What is a neuropsychological assessment?

Our brain is responsible for many different jobs including attention, memory, thinking speed, planning, organization, visual information processing and language among others. Sometimes a patient, their family or their medical providers have concerns that the patient’s brain is not doing one or more of those jobs the way that it used to. A neuropsychological assessment is a set of tests designed to measure how well a person’s brain is functioning. It provides a snap shot of what jobs the brain is doing well, where there have been changes and how those changes are affecting an individual’s thinking, emotions, and behavior. These assessments are often used to assess changes after a medical event like a brain injury or stroke; to assess changes when someone has a chronic medical condition like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease; or when there is a suspicion for a medical condition that has not yet been diagnosed like Alzheimer’s disease.

What does a neuropsychological assessment look like?

A neuropsychological assessment is comprised of three main parts: The intake, the testing and the feedback session. The intake is where the neuropsychologist will spend time with the patient to gather history and information about presenting concerns. This might also require time to speak with family or other healthcare providers to get more information. During the testing, a trained neuropsychologist will ask the patient to complete a variety of tasks. Some of these tasks will be on paper and some might be on the computer. These tasks might include solving puzzles, answering questions, recalling information, and doing activities that test attention, problem-solving, language skills, and memory. The tests are not pass or fail. The goal is to see how different parts of the brain are working together and identify areas where there might be difficulties. Following the testing, the neuropsychologist will write a report and invite you back for a feedback session to go over the results and recommendations based off of what the testing data showed.

The results can help doctors, families, and patients understand the nature and extent of any cognitive, emotional or behavioral challenges. They also guide treatment plans, rehabilitation, or educational support. In short, a neuropsychological assessment provides a detailed picture of how a person’s brain is functioning and helps create a roadmap for improvement or support.

How long is the appointment?

Typically the intake and testing session lasts anywhere from 2-3 hours. The feedback session is approximately 1 hour. The intake and testing session are completed in person. The feedback session can be completed in person or through telehealth depending on patient preference.

What should I bring with me to the appointment?

• If possible bringing a trusted friend of family member who can provide additional details about changes they have noticed can be very helpful.

• Any medical records documenting medical history and development/treatment of current health related events including imaging studies (e.g. MRI, CT scan).

• Any previous neuropsychological testing or other assessment reports (e.g. speech pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy).

• Glasses or hearing aids if needed

• A water bottle and a snack

How long will it take to get my report?

Dr. Westbrook typically provides reports within 4-6 weeks from testing date. A feedback session to go over the results of the evaluation is often scheduled before the formal report has been provided. The report will be sent to the patient in a password protected file for your records.

What other services do you provide?

While assessment is the primary service offered at Via Nova, Dr. Westbrook is able to meet with patients for additional sessions for short term individual or family therapy and educational sessions. Additional concierge services are offered at private pay rates including group therapy/education groups focusing on specific disorders, sessions focusing on treatment recommendations and implementing the treatment plan, executive functioning coaching, in home/workplace remediation and organization and consultation with the patient’s medical team. For more in depth information see the services tab at the top.

Do you take insurance?

Via Nova is currently covered under Medicare for patients over 65 for neuropsychological assessment. We are not accepting Medicare patients for therapy at this time. For patients under 65, we currently accept private pay only. If you would like to apply for out of network reimbursement, our clinic can submit your claim to your insurance company on your behalf. We cannot guarantee reimbursement unfortunately.

How do I pay you?

Payment for your assessment can be made through our medical record system or square via credit card or through Zelle. Payments must be received before the day of your testing appointment. Payment is due in full by the first appointment. Via Nova Neuropsychology does not accept payments in increments. Payment for additional professional services beyond the assessment will be agreed upon when they are requested. The assessment appointment cannot move forward until the balance has been paid. All payment information will be provided to you in your scheduling email once your appointment has been confirmed.

What is your cancellation policy?

We kindly request that you provide at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients in need of care. Should you cancel before 48 hours and have prepaid for your appt, you will be offered the option to be refunded the fee for service or reschedule without additional payment.

An appointment is considered a no show if the patient is more than 15 minutes late without prior notification. If you fail to attend a scheduled assessment appointment without providing prior notice (i.e., a "no-show"), we will consider it a missed appointment and you will be responsible for the cancellation fee.

In the event of a no-show or cancellation, a fee will be charged for assessment sessions missed without such notification at the rate of $100 per scheduled hour missed (e.g., $200 for a missed 2 hour session).  This fee is the responsibility of the patient and is not reimbursed by insurance.

To cancel or reschedule your appointment, please contact our office by phone at [408-357-3124] or email at [cwestbrook@vianovaneuropsychology.com]. If you leave a voicemail, we will confirm your cancellation as soon as possible.

Do you use trainees?

At Via Nova Neuropsychology, we are committed to providing high-quality neuropsychological assessments while also fostering the development of future professionals in the field. As part of our clinic, we occasionally involve graduate students in conducting assessments under the direct supervision of a licensed and experienced neuropsychologist.

Please be assured that all assessments performed by graduate students are carefully monitored by Dr. Westbrook throughout the process. The licensed provider remains fully responsible for the accuracy and quality of the assessment and interpretation of the results. All reports are written by Dr. Westbrook.

What if my question wasn’t answered?

At Via Nova, we strive to provide personalized care where all patients feel seen and supported. If you have questions that were not answered here, please do not hesitate to reach out to the clinic or bring your questions to your appointment.