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FAQ'S

1. What is the purpose of a neuropsychological evaluation?

A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of how the brain is functioning in daily life. While brain scans such as MRIs or CTs can show the structure of the brain, they do not explain how well it is working. A neuropsychological evaluation fills that gap by measuring skills such as memory, attention, problem solving, processing speed, language, and executive functioning. It may also include screenings of mood, behavior, and emotional health, since these factors often interact with thinking and cognition.

 

The results provide a detailed profile of strengths and challenges that can:

 

The purpose of the evaluation is not simply to provide a diagnosis but to offer insight that is clear, practical, and useful. More than a list of scores, it is a way to understand how your brain is working and to identify supports that will improve health, functioning, and quality of life.

A neuropsychological evaluation is recommended when there are concerns about changes in memory, attention, reasoning, language, or other aspects of thinking and behavior. These changes may show up as difficulty concentrating, organizing tasks, finding words, remembering information, or managing daily responsibilities. Personality or mood shifts can also raise questions about underlying brain functioning.

Referrals are common when a medical condition is known to affect the brain. Examples include stroke, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other causes of dementia. Evaluations may also be requested when doctors need to distinguish between normal age-related changes and the early signs of a neurodegenerative condition.

The purpose of the referral is to gain a clearer picture of how the brain is working in everyday life. Testing helps determine the cause of cognitive changes, provides a baseline for future comparison, and guides treatment planning in a way that is specific to the individual.

Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card (if applicable), and a complete list of your current medications and supplements, including dosages. If you wear glasses or use hearing aids, be sure to bring them, as they will help you perform at your best during testing.

 

It is also helpful to bring copies of relevant medical records, reports from your doctors, or previous brain scans if you have them. These materials can provide important context for your evaluation.

 

Most patients find it useful to bring snacks or drinks to enjoy during breaks. Please continue taking your regular medications as prescribed on the day of testing, including medications for A-D/HD or other conditions, unless your physician has given you different instructions.

Most evaluations last several hours, including time for breaks. Many people feel a bit anxious at first, but this usually eases once the process is explained and underway. The setting is professional but relaxed, and the pace is adjusted to make sure you are comfortable.

 

The appointment begins with a clinical interview, where I will ask about your history, current concerns, and the questions you would like answered. This is also your opportunity to ask questions of your own. The goal is to gain a full understanding of your experience so that the testing is tailored to your needs.

 

After the interview, we move into the testing portion. These are structured tasks that may involve memory exercises, problem solving, puzzles, or paper-and-pencil activities. Directions are explained clearly, and you will be guided through each step. Breaks are always available if you need them.

 

Because the tasks are designed to be challenging, you may feel a little mentally tired by the end of the appointment. This is normal and simply reflects that the evaluation gives your brain a thorough workout. The results provide valuable insight into your strengths and challenges, which can then guide practical recommendations for your care and daily life.

Test results provide much more than a list of numbers. They create a detailed picture of your cognitive strengths and challenges and can be used in several important ways. Testing can identify subtle changes in memory, attention, or other skills that may not be obvious in everyday life. This helps distinguish between normal age-related changes and changes that may signal a neurological disorder.

 

The pattern of results can also clarify whether difficulties are related to a medical condition such as stroke, epilepsy, or autoimmune illness, or whether they reflect a psychiatric or neurodegenerative process. Different conditions leave different “signatures” in test performance, and this information can guide your physicians in developing a targeted treatment plan.

 

In addition, results provide a valuable baseline. Documenting your current level of functioning allows future evaluations to measure change objectively, whether it is recovery after injury, the effects of treatment, or progression of a condition.

 

Finally, test findings can be translated into practical recommendations. By highlighting both strengths and weaknesses, results can guide rehabilitation strategies, support decisions about independence, and inform daily activities such as managing finances, driving, or returning to work. In this way, the scores become meaningful tools to improve quality of life and to support informed medical and personal decision making.

Results are typically available within two weeks of the evaluation. Once testing is complete, we schedule a feedback session to carefully review the findings together. During this meeting you will receive a copy of your report, and we will go through the results in detail. Conclusions and impressions are explained in clear language, and recommendations are discussed so you understand how the information applies to your daily life and medical care.

You will always receive a copy of your report. With your consent, your treating physician is also provided a copy so the findings can be integrated into your medical care. Reports may be shared with family members if you choose, and they can also be sent to other treating providers to support coordination and continuity of care. In every case, your information is handled with strict attention to privacy and confidentiality.

Evaluations are conducted in professional office settings throughout the western Chicago suburbs, selected for your convenience and accessibility. Office locations are arranged through established business centers to ensure a comfortable, private environment suitable for neuropsychological testing.

 

In-home evaluations are also available when clinically appropriate or when accessibility needs make this the preferred option. During scheduling, we’ll work together to identify the most convenient location for your evaluation while ensuring you receive the same high-quality assessment regardless of setting.

Insurance coverage for neuropsychological evaluations varies by plan and provider. I work with patients to verify benefits and determine coverage options before scheduling. Many insurance plans cover evaluations when they are medically necessary and referred by a physician.

 

For evaluations not covered by insurance, flexible payment options are available. The goal is to ensure that cost does not prevent you from receiving the clarity and guidance that a comprehensive evaluation can provide.

Family members and caregivers are welcome and often provide valuable perspective during the evaluation process. They may participate in the initial clinical interview to share observations about daily functioning and changes they have noticed. With your permission, family members may also attend the feedback session to hear results directly and better understand recommendations.

 

This collaborative approach often improves communication, reduces confusion, and helps ensure that everyone involved understands the findings and next steps for care and support.