Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
COVID-19 FAQs
Are you still conducting psychological and neuropsychological assessments?
Yes, we are still conducting assessments/evaluations though we are utilizing telehealth whenever it is clinically appropriate to do so in order to minimize exposure for our patients, their family and our staff.
Will my assessment take place in the office or via telehealth?
Each evaluation is different, and as such, we will make a determination on a case-by-case basis of exactly which format is most appropriate for conducting your assessment/evaluation. Some assessments are able to be completed completely via telehealth, while others may require that some portions of the assessment be completed in our office. There are many variables that affect whether a telehealth or in-person modality is used, including the age of the patient, their ability to meaningfully engage in a virtual testing session, whether a given test is able to reliably and validly be administered via telehealth, the health status of the patient and of members of their household, as well as multiple other variables.
If in-person testing is required for my assessment, what precautions will be taken to minimize exposure?
We have enacted many practices in order to minimize exposure for patients who require in-person testing. These include, but are not limited to:
I live in a state other than Missouri, can I still receive services with your clinic?
We are excited to announce that, in addition to already being able to provide telehealth services to patients in Missouri, The Neuropsychology Center of St. Louis now has the capability to provide telehealth services (both Assessment and Psychotherapy services) to patients in the following states:
Yes, we are still conducting assessments/evaluations though we are utilizing telehealth whenever it is clinically appropriate to do so in order to minimize exposure for our patients, their family and our staff.
Will my assessment take place in the office or via telehealth?
Each evaluation is different, and as such, we will make a determination on a case-by-case basis of exactly which format is most appropriate for conducting your assessment/evaluation. Some assessments are able to be completed completely via telehealth, while others may require that some portions of the assessment be completed in our office. There are many variables that affect whether a telehealth or in-person modality is used, including the age of the patient, their ability to meaningfully engage in a virtual testing session, whether a given test is able to reliably and validly be administered via telehealth, the health status of the patient and of members of their household, as well as multiple other variables.
If in-person testing is required for my assessment, what precautions will be taken to minimize exposure?
We have enacted many practices in order to minimize exposure for patients who require in-person testing. These include, but are not limited to:
- Restricting access to the building until just prior to your appointment time.
- Requiring patients to don masks prior to entering the building.
- Requiring patients to wash their hands with soap and water prior to entering the office.
- Only allowing one person in to our office at a time.
- Providing all staff with masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, face shields and other PPE in order to minimize their exposure to patients and minimize patients’ exposure to them.
- Cleaning and sanitizing our testing materials between patients in accordance with CDC and test publishers' guidelines for safe sterilization procedures.
- Only seeing patients if they are symptoms-free and without a fever.
- Practicing social distancing when possible during testing
I live in a state other than Missouri, can I still receive services with your clinic?
We are excited to announce that, in addition to already being able to provide telehealth services to patients in Missouri, The Neuropsychology Center of St. Louis now has the capability to provide telehealth services (both Assessment and Psychotherapy services) to patients in the following states:
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This is possible through the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) - an interstate compact designed to facilitate the practice of telepsychology across state boundaries. For more information on PSYPACT, click here.
Does my insurance cover services provided via telehealth?
Each insurance carrier is different, and the rules for reimbursement are rapidly changing in the midst of COVID. We remain an out-of-network provider for insurance and patients are responsible for paying their fees directly to our clinic. If you are interested in submitting a claim for out-of-network coverage, please contact your insurance provider prior to services being rendered so that you are aware of your options and possible coverage.
Are you still providing psychotherapy services?
Yes, we continue to offer psychotherapy, though we are currently only offering therapy through telehealth (virtually) and we are not yet seeing patients face-to-face for psychotherapy. We will update our website when this changes.
Where can I learn more about how COVID-19 is affecting the practice of psychology?
You can learn more about how COVID-19 is affecting the practice of psychology at the APA's COVID-19 website here.
Still have questions? You can keep scrolling to find answers to general questions below, call us at (314) 324-3800, or send us an email at [email protected].
Does my insurance cover services provided via telehealth?
Each insurance carrier is different, and the rules for reimbursement are rapidly changing in the midst of COVID. We remain an out-of-network provider for insurance and patients are responsible for paying their fees directly to our clinic. If you are interested in submitting a claim for out-of-network coverage, please contact your insurance provider prior to services being rendered so that you are aware of your options and possible coverage.
Are you still providing psychotherapy services?
Yes, we continue to offer psychotherapy, though we are currently only offering therapy through telehealth (virtually) and we are not yet seeing patients face-to-face for psychotherapy. We will update our website when this changes.
Where can I learn more about how COVID-19 is affecting the practice of psychology?
You can learn more about how COVID-19 is affecting the practice of psychology at the APA's COVID-19 website here.
