WHAT IS A NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST?
A neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist specializing in the area of brain-behavior relationships. Although a neuropsychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology, he or she does not just focus on emotional or psychological problems. The neuropsychologist has additional training in the specialty field of clinical neuropsychology. That means a neuropsychologist is educated in brain anatomy, brain function, and brain injury or disease. The neuropsychologist also has specialized training in administering and interpreting the specific kinds of tests included in your neuropsychological evaluation. As a part of the required education, a neuropsychologist also has years of practical experience working with people who have had problems involving the brain. An official, more detailed definition of a clinical neuropsychologist has been approved by the National Academy of Neuropsychology and can be viewed at the NAN website (www.NANonline.org).
WHY HAVE I BEEN REFERRED FOR A NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION?
Your doctor or healthcare provider has referred you for a neuropsychological evaluation. This evaluation may be of help in:
• finding possible problems with your brain functioning,
• forming a diagnosis,
• defining your thinking skill strengths and weaknesses,
• guiding treatment for your personal, educational or vocational needs,
• making relevant recommendations to your health care provider(s),
• and/or documenting possible changes in your functioning over time.
WHAT IS A NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION?
A neuropsychological evaluation involves testing that is sensitive to problems in brain functioning. Unlike CT or MRI scans, which show what the structure of the brain looks like, neuropsychological testing examines how well the brain is working when it performs certain functions (for example, remembering). The types of tests that you will take depend upon the questions you and your doctor have. The tests may assess the following areas: attention, learning and memory, reasoning and problem-solving, visualspatial functions, language functions, sensory-perceptual functions, motor functions, academic skills, intelligence, and emotional functioning. The tests are not invasive; that is, they do not involve blood tests, being attached to machines, or using X-rays. Most of the tests will involve questions-and-answers or working with materials on a table. Some tests may use a computer. The testing will be performed by the neuropsychologist. The neuropsychologist will also spend some time talking with you about your medical, personal, and academic history. The total time involved in your evaluation will depend upon the questions you and your doctor have.
WHO DOES THE TESTING?
Dr. Davidson strives to provide each of her patients the highest quality of care. She will personally be administering, scoring, and interpreting the tests.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER THE EVALUATION?
There are at least two ways you might expect to hear about the results of this evaluation. The neuropsychologist may schedule an appointment to go over the results with you and/or may send you a written report. With your permission, the neuropsychologist may send the results to the doctor or healthcare provider who referred you. This doctor may talk to you about the results of testing on your next office visit. If requested, the neuropsychologist will give you specific recommendations to guide your treatment or otherwise help you in your daily life.
DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE?
Dr. Davidson is in-network with selected commercial insurance plans. For those who are considered out-of-network, Dr. Davidson can provide a detailed invoice, called a superbill, if requested. This document is what your insurance company will require to determine what, if any, out-of-network benefits you may have for your evaluation. Dr. Davidson cannot guarantee specific benefits but will help you with an out-of-network claim by providing you with a superbill on request. Please call the office to discuss your specific situation and to determine Dr. Davidson’s network status with your insurance carrier.
WHAT DOES AN EVALUATION INCLUDE?
All evaluations include review of medical and/or academic records, a clinical interview, testing and scoring, generating an integrative report for the patient and referring provider (if applicable), and delivering feedback of the results. Dr. Davidson is able to devise a personalized evaluation to meet your needs.
Find more information about Assessment services offered HERE.
HOW DO I GET STARTED
Dr. Davidson wants to talk to you about your concerns and what assessment will be right for you. Please call her at 407-793-1282 to speak with her. She manages her practice independently so when you call, you will reach Dr. Davidson or her voicemail. Please leave a message if prompted and she will return your call as soon as possible.