REFERRAL INFO

Q) What is a neuropsychological evaluation?

• A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of brain function and cognitive abilities. Using standardized paper-and-pencil tests, a neuropsychologist quantifies your brain’s functions. Functions assessed include attention, executive functioning, learning, memory, processing speed, language, visual-spatial functioning, motor functioning, and mood.
• A neuropsychologist uses your performance on these tests to diagnose both cognitive and psychological conditions.

Q) Who needs a neuropsychological evaluation?

• Neuropsychological evaluations are used across the lifespan. I specialize in adult cognition.
• Common referrals include dementia (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease), mild cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injury, stroke, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and psychiatric conditions.

Q) Why does my doctor need this information?

• Primary care doctors, neurologists, and other physicians aren’t trained in comprehensive cognitive assessment. They don’t have the training, tests, or time to conduct in-depth evaluations; as such, they refer to a specialist. Your doctor might have given you a 2-5 minute screening test. These screenings are used to identify people who might benefit from more comprehensive assessments.
• Tests like CT scans, MRIs, and EEGs are great tools, but they don’t tell you anything about the brain’s functional performance.
• Your doctor has referred you because they might be trying to answer the following questions:
• Are my patient’s cognitive changes normal for their age?
• Does my patient have a particular condition (e.g., dementia, ADHD)?
• Can we establish a baseline to track future symptoms/changes?
• What are the recommended treatment options?

Q) Do you take insurance?

• No, all evaluations are fee-for-service.
• By remaining out-of-network, I have no obligation to report findings to your insurance provider. I work with sensitive conditions (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease), and many people prefer to keep the results of their evaluations private.
• Insurance companies place significant restrictions on length of service. By remaining out-of-network, I’m able to customize evaluations to each patient’s unique needs.
• Quality, not quantity. I conduct 100% of all evaluations – no students, technicians, etc.

Q) What are my evaluation options?

• I offer various evaluations designed to address a variety of referral questions. I encourage you to visit www.carolinacognition.com to learn more about each evaluation.
• Comprehensive Baseline Evaluation
• This evaluation includes Clinical Interview, Neuropsychological Testing, Statistical Interpretation, Report Writing, and Feedback Session.
• These evaluations require 8-10 hours of clinical work. Note that you do not need to be present for the statistical evaluation and report writing portions of your evaluation.
• Billed at $175 for 8 hours. Total cost is $1,400. I do not charge additional fees if your evaluation requires additional work.
• Results typically available in one week.
• Comprehensive Dementia Evaluation
• This evaluation includes Clinical Interview, Neuropsychological Testing, Statistical Interpretation, Report Writing, and Feedback Session.
• These evaluations require 8-10 hours of clinical work. Note that you do not need to be present for the statistical evaluation and report writing portions of your evaluation.
• Billed at $175 for 8 hours. Total cost is $1,400. I do not charge additional fees if your evaluation requires additional work.
• Results typically available in one week.
• Cognitive Screening
• This is a shorter overall assessment for individuals wanting a cognitive check-up.
• This evaluation is not recommended if you’ve been referred by your doctor, as it will not provide the breadth or depth of information necessary for medical diagnosis.
• Billed at $200 for 4 hours. Total cost is $800. I do not charge additional fees if your evaluation requires additional work.
• Results typically available in one week.
• For select referrals, I offer psychiatric-only testing. Please inquire before scheduling if this is your primary referral reason. 

Q) How do I schedule an evaluation?

• We offer convenient, on-demand scheduling (payments via credit card) on our website: www.carolinacognition.com.
• If you would prefer to pay via cash or check, please call to schedule.
• Feel free to call me at 864-729-2423. Because I run a concierge practice, I will likely be busy conducting another evaluation. I do not employ reception staff, as I prefer to conduct 100% of all evaluations independently. Leave me a message, and I will return your call ASAP!
• If you do not wish to proceed with an evaluation, please let me know by calling 864-729-2423 or by emailing carolinacognition@gmail.com. I will update your referring physician.