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FAQs

How much does an evaluation cost?

At Peak Neuropsychology, we believe in transparent pricing and flexible payment options.

 

Comprehensive Neuropsychological Evaluations

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  • Fees typically range from $1,999 – $2,999, depending on the referral question and complexity of the evaluation.

  • Payment schedule: At least half of the fee is due on the day of testing; the remaining balance is due by or at the time of the feedback session.

  • Payment methods: Credit card, health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), cash, check, Venmo.

  • Payment options:

    • CareCredit: Check their Payment Calculator to see estimated monthly payment options

    • In-house plans: Flexible payment arrangements through our office, starting at approximately $400/month.

 

ADHD-Specific Evaluation

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  • An abbreviated ADHD-focused evaluation is available for $999.

  • Designed for cases where the sole concern is ADHD, without complicating neurological or psychiatric history

  • Not suitable for identifying academic or workplace accommodations.

 

Brain Health Consultations

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  • Billed at $300/hour.

  • Best suited for individuals seeking guidance on optimizing brain health, preventing decline, or addressing specific concerns without a full evaluation.

Do you take insurance?

Peak Neuropsychology does not contract directly with insurance companies. We are an out-of-network, fee-for-service practice, which means that payment is due at the time of service.

 

Many of our services may qualify for full or partial reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits. To assist you, we provide a detailed superbill that includes all the information your insurance company requires for claim submission.

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We recommend contacting your insurance company to ask about:

  • Whether out-of-network coverage is available for your specific referral question (e.g., dementia, stroke, TBI, ADHD)

  • Whether there are limits on the number of hours covered for testing

  • The clinical reasons that qualify for assessment coverage

  • The reimbursement rate per hour of assessment

 

Common CPT Codes for Neuropsychological Assessment

  • 96116 – Neurobehavioral status exam (first hour)

  • 96121 – Each additional hour

  • 96132 – Neuropsychological testing evaluation services (first hour)

  • 96133 – Each additional hour

  • 96136 – Test administration and scoring (first 30 minutes)

  • 96137 – Each additional 30 minutes

 

Common CPT Codes for Brain Health Consultations

  • 90791 – Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation

  • 90834 – Psychotherapy, 45 minutes

  • 90837 – Psychotherapy, 60 minutes

What are some benefits of using a private pay provider?

  • There is a shorter wait to be seen. Organizations that take insurance often have waitlists of 6 months or more.

  • Personalized care and individualized reports that are not "cookie-cutter."

  • The thoroughness of the evaluation is not compromised by insurance reimbursement limits.

  • The evaluator has access to the best, most recently updated measures.

  • You will have control over the experience —decisions about care will not be in the hands of the insurance company.

  • You will not have to accept an evaluator who does not have the proper depth/breadth of expertise to match your questions and concerns.

  • You have privacy - results will not be shared with insurance companies or anyone else (unless you request it).​

Who/what is a neuropsychologist?

A neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist with specialized training in understanding the structure and function of the brain in relation to specific psychological, and cognitive processes and behaviors. Neuropsychologists hold doctoral degrees (PsyD or PhD) and have completed specialized post-doctoral training in neuropsychology.

A clinical neuropsychologist employs a variety of assessment methods to evaluate patients’ cognitive and emotional strengths and weaknesses. This information, in conjunction with information provided by family members and other medical/healthcare providers, is used to identify and diagnose neurobehavioral disorders, counsel patients and their families, and plan and implement intervention strategies.

According to the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology, and to widely-accepted guidelines in the field, a neuropsychologist should have specialized coursework and practice in neuropsychology throughout their training, which should include:

  • Doctoral training at an accredited institution

  • An APA or CPA approved doctoral psychology internship (usually involving at least half-time training in neuropsychology)

  • A 2-year full-time post-doctoral fellowship in neuropsychology

Who would need a neuropsychological evaluation?

People are referred for neuropsychological evaluations for a variety of reasons. Most include questions related to assessing the integrity of cognitive functions. An evaluation is helpful to determine the presence, nature, and severity of cognitive dysfunction. We identify areas of cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and patterns of overall cognitive functioning. We provide a baseline to monitor future changes in cognitive abilities, mood and personality, including treatment effects. A neuropsychological evaluation is also helpful in:

  • Forming or clarifying a diagnosis

  • Guiding treatment for personal, educational, or vocational needs

  • Making relevant recommendations to healthcare provider(s)

  • Assessing readiness to return to work or other important life activities after a brain injury or neurologic illness; addressing strengths and weaknesses in performing major life roles, and the adjustments and adaptations that may be necessary to optimize the chance of a successful return.

