FAQs

If you, as a young adult, or your child seem to be struggling with aspects of learning, memory, attention, executive functioning, mood, or behavior, an evaluation may be necessary. Testing can help better understand if these areas are below what is expected for age and what other factors may be influencing these difficulties. For giftedness, the question may be is your child being challenged enough.

However, there may be reasons not to seek an evaluation. If testing was recently completed (roughly within the past 6 months) and there have not been any changes that would affect the brain, it might not be the right time for more testing. If there were struggles in school, but your child is doing better with interventions, it may be best to see if the interventions help.

Refer to the ‘Evaluations’ page for details about each type of evaluation. In general, evaluations involve an initial interview or intake with parents or the young adult patient. If testing is needed, an interview with the child or other key family member, will be scheduled as will testing. I will also communicate with other key people, such as teachers, therapists, or physicians.

Testing is typically done in a single day ranging from 2-6 hours with breaks, depending on the type of evaluation. However, testing can be broken up into two days if needed. About 1-2 weeks after testing, we will schedule a feedback session in which we discuss results of the evaluation and next steps. A readable and comprehensive report will be finalized within two weeks of the final feedback. You can share this with whomever you would like.

The full evaluation process can generally be completed within 4-6 weeks, depending on your availability. Shorter time frames are also possible. Evaluations are individualized. The amount of testing depends on multiple factors including the patient’s age, the question the patient or family is seeking to answer, as well as the patient’s ability to complete testing. For children and teens, expect to spend the length of a school day doing tasks and tests – generally 4 to 6 hours.

There may be minimal testing involved if there is only a question of ADHD. However, every individual is different and there may be a reason to do some cognitive testing. Regardless, the evaluation process will involve several sessions, including an intake, an in-person meeting where testing and/or completion of questionnaires will take place, and a feedback session.

Learning or special education assessments typically measure intelligence or IQ and academic achievement. At times, school-based evaluation also involve other tests or questionnaires to understand a child’s cognitive abilities, mood, or behavior. Neuropsychology evaluations assess these areas, but take a broader approach to understanding thinking skills. See ‘what skills are tested in a neuropsychology evaluation’ here

At this time, I am not in-network within any insurance company. However, CNS is an insurance-friendly practice. I will provide all necessary paperwork including details about services provided, dates of service, diagnostic codes, time spent, and procedure codes. Some patients choose to file a claim with their insurance company and be reimbursed for some or all of the cost of the evaluation. I am happy to help you know what to ask your insurance company about out-of-network benefits

Payment is expected at the time of the scheduled appointment. Ask your insurance about:

• “Out-of-Network Coverage” for a neuropsychological evaluation. 
  • What are my out-of-network benefits?
  • How much is my deductible?
  • After I meet my deductible, what percentage of the visit cost will I be reimbursed for

How much can I be reimbursed for the following procedures?

• 60 minute intake appointment (CPT Code 90791)
• Neuropsychological Testing (CPT Code 96136 for the first 30 minutes, CPT Code 96137 for each additional 30 min)
• Neuropsychological Services (CPT Code 96132 or the first 60 minutes, CPT Code 96133 for each additional hour)
• 60 minute feedback session (CPT Code 96133)

• Do I have a limit of how many units of 96137 or 96133 I can get reimbursed for?
• How do I submit a claim with the receipt my doctor gave me?

Insurance companies may ask for diagnosis codes or for Dr. Baum’s “NPI number” or “EIN.” We happily provide this information to you if you need it. 

A full neuropsychological evaluation costs $4800. The fee includes record review, the intake appointment, patient/parent interview, all testing, scoring, and interpretation, consultation with others, a feedback session, and a comprehensive report. I will never include ‘hidden fees.’ I am happy to collaborate with schools or other providers. However, I do charge an hourly rate ($250/hour) for attendance at in-person or virtual school meetings. Commute time (if >20 minutes) is charged at 50% (hour round trip commute = $125). 

Other evaluations (i.e., ADHD or psychoeducational evaluations) require less time and have a lower cost. See ‘Payment and Fees’ for more information.

Yes. You can use the pre-tax funds you have set aside in these healthcare accounts. You can pay directly using the card or pay by check or credit card and submit a receipt to be reimbursed by your HSA/FSA. If you do not have an HSA/FSA, you can ask your company’s human resources about starting one.

Consultation appointments are available immediately. Right now, the initial telehealth appointment is scheduled within 2 weeks. Testing is completed soon after.

All communication with patients, parents, and other providers or team members is done through an email communication system that is compliant with Health Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA, Rule 104-91). Telehealth sessions are also conducted through a HIPAA-compliant system.

I hope your family is staying safe and healthy. In-person evaluations are currently being offered with some safety precautions in place. Telehealth visits are options for portions of the evaluation. Click here for more information.

Please contact me. Send an email and I will get back to you within 2 business days.