FAQ

A neuropsychological evaluation assesses brain function which provides insights into the structural and functional health of the brain. This comprehensive assessment involves interview(s) and the administration of standardized tests. There are other forms of testing including cognitive screenings, “neuropsychological screenings,” and neurocognitive screening but these provide less information and are often used to determine the need for a referral to a neuropsychologist. A neuropsychological evaluation will cover many different areas including motor ability, memory functioning, visuospatial abilities, and executive functions to name a few. This information, collected through interview(s) and testing, is then integrated by a neuropsychologist to get a better understanding of an individuals strengths, challenges, trajectory, and diagnoses as well as specific strategies to assist them.

A neuropsychologist is a psychologist with a doctoral-level license and two additional years of postdoctoral training. This training includes didactic courses (e.g., neuroanatomy, neuropsychiatry, and condition-specific topics) and focused supervision and consultation by multiple experienced neuropsychologists.

While neuropsychologists and testing psychologists are often grouped together, there are significant differences. A testing psychologist is also a licensed psychologist but has not undergone the specialized training required to meet the standards set for neuropsychology (as defined by the Huston Conference). Typically, assessments conducted by testing psychologists focus chiefly on behavioral health-related topics that emphasize observable symptoms rather than direct measurements of cognitive functioning (apart from general intelligence and attentional testing). In contrast, a neuropsychologist conducts comprehensive assessments that consider both the neurocognitive and behavioral-health related aspects of an individual.

We are currently in-network with Aetna, Medicaid/Denali KidCare, and TRICARE. Other in-network insurances are pending.

Most assessments consist of three appointments:

1. An intake where background information will be gathered which will generally last one hour.
2. A testing appointment which will start at 9:00 AM in our Anchorage office and may last until about 3:00 PM.
3. A feedback appointment, which will last approximately one hour. This is an optional and not required, but is very helpful to understand the results of the evaluation.

We strive to make your appointments accessible and convenient – offering secure telehealth for both the intake and feedback.

At present, we do not provide services for medicolegal or forensic evaluations, whether court-ordered or otherwise.

Insurance companies often consider the sole assessment of ADHD as not being medically necessary. There are many potential reasons for this and this would be a good question to ask. Clinically, an attentional deficit can often be comorbid with other conditions such as a developmental coordination disorder or following a traumatic brain injury. Many of these related disorders are considered medically necessary and covered.

Please see the Contact Us page for detailed directions.

Neuropsychological testing is very different from school-based assessments. Instead of reviewing what you know, our tests evaluate how you perform with information that is given (performance-based testing). Depending on your reason for assessment, there may be a few tests measuring your knowledge in specific areas, but if administered, these will be relatively short. In addition, our testing happens in a comfortable office-like environment with multiple breaks offered throughout your session.

Because we don’t use a “fixed-battery” approach (the same set of instruments given to everyone), the assessments given can vary according to a medical provider’s referral questions, a person’s unique concerns, and their functional ability (a “flexible-battery” approach). We utilize the most current published instruments, the best available normative data, and the newest technology to ensure the accuracy of your results while also examining every area of measurable neuropsychological functioning.

Every person is unique, so testing times will vary. All of our evaluations are scheduled to start at 9:00 AM and finish at 3:00 PM (with a one hour lunch break at noon), though many complete the testing sooner. Dr. Arnatt will be able to give you a fairly accurate estimate of when testing will conclude after the first portion of testing in the morning.

It is important to get a good nights sleep before testing. Multiple breaks will be given throughout the day and some people find it helpful to bring snacks or drinks. Please do not discontinue any medications unless told to do so by your prescribing provider. It will be important for any concerns related to sleep apnea be actively addressed.

A copy of your report will be sent to the person who referred you for the evaluation and you will also receive a copy. Otherwise, your report is confidential and covered under numerous state and federal laws (e.g., HIPPA and 42 CFR Part 2). There are exceptions to these laws, such as in the case of emergencies, and you should discuss this further with Dr. Arnatt if this is a concern. If you would like a copy of your report to be sent to another provider or agency, please complete a Release of Information (ROI) which can be found here. Alternately, if you still have portal access, a digital version can be sent to you to fill out.

Yes! Feedback is a very important part of our evaluations and in many cases essential. A feedback session will be scheduled before or after your testing to go over your entire report including the tests that were given, their implications, diagnoses, and recommendations. Some do not wish to have feedback and that is okay too. You will be asked during the process. Some agencies wish to review results with their clients and in these cases a good amount of additional information is provided in the report to assist with this.

This is a very important question that should be asked! Due to the often time-sensitive nature of care, we believe a report should not be delayed. There are several circumstances that may delay a report, including difficulty contacting others for a secondary report (when needed) and similar situations. Our goal is to complete all reports shortly after testing so people can get the additional care they need. If a report is needed in less than one week, please let Dr. Arnatt know.

Sometimes it happens that people wish to pay for their evaluations out of pocket. It is always encouraged to utilize insurance whenever possible, but if not we will provide an accurate estimate so there are no surprises when the evaluation is finished. Please contact us for more information.