What questions to ask a neuropsychologist evaluation doctor

[HopeRemains]

I'm waiting on a call back from the neuro clinic. I'm not 100% sure on what to ask, but I know a lot of you ladies have been through it. Is there anything important that I should know? I'm also going to need a referal from a PhD, and last time we approached the family practitioner about it, we were refered only to their behavioral specialist. We may even have to find a different doctor altogether (probably a new psychiatrist because she's not doing much and doesn't seem like she's willing to).

 

[Bunny]

I woudl explain exactly what brought you to make the call to them. What behaviors are you dealing with? What is happening in your home? Are you seeing these behaviors in other areas, like school or when they play with friends? How do they do in school? A good neuropsyche will know what to ask you. In terms of what to ask them, I would ask why type of testing he or shee feels is necessary? How long will the testing be. How many hours over how many days? Do they need information from your child's teacher or from anyone else?

 

[HopeRemains]

Hello Bunny, thanks! What they should ask us is also really relevant, as I've been very concerned when docs didn't ask the right questions before. Or when they didn't ask many questions at all and focused on something entirely trivial.

 

[buddy]

I have never had to do anything but just call for an evaluation and I am so grateful for that. but in terms of choosing the right one (assuming you have much choice) i wouldn't waste my time on someone who has not worked with kids similar to yours. Like any profession they are trained generally and are qualified to do it, but do they REALLY get it if they have not worked in a certain area much, no of course not. Everyone specializes and takes more interest in one area or another. There are people who understand the issues that could impact kids and know how to word things to get better services for them.

I too would ask what they plan to do in terms of testing, not that you have to understand each test but to see if they are just a quick evaluation like you have already experienced or a true overall comprehensive evaluation. I think it is really smart to find out what they want to know. I love that you thought of it that way. What is important to you is exactly what should be important to them (not that they wont have questions beyond that, of course we hope they see even things we wouldn't think of).

I hope you find someone who does a good job and can give you some insight to what is going on as well as some guidance for where to go next.

 

[HopeRemains]

Hi buddy. Thanks for advice! I called one "neuropsychologist" yesterday, who said that she did a lengthy (3 hour) evaluation, but not the MRI. She was so pleasant and informative, but it turns out that our insurance doesn't cover her type of evaluations. She refered me to another person who is covered and I'm waiting back on a call from them. I think, though, that I may call her back to see how much it is if we just paid outright for the service. Never hurts to know.

 

[buddy]

any MRI we ever had done was a separate issue though the results could be sent then to the neuropsychologist

 

[HopeRemains]

I just got the call back. This lady was also very very helpful and understanding. She is the first professional who, when I explained behaviors, seemed to take them seriously and told me there were resources out there for us, mentioned inpatient options if it ever comes down to it and day programs. All of the things I've read you ladies have experience with. She's the first one who didn't just shrug it off. I'm feeling hopeful again for the first time in a long time.

She also told me that MRI's are available when the doctor refers it. Our psychiatrist now never entertained the thought.

 

[buddy]

Awesome work! yes a little validation goes a long long way, right? I'm super impressed how you pressed on even though the doctor didn't think of it. They very often do think they are right, sigh.....wish more of them would look out side the box. You know, if it was me, I'd say thanks for doing the background research, yeah lets pursue this and leave no stone unturned. But insurance companies, money and pride rule those decisions often.

Hope this woman can really help you pull things together. Really happy for you!