas that may be impacting the child’s symptoms. In other words, AD/HD and Dyslexia can be diagnosed with a brief neuropsychological evaluation, which helps with costs.
Finally, there are times when a psychoeducational evaluation is required for purposes of school, college, or academic functioning. In these cases, a psychoeducational evaluation would be appropriate, without the need for a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation.
What is the difference between a neuropsychologist and a clinical psychologist?
The major difference between a neuropsychologist and clinical psychologist is the training and experience of the neuropsychologist, as this is an area of specialization in training. When seeing a neuropsychologist, the question being answered by a neuropsychologist is about what is going on with the child to help understand a path moving forward. It is not to indicate whether a child has a disability alone, but rather what specifically is happening with the child’s thinking and learning and how does that impact his/her overall functioning. Testing tends to be broader and look at areas of functioning that lie outside the school or clinical psychologist’s repertoire of skills. A neuropsychological assessment may include tests of intelligence, academic skills, attention, processing, processing speed, learning, memory, visual perceptual skills, visual spatial skills, language functioning, motor skills, executive functioning, and emotional/behavioral functioning.
Can I use my insurance?
Insurance companies vary in how much reimbursement they are able to offer. Because Dr. Kelly is an out-of-network provider, clients are responsible for the full balance for all services rendered at the time of the evaluation. There is no guarantee that you will be reimbursed for neuropsychological services.
While we would hope that insurance companies could make it possible to reimburse providers without sacrificing the quality of care, this has not been feasible.
While NECCA is not in any insurance plan network, we provide you with a ‘superbill’ for an out-of-network benefit. We accept cash, checks and most credit cards.
Possible CPT codes for insurance reimbursment:
Testing procedure codes can be provided for you. Possible CPT codes:
- 90791 (60-minute intake appointment)
- 96132, 96133 (Neuropsychological Evaluation Services)
- 96136, 96137 (Neuropsychological Testing by neuropsychologist)
However, the provision of codes does not guarantee reimbursement from your insurance company. We cannot assume any responsibility for your insurance company’s decisions.
Tips on insurance reimbursment :
Some tips on improving your ability to be reimbursed by your insurance company:
- Neuropsychological assessment is typically covered under your medical (versus behavioral) plan of your insurance plan when your child is referred by a physician for the purposes of medical treatment or diagnosis.
- Neuropsychological assessment is usually covered if your child has a history of a brain injury or related learning or behavior problems that continue to impact learning.
- It is helpful to obtain a letter of medical necessity from your child’s pediatrician that serves as a “letter of medical necessity”. A letter of medical necessity serves as a medical justification of the evaluation.
- While educational or academic testing is typically not covered, this can often be covered if the academic functioning is or might be related to the medical concern.
Neuropsychological Evaluation:
- Two half days or one full day of testing with parent interview for first 45 minutes and testing until lunch.
- Second session either scheduled for another date or after lunch on the first testing day.
- Rating scales are sent out to teachers and parents.
- A 2-hour feedback session is scheduled about 2-3 weeks after testing with report provided at that time.
- Fee $4800.
Psychoeducational Evaluation:
- Usually a single 4-hour session with parent interview for first 45 minutes and testing until completed.
- For younger children, this can be broken up into 2 2-hour session.
- Feedback is provided following the evaluation.
- Report is sent out when completed.
- Fee $3600.
AD/HD Evaluation:
- Usually a 3-hour session with parent interview for first 45 minutes and testing until completed.
- Rating scales are sent out to teachers and parents.
- Feedback is provided following the evaluation.
- Report is sent out when completed.
- Fee $2400.
Dyslexia Evaluation:
- Usually a 3-hour session with parent interview for first 45 minutes and testing until completed.
- Feedback is provided following the evaluation.
- Report is sent out when completed.
- Fee $2400.
What does the testing look like?
Testing will typically take place over two half days. A clinical interview with the parent will also take place over the first 45-60 minutes of the first testing day. Snacks and drinks as well as something for the child to do during the interview are recommended. After the testing is completed, the tests are scored and interpreted. The documentation and history are reviewed. Once all testing and interview information has been completed, a feedback session is held to review the results and recommendations. Typically, you will be provided a copy of the evaluation report on the day of the meeting.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Please bring copies of any previous testing, including any psychological or neuropsychological assessments that you or your child has had. In addition, please bring your child’s IEP or Section 504 Plan.
How do I prepare my child for the neuropsychological evaluation?
Help your child understand that this experience is to help us learn more about him and how he or she learns in various situations. It will be similar to some of the activities done in school, but that there are no grades or situations that will require he be worried or stressed. Parents are permitted to sit outside the office in a small waiting area or leave and return for pick up. There will be opportunities for snacks and breaks as needed. Reassure your child that she/he can have breaks to use the bathroom and to eat lunch.