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If I am a provider, how do I refer a patient?

Referrals and supporting documentation (visit notes, neuroimaging reports) can be emailed to info@heidirossettiphd.com or faxed to 972-301-2162. Please also feel free to call 214-702-2939 to discuss whether a referral for neuropsychological assessment is appropriate. 

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If you are a patient interested in undergoing an evaluation, please reach out to your family physician or other healthcare provider to discuss whether they can place a referral as outlined above, or email or text our office and Dr. Rossetti will schedule a brief phone call to discuss your concerns and scheduling process.

Do you take insurance? What forms of payment are accepted?

Dr. Rossetti is a private pay provider and not in-network with insurance companies. This prevents insurance from imposing limitations on the time and services provided to you. A one-hour minimum is required at the time of scheduling and the remainder is due on the day of your visit. We are happy to provide a Superbill to you if you wish to submit to your health insurance for direct reimbursement using your out-of-network benefits. Please contact your insurance provider to help determine your benefits in advance of your visit. A late fee is assessed in the event of a no-show or cancellation made with less than 48 hours notice. Payment can be made by credit card via the Patient Portal, check, or cash. We also accept CareCredit (https://www.carecredit.com/go/324MNS/). Email info@heidirossettiphd.com for pricing information for specific services.

Why go through a neuropsychological assessment?

​A neuropsychological assessment can be requested for a number of reasons including:

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  • To help with diagnosis: Test results are sometimes used to help understand the cause of problems with your thinking and understanding. For example, test results might be used to determine if your cognitive (mental) changes are due to normal aging, a neurological illness, depression, anxiety or other causes. Your healthcare provider can then use the results of your neuropsychological examination along with the results of other tests, such as brain scans, EEGs, and blood tests, to arrive at a diagnosis that will help to guide your healthcare.

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  • To determine cognitive strengths and weaknesses: In some cases, a healthcare provider may order tests if you’ve had a known neurological event or injury, such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury, to find which cognitive functions have changed and how much they have changed.

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  • To establish a baseline: In some instances, an exam is performed before and after a medical or surgical treatment to determine if cognitive abilities were affected by the intervention. Re-examination at some point after the baseline can also demonstrate how well you’re recovering from a stroke or traumatic brain injury and whether or not you’re ready to return to work, resume driving or take on other duties.

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  • To help plan a treatment or other intervention: Test results can be used to identify which cognitive abilities should be the focus of rehabilitation if you’ve had a brain injury. Results also help therapists determine which strengths might be able to compensate for weaknesses. The evaluation can provide the basis for making decisions and/or adjustments to school or work schedules and determine the skills to work on that are most important to you.

What types of conditions benefit from a neuropsychological consultation?

Changes in cognitive abilities can be caused by numerous medical, neurological, or psychological factors. Some of the more well-known conditions include:

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  • Normal aging

  • Dementia (Alzheimer's disease, Lewy Body dementia, frontotemporal dementia etc.)

  • Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders

  • Stress, sleep problems, and mental health conditions (depression, schizophrenia, PTSD, etc.)

  • ADHD

  • Epilepsy/seizure disorders

  • Traumatic brain injury/concussion

  • Brain tumors

  • Brain infections (encephalitis, meningitis, etc.)

  • Cerebrovascular disease (heart attack, stroke)

  • Autoimmune disorders (multiple sclerosis, etc.)

  • Exposure to pesticides and other toxic chemicals

  • Pre-surgical evaluations (deep brain stimulation, organ transplant, bariatric surgery, etc)

  • Fitness for Duty evaluations (FAA, etc)

What does a neuropsychological evaluation involve?

The neuropsychological evaluation consists of gathering relevant historical information, a neuropsychological examination, analysis and integration of data and findings, and feedback to the referral source. History is obtained through reviewing medical and other records, and through a clinical interview with the patient. With the patient’s permission, family members or other knowledgeable persons may be asked to share their perspective on aspects of the history and symptoms. Please note that sometimes this consultation reveals that an evaluation is not necessary or appropriate at the present time.

 

The examination is tailored to the individual and consists of standardized tests using oral questions, paper and pencil, computers, the manipulation of materials such as blocks and puzzles, and other procedures. These tests examine different areas of brain functioning including attention, memory, language, academic skills, reasoning and problem solving, visuospatial ability, and sensory-motor skills. The neuropsychologist may also administer tests and questionnaires concerning psychological aspects of mood, behavior, and personality. Most evaluations require approximately 4-6 hours with intermittent breaks as needed. The duration of testing varies depending on the scope and purpose of the evaluation and the individual's pace. 

 

After testing is completed, results are scored and interpreted. The results of the evaluation are discussed at a follow-up appointment. This feedback visit allows us to discuss the findings and recommendations and provide additional resources. In most cases, a comprehensive report is made available to you either at that visit or within the following week, though certain circumstances can delay this process (e.g., a delay in receiving records, scheduling conflicts, extensive records to review).

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Here is a great article summarizing what to expect with a neuropsychological evaluation: https://brainwisemedia.com/what-is-a-neuropsychological-evaluation/

Will the evaluation produce a specific diagnosis?

This depends on the goals and results of the evaluation. One of the most common purposes of a neuropsychological evaluation is differential diagnosis – in other words, examining a complex clinical picture to determine if a particular diagnosis or diagnoses are appropriate.  Many factors influence memory and other thinking abilities, including age, medical or emotional issues, drugs/medication, sleep, stress etc. Regardless of whether an evaluation unveils a specific diagnosis, it will provide a detailed description of  neuropsychological strengths and weaknesses and concrete recommendations tailored to the individual to aid in treatment and/or practical day-to-day functioning.

What is a neuropsychologist?

In addition to completing a doctoral degree in psychology, neuropsychologists complete a APA-accredited internship followed by a rigorous two-year post-doctoral fellowship and have specialized knowledge of brain structure and functions. Attainment of the ABCN/ABPP Diploma in Clinical Neuropsychology (i.e., board certification) is the clearest evidence of competence as a clinical neuropsychologist, assuring that all of these criteria have been met.

Good Faith Estimate

According to the No Surprises Act (effective January 1, 2022) you have the right to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" - an estimation of how much your medical and mental healthcare costs might be. This law was enacted to help protect patients from incurring unexpected healthcare costs. If you are using out-of-network benefits, are uninsured, or paying cash for services then your healthcare provider is required to provide you with a Good Faith Estimate (GFE). This is an estimate of how much your care (including mental health services) might cost and does not include any costs incurred due to special circumstances or emergencies. If this happens, you may ask your provider for an updated GFE that includes an estimation of these additional expenses. 

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Under federal law, if you receive a bill that is $400 more than your GFE, you have the right to dispute it. To learn more about your rights as a consumer or to begin the dispute resolution process please contact the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by going to www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call the No Surprises Help Desk at 1-800-985-3059. 

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