Frequently Asked Questions

A neuropsychological evaluation is tailored to evaluate and address concerns regarding cognitive and emotional functioning. There are generally three parts to an evaluation:

· Interviews which occur with the patient, and at times with other caregivers who provide helpful feedback about the patient and their condition. It may also likely be necessary to review medical, school and/or employments records.

· Assessment is the next step in a neuropsychology evaluation. Testing varies based on the condition but may include written, interactive, and oral tests designed for observation.

· Feedback sessions are scheduled to report findings, answer questions, and provide recommendations for the patient.

Upon completion of your evaluation, Dr. Rice will prepare a written report that you can share with medical providers and/or therapists. You should schedule your no cost feedback appointment for two weeks after the date of the evaluation. 

Understanding a patient’s neuropsychological strengths and weaknesses can help explain the integrity of brain functions, clarify a diagnosis, and determine cognitive, emotional, or behavioral consequences from brain impairment or emotional trauma. It can also help determine if a given treatment and/or brain surgery (e.g., epilepsy, deep brain stimulation) is appropriate for a particular person and whether treatment has any positive or negative effects on cognitive functions and behavior. An evaluation can also establish a baseline against which to measure the outcome of treatment (new medications, therapies, surgery) or establish a baseline to compare to at a later date (of specific value to those at risk for dementia). An evaluation can also inform real-world interventions and rehabilitation potential.

The neuropsychologist will work with your physicians to combine results from medical tests, such as brain imaging, to help clarify diagnosis and help plan interventions. Test findings will help you and/or your family, rehabilitation specialists, and doctors provide treatments and interventions that will meet your unique needs.

Neuropsychological testing may be repeated at regular intervals (not more frequently than 6 mos. to a year) to help monitor cognitive and emotional progress after treatments. 

It is important that the patient gets adequate sleep and eats breakfast before the evaluation. Also, patients should take all medications as scheduled on the testing day (With the exception of those being evaluated for ADHD, do not take stimulant medications on the day of the evaluation). Please provide Dr. Rice with a copy of relevant medical records such as neurodiagnostic tests (brain scans such as CT or MRI; EEG). Please provide a copy of any previous neuropsychological evaluations or academic testing, and/or any Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), if available. Glasses and hearing aids are important for optimal test performance. If the patient has special language, visual or auditory needs, please alert Dr. Rice to these when scheduling the appointment. You may also want to bring a sweater, even during the summer months as it can get quite cold in the office.

Dr. Rice strives to make the process as smooth as possible. Before your appointment, you will need to: 

· Complete Forms in Advance: By completing the necessary forms in advance, you contribute to a more efficient and personalized experience during your appointment. This also allows Dr. Rice to adequately plan for your visit and address your specific needs. 

· Complete your New Patient Intake Form. This can be completed on the website or downloaded and completed at home. 

· Complete and sign all general treatment consents. These can also be completed on the website or downloaded and completed at home. This form is standard for all first-time patients. 

Appointment time: If you have an in-office appointment, arrive on time for your appointment. If you will be receiving services in your home, your provider will arrive at your scheduled appointment time. Please be ready for her arrival. 

Your appointment time is reserved just for you. A late cancellation or missed visit leaves a hole in Dr. Rice’s day that could have been filled by another patient. Due to extended appointment times of 2-5 hours, a notice of at least 48-hours is required for any cancellations or changes to appointments. Patients who provide less than 48-hours notice (cancel same day or miss your appointment) will be charged $150/hour for every scheduled hour for assessments and $50 per psychotherapy hour ($100 for couples and families). 

Dr. Rice is an out-of-network provider, but upon request, you can be provided with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.