How can I determine if a pediatric neuropsychological evaluation is right for my child?
Dr. Hogan provides a complimentary brief phone or encrypted email consultation in which parent concerns and questions can be discussed to determine if an evaluation could help shed further light on these concerns and offer solutions
What is a pediatric neuropsychologist?
Neuropsychology is a subspecialty of psychology that focuses on brain-behavior relationships. A pediatric neuropsychologist uses standardized tests and observes behavior to define a child’s pattern of cognitive development. The child’s performance is compared to what is expected at the child’s age level. Based on this comparison, the child’s individual pattern of strengths and weaknesses is defined. The pediatric neuropsychologist uses knowledge of brain development, brain organization, and the effects of various forms of brain injury on development to guide this assessment and to interpret the results.
The clinical neuropsychologist (minimal criteria) has:
A doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited university training program.
An internship, or its equivalent, in a clinically relevant area of professional psychology
The equivalent of two (full-time) years of experience and specialized training, at least one of which is at the post-doctoral level, in the study and practice of clinical neuropsychology and related neurosciences. These two years include supervision by a clinical neuropsychologist.
A license in his or her state or province to practice psychology and/or clinical neuropsychology independently, or is employed as a neuropsychologist by an exempt agency.
Source: National Academy of Neuropsychology
What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation involves analyzing multiple brain functions (e.g., attention, learning/memory, intellectual functioning/problem-solving skills, executive functioning, language, visual-spatial and motor skills, as well as social and emotional functioning) to create a comprehensive profile of brain strengths and weaknesses. This information is used for intervention and treatment planning.
How does a neuropsychological evaluation differ from a school evaluation?
School evaluations are often completed by school staff to determine IF a child exhibits a problem with academic skills and whether a child qualifies for special education programs at school
Neuropsychological evaluations focus on understanding WHY a child is having problems in school, home, or community settings. Neuropsychologists apply knowledge of functional neuroanatomy and brain-behavior relationships to better understand a child’s strengths and weaknesses that contribute to difficulties across settings. Academic skills are just one part of the comprehensive evaluation in which thinking, problem solving, language, attention, learning, and memory skills (among others) are assessed. Most importantly, the neuropsychological evaluation provides recommendations on what types of interventions can be done to help a child across all areas, not just at school
How will a neuropsychological assessment help my child and me?
The neuropsychological assessment and report will provide you with:
A description of your child’s strengths and weaknesses
Suggestions for what you can do to help your child
Recommendations for educational programming. This will include suggestions to help your child improve weaker skills and suggestions on how to use your child’s strong skills to compensate for the weaker skills.
Understanding what is fair to expect from your child at this point in time
Understanding what your child’s needs may be in the future, so that you can plan for the future.
Tailored “game plan” for developing and implementing interventions in targeted areas to maximize potential for success and improvement across settings
Will the neuropsychological evaluation be covered by my medical insurance? Does Dr. Hogan accept my insurance?
Insurance companies vary considerably in their reimbursement levels for neuropsychological or psychological evaluations. You may be reimbursed only a small amount for the cost of the evaluation. While I cannot interface with or collect insurance reimbursement from your provider, I can provide a “superbill” so you can submit it directly to your insurance company for reimbursement after the evaluation. I recommend contacting your insurance provider in advance to discuss the specifics of your coverage for neuropsychological and psychological evaluations. Please note that if the assessment is educational/academic in nature, insurance companies typically do not cover this type of evaluation. Dr. Hogan is considered an “out-of-network provider.”
What does a neuropsychological evaluation with Dr. Hogan entail?
1) Initial Consultation/Interview
2) Review of Relevant Records
3) Collaboration with other professionals
4) Neuropsychological Testing Session(s)
5) Comprehensive Written Report
6) Feedback/Summary Session
What is the neuropsychological evaluation fee?
Every evaluation is tailored to the needs of each child; thus, the time spent and cost will vary
Please contact Dr. Hogan directly to discuss your child's individual needs and an estimated fee for the evaluation. Fees are non-negotiable, billed hourly, and documented on a superbill you may use to seek insurance reimbursement upon request.
I am ready for my child to complete an evaluation with Dr. Hogan. What is the process and timeline?
Please see the What to Expect page for detailed information about the process