Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the evaluation?

A 4-6 hour long assessment that includes a 60-90 minute long interview, and between 2-5 hours of testing assessing areas such as memory, attention, problem solving, language, planning, visual perceptual abilities, as well as emotional and behavioral functioning through standardized normed-based tests.

• Why the large range of test time?

The test time depends on the referral question, how much the examinee can tolerate, how much the insurance authorizes and several other factors.

• Can I take a break or eat during the testing?

Yes, we offer breaks. Although we have small snacks, we encourage people to bring a lunch.

• Can I split the appointment?

Yes; however, we encourage people to set up for the interview and testing on the same day. If they are unable to tolerate everything in one day, we can schedule the testing on a later date after the interview in order to ensure that we have the staffing to complete the evaluation.

• Why neuropsychological testing?

To provide objective areas of cognitive, emotional and behavioral functioning.

Often used to clarify a diagnosis and assist in treatment planning.

• Should I bring medical or academic records?

If you have them, yes. We will review them briefly; however, a full file review is not paid for by the insurance and would require additional charges. These services are typically provided for medical legal evaluations.

• Do you provide feedback sessions?

Yes; however, your insurance does not pay for them. The cost is $150 for an hour and can be scheduled at the time of testing or after the report is completed.

• Can I use my report for disability?

It will be indicated in your clinical evaluation report that it is not intended to be used in disability or compensations seeking proceedings. We will not comment on or discuss any type of work-related restrictions or limitations, as that falls under an independent medical evaluation. When you have your clinical report, it is yours to do with as you please; however, we will not complete any paperwork related to disability or work related questions.

• Can I schedule an independent medical evaluation (IME)?

Yes. We conduct IMEs. IMEs include a 1 ½-2 hour interview, 4-6 hours of testing, a thorough review of medical records and answering predesignated questions.  IMEs are not covered by insurance. Please contact drgetz@npscpittsburgh.com for rates.

• Does Insurance cover learning disability evaluations?
  No. The school districts are responsible for providing these at no cost for the children.

• Do you do independent LD assessments?

Yes. We have these available.

• How much do they cost?

The self-pay rate is $900 if there is no clinical component to the evaluation. If there is a clinical component, such as a co-occuring ADHD, and additional cognitive testing (traditional neuropsychological)  is requested, we may be able to bill the insurance for this portion of the evaluation; however, we encourage these tests to be completed on separate days due to the length of these evaluations. We will work with you on the day of the evaluation to meet your needs, but please note that your insurance will not pay for a learning disability evaluation.

• How long is the academic component of an LD evaluation?

Typically between 2-4 hours.

• My college has requested that I do a LD assessment, is that paid for by insurance?

No

• My college or GRE/LSAT or GMAT (or other standardized test) has requested that I do a LD assessment, what is necessary?

Please work with your office of disability services, or whomever requires the testing for accommodations to find out if they have specific tests that they require and if so, what those tests include.

• What is the difference between a neuropsychological evaluation and a learning disability evaluation?

The types of tests that are provided. The learning disability evaluations include specific academic tests assessing reading, writing and math; while neuropsychological evaluations include assessments of attention, memory, language, visual spatial abilities, executive and emotional functioning.

• Do you provide treatment or therapy?

Unfortunately, we do not have that capacity at the present time. However, after the evaluation, we can work with you to find a therapist or psychiatrist that is a good fit.

• Does this evaluation include a brain scan?

No.

• What insurance companies are you in-network with?                                                                                       Highmark, most Blue Cross and Blue Shields and most UPMC health insurance plans as well as CHIP. 

We are not in-network with Highmark Wholecare, UPMC For Life Premier RX, UPMC Dual Medicare/Medicaid, UPMC For You, UPMC Health Choices, Dual Medicare/Medicaid plans,  Medicaid, Aetna, Value Behavioral health plans, CCBHO, Access, UPMC for kids, or United Behavioral Health. We are unable to accept payment through CareCredit cards. 