Still have questions? You can keep scrolling to find answers to general questions below, call us at (314) 324-3800, or send us an email at [email protected].
GENERAL FAQs
- How do I know whether the professional I am seeking services from is qualified to address my concerns?
- How does a Neuropsychologist differ from a Psychologist?
- What kind of training is required in order to practice as a Neuropsychologist?
- Does The Neuropsychology Center accept private insurance or Medicare?
- Does The Neuropsychology Center accept Medicaid?
- I'd like to apply for "gap" coverage so that my insurance carrier will reimburse me at the in-network rate for my evaluation. How do I go about doing this?
- How much will an evaluation cost?
- I'm not sure if a full, comprehensive evaluation is right for me. Can I schedule an appointment for a consultation to see if I/my child could benefit from a neuropsychological assessment?
- Is there a separate fee schedule for cases that are litigious?
How do I know whether the professional I am seeking services from is qualified to address my concerns?
There are many “professionals” in the field of assessment who claim to have the ability to make formal diagnoses, and conduct “psychoeducational”, or even “neuropsychological” assessments. In the state of Missouri, psychologists are specifically granted the authority to make psychological diagnoses. This includes not only mental health diagnoses (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, etc.), but also includes diagnoses such as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a Learning Disorder (LD), or any other disorder captured in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). Potential clients should be aware that in Missouri, Licensed Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists do not have diagnostic privileges and are not authorized to make diagnoses.
It is important to know what kind of training and credentials a professional has before agreeing to engage in services. Each state has licensing boards that regulate what area of practice a professional can operate in. In Missouri, the Department of Professional Registration (pr.mo.gov) licenses and recognizes the following professions:
There are many “professionals” in the field of assessment who claim to have the ability to make formal diagnoses, and conduct “psychoeducational”, or even “neuropsychological” assessments. In the state of Missouri, psychologists are specifically granted the authority to make psychological diagnoses. This includes not only mental health diagnoses (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, etc.), but also includes diagnoses such as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a Learning Disorder (LD), or any other disorder captured in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). Potential clients should be aware that in Missouri, Licensed Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists do not have diagnostic privileges and are not authorized to make diagnoses.
It is important to know what kind of training and credentials a professional has before agreeing to engage in services. Each state has licensing boards that regulate what area of practice a professional can operate in. In Missouri, the Department of Professional Registration (pr.mo.gov) licenses and recognizes the following professions:
- Psychologist
- Social Worker
- Professional Counselor
- Marriage and Family Therapist
How does a Neuropsychologist differ from a Psychologist?
While Psychologists are licensed to render diagnoses and perform some assessments of personality and psychopathology, only neuropsychologists are trained in brain-behavior relationships and can possess the clinical training and experience to conceptualize complex neuropsychological conditions affecting cognition. Without specialized training and a 2 year post-doctoral fellowship specifically in neuropsychology, a psychologist is not qualified to refer to themselves as a neuropsychologist or perform neuropsychological assessments.
While Psychologists are licensed to render diagnoses and perform some assessments of personality and psychopathology, only neuropsychologists are trained in brain-behavior relationships and can possess the clinical training and experience to conceptualize complex neuropsychological conditions affecting cognition. Without specialized training and a 2 year post-doctoral fellowship specifically in neuropsychology, a psychologist is not qualified to refer to themselves as a neuropsychologist or perform neuropsychological assessments.
What kind of training is required in order to practice as a Neuropsychologist?
The minimum training required in order to identify yourself as a neuropsychologist includes:
The minimum training required in order to identify yourself as a neuropsychologist includes:
- Bachelor’s Degree (Typically 4 years of college education)
- Doctoral Degree (Ph.D., typically 4-6 years of graduate level education)
- Pre-doctoral Internship (1 year long supervised clinical training)
- Post-doctoral Fellowship (2 year long specialized training in neuropsychology)
Does The Neuropsychology Center accept private insurance or Medicare?
The Neuropsychology Center is considered an “Out-of-Network provider” for all insurance plans. Patients may wish to file a claim directly with their insurance carrier. Your insurance carrier will pay you directly. For patients that wish to submit a claim to their health insurance carrier for reimbursement of services, you will be required to pay The Neuropsychology Center directly for services. Once payment is received, you will be provided with the necessary information, including a description of the service, date of service, procedural codes, time documentation, and the referring diagnosis code. The Neuropsychology Center does not bill insurance and does not negotiate with insurance.
The Neuropsychology Center is considered an “Out-of-Network provider” for all insurance plans. Patients may wish to file a claim directly with their insurance carrier. Your insurance carrier will pay you directly. For patients that wish to submit a claim to their health insurance carrier for reimbursement of services, you will be required to pay The Neuropsychology Center directly for services. Once payment is received, you will be provided with the necessary information, including a description of the service, date of service, procedural codes, time documentation, and the referring diagnosis code. The Neuropsychology Center does not bill insurance and does not negotiate with insurance.
