Typical diagnostic questions involve identifying whether a patient has suffered a stroke, has seizures, Alzheimer’s Disease, brain tumor or traumatic brain injury (from a car accident). Very often, it is used as an adjunct to or prior to a Brain CT or MRI Scan as it is often more sensitive in diagnosing brain damage. It is not utilized solely to diagnose personality or emotional problems.

The Neuropsychological Evaluation is far more comprehensive and sophisticated than a standard Psychological Evaluation. Cognitive areas assessed for potential dysfunction include: attention, memory, visual-spatial functioning, language skills, higher level problem-solving, and visual-motor speed and coordination. The assessment also examines emotional and motivational issues such as secondary gain and malingering which may contribute to test deficits or impaired functional or work capacities. Issues such as ability to return to work, functional ability, treatment recommendations, and placement options are addressed as well.

As a result, the total time for administration, record review, scoring, interpretation, and writing of the evaluation is often lengthy (about 10 hours). Some cases end up in litigation and the evaluation must be comprehensive enough to withstand courtroom examination.

Due to these factors, most insurance companies reimburse the Neuropsychological Evaluation under their Major Medical rather than Mental Health benefits.