What is Neuropsychology?

 

Neuropsychology is the study of brain functions, relating brain structure and systems with behavior, mental skills, and emotional status.

 

What does a Neuropsychological Evaluation Involve?

 

Evaluations include review of background information review, structured interview, formal neuropsychological testing, feedback session, and written report.

 

The formal testing involves many brief tasks, each lasting anywhere from 2 to 20 minutes.  The entire evaluation takes several hours and is administered over several days.  Tests are in the form of questions and answers, paper and pencil tests, drawing, puzzles, and/or working with computers.  

 

Why should an Adult have a Neuropsychological Evaluation?

 

Neuropsychological evaluation will document cognitive strengths and weaknesses.  Testing is very comprehensive and can identify problems that might not be obvious in other ways. 

 

Testing can help determine whether mental changes are normal age-related changes or if they reflect a neurological disorder.

 

Testing can be used to identify mental changes related to medical conditions such as diabetes, metabolic and infectious diseases, or alcoholism. 

 

Appropriate treatment depends on accurate diagnosis. Different illnesses result in different patterns of strengths and weaknesses. Based on pattern analysis, neuropsychological testing can differentiate difficulties that are based on brain dysfunction from emotional disturbance.  Emotional disorders, such as PTSD, can occur as a result of physical injuries and need to be identified and treated as well.

 

Results are helpful in determining what undrlying illness or dysfunction might be operating and what treatment course is appropriate. For instance, testing can be used to make a differential diagnosis between different types of dementia or between Alzheimer’s disease and depression. 

 

Test results will be used to develop treatment plans. The results help to identify what target problems to work on and which strategies to use.

 

Testing can be used to establish a baseline to document skill levels before there is any problem. In this way, subsequent changes can be measured objectively. 

 

Other reasons for neuropsychological evaluations for adults include answering questions regarding career potential, competency to manage one’s owns affairs, consequences of head injuries or medical malpractice, disability determination and readiness to return to work.

 

 

Why should a Child have a Neuropsychological Evaluation? 

 

Testing can be used to determine the existence of a learning disorder, attention disorder, or behavioral/emotional disorder. 

 

A differential diagnosis is necessary to prepare the most appropriate treatments and interventions.

 

Test results can be used to coordinate intervention plans for school and for home.

 

Neuropsychological evaluation can determine whether a child is gifted or precocious in a particular cognitive area.

 

Testing results can explain behavior problems that are based on cognitive weaknesses.

 

Testing can determine if delays in mental skills are causing emotional problems or whether emotional problems are hindering expression of potential.

 

 

What is the difference between a Neuropsychologist, a Psychologist, and a Psychiatrist?

 

A neuropsychologist is a psychologist with a specialty in understanding how the brain relates to behavior, skills, and emotions.  A psychologist understands human behavior, not necessarily specializing in brain-behavior connections.  A psychiatrist also specializes in human behavior, but from a medical background and is able to prescribe medications. 

 

 

What are your Payment Policies?

 

Dr.  Feis accepts payment from Medicare and North Shore - LIJ Health System IPA.

 

Dr. Feis is an out-of-network provider with point of service insurance programs.  For clients with these types of policies, payment is expected at the time of service.  Our office will submit claims on your behalf and can help provide information regarding deductibles, co-pays, and prior authorizations, if necessary.