FAQs

Do you take insurance?

Peak Neuropsychology does not contract with insurance companies. We are an out-of-network provider. As a fee-for-service practice, patients are responsible for payments at the times of service. Our services may be eligible for full or partial reimbursement as part of your out-of-network benefits. To help facilitate out-of-network claims, Peak Neuropsychology will provide you with a Superbill which includes all of the necessary information to submit to an insurance company. To learn more about your out-of-network coverage for neuropsychological assessment, we recommend that you contact your insurance company and inquire about:

What coverage is available for out-of-network providers for the specific diagnosis or diagnostic question (e.g., dementia, stroke, TBI, ADHD).
Whether there are limits on the number of hours for the assessment.
The reasons for an assessment referral.
How much will you be reimbursed per hour of assessment.

Common CPT (procedure) codes associated with a neuropsychological assessment include:

96116 - Neurobehavioral status exam by QHP (1 hour)

96121 - Each additional hour of neurobehavioral status exam

96132 - Neuropsychological testing evaluation services by QHP (1 hour)

96133 - Each additional hour

96136 - Psychological/neuropsychological test administration/scoring by QHP (30 min)

96137 - Each additional 30 minutes

Common CPT codes associated Brain Health Consultations include:

90791 - Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation

90834 - Psychotherapy 30 minutes

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).

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

You have a right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

Make sure your health provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, please go to www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

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
Eat a proper breakfast prior to the evaluation
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.

How much does an evaluation cost?

Fees vary depending on the type of evaluation requested. Peak Neuropsychology fees are very competitive with those of other neuropsychologists in the area. Contact us for more information on our fees.

Per our standard policy, the evaluation fee is billed at a single lump sum. At least half of the fee will be due via cash, check (made out to Peak Neuropsychology), credit card, or Venmo on the day of the evaluation. The remaining balance will be due by or at time of feedback.

Brain Health Consultations are billed at an hourly rate.

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 24 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.”