• Are you in-network with Medicare?

Only the strict Medicare (red, white and blue cards), UPMC for Life Medicare plans and Blue Cross Blue Shield Managed Medicare Plans.

• NPSC is not in network with my insurance. What is the self-pay rate for a clinical neuropsychological evaluation?

 Until 1/1/2024, the cost is $900. After 1/1/2024, the cost will be $950. This includes a 1 – 1 ½ long interview, 2-4 hours of testing and a 10-14 page report. 

• Do we check with the insurance prior to testing to determine co-pays, deductible, necessity for pre-authorizations?

No. The client is responsible for calling their insurance prior to the making the appointment to ensure that we are in-network, and to discuss the insurance-specific coverage, including deductibles, co-insurance and co-payments.

• What information should I know before contacting the insurance?

Insurance companies ask for “CPT codes.” The new system is a little complex and can be dependent upon who does the actual testing. However, these codes can be helpful in giving you a cost estimate.

And a tentative diagnosis code of R41.9- Unspecified Cognitive issues.  

• How can I schedule an appointment?

The easiest way to schedule is through our website on the Appointments page. If you are unable to schedule online, please call our office between 8am-5pm at 412.366.2087. 

• Are there any sooner appointments than those listed online?

No. The only appointments available are those found online. There are no hidden or secret appointments. Even if you call the office, we use the same appointment calendar. We only schedule one year out, so you may want to check back again.

• What if the evaluation is an emergency?

If you or the person you are scheduling the evaluation for are experiencing an emergent situation, you should call 911 or seek care at a facility with the necessary higher level of care.

• Do you test on weekends?

No

• Do you test in the afternoons or evening?

Clinical and LD evaluations are scheduled to begin in the mornings due to the length of time needed to complete the evaluation. We do not schedule these evaluations to begin in the afternoon or evenings.

• Can I change the time of the appointment?

No. We have set appointment times because of the length of the evaluations.

• What age range do you see?

We evaluate children as young as 6 through older adults. If you have a child who is younger than 6, we do not have the appropriate materials to conduct an evaluation for him/her and you are encouraged to contact a pediatric neuropsychologist.

• Where are you located?

135 Cumberland Road, Suite 108, McCandless, PA 15237. Not far from McCandless Crossing. If you are not familiar with McCandless Crossing, we are about 3 miles North from Ross Park Mall.

• Where are you on Cumberland?

We are located almost directly across the street from Northland Library on Cumberland. We are the brown building next to the Sunoco gas station.

• Where do you park?

Park on the left side of the building. Parking is complimentary. Enter through the last door on the left on that side of the building. You will see our window sign. Do not go to the second floor, as there is not a connecting stairway.

• Can family sit in with the patient?

We encourage family to sit in during the interview; however, any examinee 14 years or older needs to consent for us to speak to family or collateral sources. Nobody is allowed to sit with the examinee during the testing session.

• Am I able to charge any devices requiring electricity during the evaluation?

Yes, if you have a device (i.e., oxygen, heart rate monitor, etc.) requiring electricity, every testing room has its own outlets easily accessible during the evaluation.

• Will you take my driver’s license from me?

We do not revoke a person’s driver’s license. However, if the results from your evaluation suggest it may be unsafe for you to operate a vehicle, we are legally required to disclose that information to PennDOT. You are then required to comply with direction from PennDOT.  

• Do you accept payment plans?

Payment plans are considered on a case-by-case basis. We can discuss setting up a payment plan; however, we require an initial larger payment of at least half of what is due in order to release your report.

• If I am bringing the person being evaluated to the appointment, do I need to stay the whole time?

No, if you and the person being evaluated are comfortable with you leaving while they are completing the evaluation, you do not need to stay in the office. We would ask that you provide with a means of contacting you so that you can be notified when the evaluation is near completion to return to the office.