Does The Neuropsychology Center accept Medicaid?
Neuropsychological testing is not a service that is covered under either Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) or Illinois Medicaid.
Neuropsychological testing is not a service that is covered under either Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) or Illinois Medicaid.
I'd like to apply for "gap" coverage so that my insurance carrier will reimburse me at the in-network rate for my evaluation. How do I go about doing this?
In some cases, you may be able to apply for what is commonly referred to as "gap" coverage through your insurance carrier. Gap coverage allows patients to be reimbursed for services provided by The Neuropsychology Center at the in-network rate, even though The Neuropsychology Center is not in-network. If any of the following situations apply to you, you may be eligible for "gap" coverage through your insurance carrier:
NOTE: The Neuropsychology Center will not apply on your behalf, though we will provide you with any information that your insurance carrier requests related to the evaluation that you would need in order to complete your application. Patients who are approved for gap coverage by their insurance carrier are still required to pay their balance in full. We will not bill your insurance. Once your balance is paid in full, you will be provided with an invoice that you can use to submit your claim to your insurance carrier.
In some cases, you may be able to apply for what is commonly referred to as "gap" coverage through your insurance carrier. Gap coverage allows patients to be reimbursed for services provided by The Neuropsychology Center at the in-network rate, even though The Neuropsychology Center is not in-network. If any of the following situations apply to you, you may be eligible for "gap" coverage through your insurance carrier:
- There are no neuropsychologists that are listed as in-network for your insurance carrier. (Note: Your plan may have psychologists that are listed as in-network, however the specialty of neuropsychology is very specific and your insurance carrier likely does not differentiate clinical psychologists from neuropsychologists. If you are unsure whether an in-network psychologist is a neuropsychologist, refer to the requirements set forth by the National Academy of Neuropsychology here: https://www.nanonline.org/docs/PAIC/PDFs/NANPositionDefNeuro.pdf
- There are neuropsychologists that are listed as in-network for your insurance carrier, but you live more than 100 miles from an in-network neuropsychologist.
- There are neuropsychologists that are listed as in-network for your insurance carrier, but the wait time to be seen is inappropriately long (the definition of "long" varies by insurance plans).
NOTE: The Neuropsychology Center will not apply on your behalf, though we will provide you with any information that your insurance carrier requests related to the evaluation that you would need in order to complete your application. Patients who are approved for gap coverage by their insurance carrier are still required to pay their balance in full. We will not bill your insurance. Once your balance is paid in full, you will be provided with an invoice that you can use to submit your claim to your insurance carrier.
How much will an evaluation cost?
Each evaluation is different and as such fees can vary depending on such factors on the nature of the referral question, the extensiveness of the testing involved in order to answer the referral question and the time required to score, interpret and document the evaluation. Fees are calculated based on the time it takes to complete an assessment. Contact us for additional details or questions.
Each evaluation is different and as such fees can vary depending on such factors on the nature of the referral question, the extensiveness of the testing involved in order to answer the referral question and the time required to score, interpret and document the evaluation. Fees are calculated based on the time it takes to complete an assessment. Contact us for additional details or questions.
I'm not sure if a full, comprehensive evaluation is right for me. Can I schedule an appointment for a consultation to see if I/my child could benefit from a neuropsychological assessment?
Since most people are not familiar with what a neuropsychological assessment entails, and may be unsure if a comprehensive evaluation is right for them, The Neuropsychology Center offers consultation appointments that are typically 1-2 hours long where you can discuss the appropriateness of pursuing an evaluation with one of our providers. Prior to your appointment, you can complete and return a comprehensive history questionnaire and submit any records you would like to be reviewed. The history questionnaire and your records will be reviewed prior to your consultation allowing your provider the ability to provide informed recommendations regarding your assessment options.
Since most people are not familiar with what a neuropsychological assessment entails, and may be unsure if a comprehensive evaluation is right for them, The Neuropsychology Center offers consultation appointments that are typically 1-2 hours long where you can discuss the appropriateness of pursuing an evaluation with one of our providers. Prior to your appointment, you can complete and return a comprehensive history questionnaire and submit any records you would like to be reviewed. The history questionnaire and your records will be reviewed prior to your consultation allowing your provider the ability to provide informed recommendations regarding your assessment options.
Is there a separate fee schedule for cases that are litigious?
Given the nature and complexity of cases that have legal involvement, there is a separate fee schedule utilized in these situations. Please contact the office for more details.
Given the nature and complexity of cases that have legal involvement, there is a separate fee schedule utilized in these situations. Please contact the office for more details.