24 - Neuropsychologicalassessment

Summary

Neuropsychological assessment is an important component of the comprehensive neurodiagnostic evaluation of many patients with suspected or known brain dysfunction. Neuropsychological evaluations are covered by most major insurance carriers using the American Medical Association's Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for the procedures. A clinical interview with the patient, focusing upon the presenting complaint and history of potential central nervous system (CNS) risk factors or other demographic and background characteristics, might contribute to symptoms or impact current test performance. The neuropsychological evaluation typically begins with a review of the referral question and available medical records. Neuropsychological tests vary in terms of their available normative comparison groups, although some represent large databases comprised of representative samples of the general population. Neuropsychological reports vary widely depending upon the practitioner, his or her background and current setting, the nature and extent of the evaluation, and the referral base of the neuropsychologist's practice.