What to Expect
Neuropsychological assessment offers a unique framework in understanding how brain functioning impacts someone’s cognitive, emotional, academic/vocational, and social well-being.
How does the process begin?
Once you contact our office, you will receive a call back within 2 business days. The neuropsychologist will ask more about your reasons for seeking a neuropsychological assessment, and answer any questions you have about our services. If appropriate, an intake interview will then be scheduled to further discuss your concerns and a packet of information will be sent to you to review/sign in advance.
What is the purpose of a neuropsychological assessment?
Reasons for requesting a neuropsychological assessment are varied, but generally aim to:
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Understand the link between brain and behavior, such as how changes in the brain might affect cognitive skills (like remembering)
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Understand how problems/changes in brain development or health might be related to problems at home, school, or work
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Understand how someone learns best
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Identify neurological problems or make a diagnosis
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Record and monitor an individual’s functioning before/after medical treatments (such as chemotherapy, starting a new medication, or surgery) in order to inform medical care and intervention planning
HNA does not currently offer autism diagnostic assessments or forensic evaluations.
What can I do to prepare for the assessment?
Before the initial interview, try to collect information that you think may be relevant to your questions (e.g., records from your doctor, school documentation, previous testing, notes of your observations/questions, etc.).
Before the testing session, try to get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast. Take medications like you normally would (unless specifically discussed with the neuropsychologist). Wear comfortable clothes and pack items to bring with you, such as glasses/hearing aids, paperwork the neuropsychologist requested, and snacks or a light lunch.
Several factors can interfere with getting an accurate picture of someone’s abilities, including excessive fatigue, limited motivation/effort, high emotional distress, or the influence of certain medications/substances. Please let the neuropsychologist know if you anticipate any of these factors may interfere with testing.
What does the testing process involve?
An initial intake interview: For those under 18, an interview with the child/teenager and their caregivers/guardians. Adults are welcome to bring a spouse or other family member, as may be appropriate.
Review of school and/or medical records (which may include contact with and/or questionnaires sent to informants, such as parents, teachers, or other family members or providers)
Standardized paper-and-pencil or computer-based testing with the individual, with measures that are sensitive to brain functions. “Standardized” means that these tests are given/scored in the same way to everyone, and a person’s performance is compared to a sample of individuals with a similar age/background. Areas of assessment may include intelligence, attention, planning/organization, memory, language, visuospatial functions, emotions, academic skills, and sensory-motor functions, and observations of the person’s problem-solving skills. Parents or spouses are usually not in the room during testing (with the exception of very young children). The time required for testing depends on the person’s age, abilities, and referral questions (which generally ranges from 2 to 6 hours); testing is usually completed in one day, but may be divided into more than one session if needed
A feedback meeting (typically scheduled 1 to 2 weeks after the assessment session), in which the neuropsychologist discusses the results and recommendations, and answers your questions
A comprehensive written report is sent to you, summarizing the information you provided, the findings, and the recommendations
Will the evaluation provide a diagnosis?
Different disorders may result in specific patterns of strengths and weaknesses. Neuropsychological assessment can help to identify if those patterns are present and, if so, can provide a cognitive/behavioral diagnosis (such as ADHD, dyslexia, or dementia). Not everyone who completes a neuropsychological evaluation receives a diagnosis; even when no diagnosis is appropriate, a neuropsychological assessment can still offer insights and guidance to help promote care and well-being.
Where can I find information about privacy and how my health information can be used?
Information regarding confidentiality will be shared with you when beginning your services with HNA. You can click here to learn more about HIPPA and national privacy policies. Please contact Dr. Jaworski or Dr. Marowitz if you have any additional questions or if you would like a printed copy of the privacy information.
How much does an assessment cost?
HNA currently accepts private pay for all services. The cost of individual services is listed on the Pediatric Services and Adult Services pages (with information about what each product includes). This is the full cost of the service, including all necessary time and data collection to complete the evaluation. This cost is due in full by the morning of the assessment session and can be paid by credit card, HSA/FSA card, or cash. We do not accept insurance and will not bill insurance directly; however, if you are interested in asking your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement, the following information may be helpful (and a comprehensive invoice of services can be provided after the assessment is completed):
Dr. Jaworski’s NPI: 1821473091
Dr. Jaworski’s license number: MA Psychologist 10060
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Dr. Marowitz’s NPI: 1801929906
Dr. Marowitz’s license number: MA Psychologist 8021
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CPT codes: 90791, 96116, 96121, 96136, 96137, 96132, 96133