What happens during

a neuropsychology assessment?

The assessment involves clinical interviews with you and a family member or close friend, when possible, to understand your history and how cognitive and emotional changes affect your life and daily functioning.

You will then complete neuropsychological testing with either the neuropsychologist and/or a trained psychometrist. You will be tested alone in a quiet room. Family members or friends will be asked to wait in the waiting room.

Neuropsychological testing involves:

  • A non-invasive process using a variety of written and verbal tasks that are completed while seated at a table. These tests can be paper-and-pencil and/or computerized.

  • The testing is performed by a neuropsychologist and/or a trained psychometrist.

  • The total time for evaluation depends on the referral question. Testing is usually completed in one visit, with breaks as needed, and the time for the evaluation usually ranges from three to seven hours. Testing can be split across multiple days as needed. 

  • If English is not your first and/or primary language, an interpreter may be present to assist with the evaluation. Family members cannot be used as an interpreter.

What and who should I bring with me to my appointment?

You will typically have received intake forms, including a Neuropsychology History Form, to be completed via the patient portal prior to your appointment. If you haven’t completed any of the forms via the portal prior to your appointment, please bring the completed forms with you to your appointment. At the time of scheduling, we may also request that you bring additional materials, which may include:

  • Copies of relevant medical or academic records

  • Any previous neuropsychological, psychological, or psychoeducational testing

  • Contact information for additional informants who know you well (e.g., family members, teachers, current or past providers)

We may ask you to bring a family member or friend with you to the appointment to provide additional information. If so, we will discuss this with you prior to your appointment.

  • Be sure to bring reading glasses or hearing aids if needed.

Be sure to take all prescribed medications as prescribed, unless specifically discussed prior to your appointment. Let us know ahead of time if you are taking any of the following medications: stimulants (e.g., Ritalin or Adderall), prescription sleep aids, benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Klonopin), sedatives, or pain medications (e.g., Vicodin, Norco).

Testing may take several hours. Please feel free to bring snacks and drinks as vending options are not available within our office complex.

Water will be provided to you during your appointment.

How do I prepare for my evaluation?
  • Please make sure you have prepared all requested materials, including your intake form and relevant records

  • It is important that you get adequate sleep the night prior to the evaluation, as fatigue can impact your test results, and eat a good breakfast the morning of

  • Be sure to bring reading glasses, hearing aids, and any other assistive devices

  • Refrain from drinking alcohol or using any illicit substances at least 24 hours prior to the start of your evaluation

  • We understand that the testing process can be anxiety-provoking. However, there is no way to “practice” for the evaluation. There is no “right or wrong” outcome for the evaluation - all we ask is that you try your best.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

Please contact us at info@peakneuropsychology.com, 775-420-4320, or via the patient portal as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

Cancellations within 48 hours of the appointment time will be subject to fees as described in the intake packet. This charge can be applied to a future rescheduled evaluation.

How do I speak with
my adult family member about the assessment?

Many older adult patients are accompanied to the assessment by concerned family members. Daughters and sons may notice memory changes well before their parents notice them. Discussing the need for an assessment can create a feeling of being criticized for those needing the evaluation. Some feel their children think they are “crazy.” Often the best way to discuss assessments is straightforward and practical. “Mom, we’ve been noticing some memory problems recently and your primary care doctor feels you need to have them checked out. If we’re wrong, great! You have the assessment, and get everyone off your back. If you do have some memory problems, we will have caught them early and can do something to help.”

Peak Neuropsychology is a neuropsychological and cognitive aging consultancy serving patients and families in Northern and Central Nevada, the Truckee/Tahoe area, and all PSYPACT states (40+).

Best Neuropsychologist Reno

P:  775-420-4320

F:  775-490-6012

info@peakneuropsychology.com

421 W. Plumb Ln., Ste. B, Reno, NV 89509

©2023 by Peak Neuropsychology

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