FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A Neuropsychological Evaluation is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a Neuropsychologist to systematically measure and understand an individual's cognitive abilities, emotional functioning, and behavioral strengths and weaknesses. It involves standardized tests and clinical interviews to evaluate how the brain functions, helping diagnose conditions such as neurodegenerative disorders, dementia, stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological or psychological conditions. The evaluation results inform treatment planning, rehabilitation, and intervention strategies, if needed. 

Your doctor has recommended a Neuropsychological Evaluation to assess and understand your cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and behavioral functioning. This comprehensive assessment can help identify any neurological or psychological factors contributing to your symptoms, aiding in accurate diagnosis and informing appropriate treatment or intervention strategies. 

No, we specialize in evaluating adults and geriatric populations and do not conduct assessments for children. 

• A valid form of identification (driver's license, passport, etc.)

• Your insurance card(s) and any necessary payment information

• Any relevant medical records or test results related to your condition

• List of Medications

• Prepare a list of specific concerns or symptoms you'd like to discuss during the evaluation

• Glasses and/or Hearing Aids (if applicable)

• Bring snacks and drinks to stay comfortable

• A light jacket or sweater as the room temperature can vary

• You may bring a trusted friend or family member if you wish, though they are only permitted for the clinical interview

• Get a Good Night's Sleep to optimize cognitive performance

• Wear comfortable clothing as the assessment may take several hours

• Have a balanced meal before the evaluation and bring snacks in case it extends over several hours

• Minimize caffeine or stimulant intake before the evaluation, if possible

• Refrain from using any recreational substances (i.e., alcohol, marijuana, etc) 24 hours prior to your evaluation

• Ensure you arrive early to complete any remaining paperwork and reduce stress.

• Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques if you anticipate feeling anxious during the evaluation.

Most insurances do cover a neuropsychological evaluation, though it is essential to consider specific details. You will need to verify that Dr. Sikora is in-network with your insurance to minimize your out-of-pocket costs. You will also want to make sure that you've not completed a Neuropsychological Evaluation within the past year as most insurance companies only cover costs of one evaluation per year. You will also need to check if a referral is needed from your primary care physician. Additionally, check if pre-authorization is required before the evaluation. If a prior authorization is needed, we will proceed with filing the necessary documentation to obtain authorization from your insurance. 

We are working diligently to obtain credentialing from several insurance companies. At this time, Dr. Sikora is in-network with Medicare, Medicaid, and UHC/Optum.

The duration of a Neuropsychological Evaluation can vary depending on the complexity of the assessment and the specific tests needed. On average, these evaluations can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours. Factors influencing the duration include the nature of the presenting issues, the questions that your referring physician is seeking answers for, the thoroughness of assessment required, and the individual's ability to sustain attention and effort during testing.

It's recommended to discuss the estimated duration with our office as we can provide more specific information based on your situation and the tests planned.

Absolutely! If you would feel more comfortable having a support person with you, you are allowed to bring a family member or friend to the Neuropsychological appointment. Having a supportive person with you during the interview can provide you comfort, help clarify information, and offer emotional support throughout the process. However, during certain parts of the evaluation, specifically the testing portion, the presence of family members or friends is restricted to maintain a focused testing environment. 

The tests administered during the Neuropsychological Evaluation are specifically designed to address the referral question posed by your treating physicians. Your assessment may encompass a range of tests covering cognitive functions, such as memory, attention and concentration, executive function, language, visuospatial, processing speed, motor function, and intelligence. Additionally, psychological assessments may be included as a part of your comprehensive evaluation. 

A Neuropsychological Evaluation itself is generally not uncomfortable or painful. The assessment typically involves completing a series of tasks, answering questions, engaging in paper-pencil tasks, and participating in various cognitive tests. These activities are designed to measure different aspects of cognitive function and are not physically invasive.

However, some individuals may find certain tasks challenging, as the evaluation can be mentally demanding. You may feel fatigued or mentally tired after an extended evaluation, but this is a normal response. Some individuals may experience stress, anxiety, or frustration.  It's essential to communicate any concerns or discomfort to the neuropsychologist or technician conducting the evaluation, as they can make accommodations or provide breaks if needed.

Overall, the goal of the evaluation is to gather accurate information about cognitive functioning in a supportive and respectful manner. If you have specific worries or questions about the process, it's advisable to discuss them with the neuropsychologist beforehand to address any concerns.

Yes, in many cases, you can take breaks during a Neuropsychological Evaluation if needed. The length and structure of breaks may depend on the policies of the evaluation and the specific tests being conducted. Communicate with Dr. Sikora about your comfort level, and we can work with you to schedule appropriate breaks. Please be aware that taking breaks will lengthen the time of your appointment.

Taking breaks can be especially important for maintaining focus and reducing fatigue during an extended evaluation. If you anticipate needing breaks or have specific concerns, please do not hesitate to let us know. We want to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible during your evaluation. 

In most cases, the results of your Neuropsychological assessment process will be available within 2-3 weeks of your assessment process. A copy of the finalized report is sent to your referring physician. If you request to have a feedback session to review the results and treatment recommendations with Dr. Sikora, an appointment may be scheduled. Please contact our office to schedule a feedback session. 

The interpretation of the results of a Neuropsychological Evaluation is a crucial part of the process. Dr. Sikora will analyze the data collected during the assessment to understand how your cognitive functions relate to your symptoms or condition. The results may provide insights into:

• Diagnosis: The evaluation results may contribute to the diagnosis of neurological or psychological conditions, such as neurodegenerative disorders, dementia, stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other cognitive conditions.

• Functional Implications: Dr. Sikora will discuss how the findings relate to your daily functioning, including any challenges or strengths in areas such as memory, attention, language, and executive functioning that may affect your ability to complete your responsibilities.

• Treatment Planning: Based on the evaluation results, Dr. Sikora may recommend specific treatments, interventions, or therapeutic strategies to address your cognitive and emotional needs.

• Prognosis: The results can also provide information about the likely course of your condition and potential areas for improvement, decline, or stability over time. By completing a neuropsychological evaluation, you establish a baseline for future comparison. 

Once the Neuropsychological Evaluation report is complete, Mountain Ridge Neuropsychology will fax a copy of the report to your referring physician. 

Certainly! Part of the role of the Neuropsychologist is to communicate the findings of the evaluation in a clear and understandable manner. If you would like detailed information about your results and treatment recommendations, you may schedule a feedback session with Dr. Sikora.

The recommendations provided by the Neuropsychologist will be tailored to your specific situation and the findings of the evaluation. Common recommendations may include:

• Treatment Options: If a specific condition is diagnosed, the Neuropsychologist may recommend treatments such as medical interventions (directed by your healthcare professional) or therapeutic interventions.

• Cognitive Rehabilitation: For areas of cognitive weakness, recommendations might include cognitive rehabilitation exercises or strategies to enhance specific cognitive functions.

• Therapeutic Interventions: If emotional or psychological factors are identified, the Neuropsychologist may suggest therapy or counseling to address these aspects.

• Lifestyle Changes: Suggestions for lifestyle modifications, such as improved sleep, nutrition, and stress management, may be provided to enhance overall cognitive health.

• Follow-Up Evaluations: Depending on the nature of the condition, Dr. Sikora may recommend periodic follow-up evaluations to monitor progress or changes in your cognitive functioning.

Follow-up Neuropsychological Evaluations depend on factors like the condition's nature, treatment progress, chronicity, and recovery from injury. Conditions may require periodic monitoring or a one-time evaluation. Treatments may prompt follow-ups to assess progress, while chronic or acute conditions may necessitate regular assessments. Discuss the need for follow-ups with Dr. Sikora for personalized guidance on ongoing care.