Assessment
Compassion, Commitment, Responsibility and Respect
Neuropsychology Assessments
Neurotree provides a neuropsychological assessment and formal reports for a range of neurodevelopmental difficulties or diagnosed disorders, management and medico-legal requirements.
A neuropsychological assessment is a test or evaluation of how well your brain is functioning across a range of different cognitive areas. We use the most up to date, reliable and valid test tools, questionnaires and observation to measure a range of abilities such as learning and memory, attention and concentration, executive functions, visual perception ability, IQ and academic skills.
Neurotree Services
Approach to Neuropsychological Assessments
When the assessment is needed
Neuropsychology assessments are often carried out when there may be signs or problems with a person’s thinking and behaviour, including remembering, learning, problem-solving and decision-making, which may be linked to an underlying neurological or psychological conditions.
Assessments may be requested for medico-legal reasons to assess cognitive impairments related to acquired brain injury, intellectual disability, psychiatric or any other medical condition that may impact an individual’s cognitive function.
Capacity assessment may be requested to investigate whether an individual’s cognitive impairment impacts their ability to make informed decisions about a range of significant life issues. These include assessment of capacity to appoint an Enduring Power of Attorney, to make or change a will, or to make financial, medical and/or lifestyle decisions.
Other common referrals include diagnostic clarification, assessment of learning difficulty, intelligence testing and characterising strengths and weaknesses.
Purpose
Focus
What is included in the Assessment
Our assessments are a detailed and comprehensive process that will involve assessment of a range of cognitive domains including Information Processing Speed, Learning and Memory, Attention and Concentration, Working Memory, Language, Visual skills and Executive Function (i.e. planning, flexibility, decision-making).
Diagnostic assessments also incorporate a range of neurodevelopmental conditions including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and psychological conditions.
How the assessment is conducted
Our assessment process is tailored according to clients’ presenting concerns, age and/or developmental level, and specific questions from their referrers including medical professionals, allied health clinicians, teachers, parents, legal practitioners and other members of the community. Clients can also self-refer.
Appointments are typically scheduled in a single one-on-one session that lasts for approximately 3 hours. The session begins with an interview about a client’s presenting problems, medical history and personal past history. Following the interview, we will administer a series of standardised verbal and pen-and paper tasks to measure a range of important cognitive skills.
With clients’ permission, we may have a family member or close friend attend the session to gain more insight into how their cognitive impairments may be affecting their daily life. We may also consult clients’ health professionals or request their medical records for further relevant information with your signed consent. Occasionally, extended assessment may be required depending on the aim of the assessment.
Clients are requested to bring their reading glasses and hearing aids to the assessment, as well as any previous neuropsychological reports and brain scans, e.g. MRI, CT, if available.
Process
Progress
What can be expected after the assessment
Following the assessment, we compile all the data and prepare a comprehensive written report. This takes 5-10 hours (depending on complexity) and the report is usually ready to be released within 2 weeks of the appointment date.
In a one-hour feedback session, upon client’s request, we can explain the assessment results and recommendations. Written feedback of the results can be also provided to clients, upon request.
Assessments enable us to recommend and provide treatment and rehabilitation strategies or plans tailored to the needs of clients.
Fees & Rebates
Profesionalism, Authenticity and Transparency
Comprehensive & Standard Assessment
A neuropsychological assessment is a detailed and complex process. A typical assessment can take 3-4 hours face-to-face contact and includes a clinical interview and a range of individually administered tests. We charge for the standard assessment at the hourly rate. i.e. $250.
The assessment is followed by preparation of a comprehensive and detailed neuropsychological report, which typically takes 5-10 hours.
Additional Assessment
Upon clients’ request, we provide a one-hour feedback session to explain to clients in detail assessment results, findings and recommendations. We charge $180 for the session.
For medico-legal reports and extended reports, the fee is $1500 (minimum).
For intelligence testing, we charge $700 for a standardised test and a brief report.
Clinical file review and photocopying of file records for subpoena or other purposes will be charged as per APS Schedule of Fees.
Cancellation Policy
Occasionally there are good reasons for cancellations, however, unlike brief medical appointments, it is nearly impossible to fill a 2 -3 hour session at short notice. In addition, we dedicate significant time and care in planning and preparation for our assessments and there are substantial overhead costs associated with providing you with these services.
As such, all appointments cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice will incur a fee that is half the rate of the scheduled fee.
100% of the scheduled fee will be charged in situation where there is a failure to attend the appointment without notice.
We hope clients find this to be a fair and reasonable policy, in order to allow the clinic to run smoothly, while providing the opportunity for all clients to have access to their preferred appointment times. We thank clients in advance for their understanding and cooperation.
Medicare
Medicare rebates may be available for some assessments with an appropriate referral from a GP, Paediatrician or Psychiatrist.
If a diagnostic assessment is being undertaken as part of the Medicare ‘Helping Children with Autism’ items, Medicare provides a partial rebate ($84.80) for one session to complete the assessment
Eligibility for Medicare rebates for assessment will depend on clients’ medical history and the referral question. Clients need to speak to referrer about their eligibility for a Medicare rebate and the rate available.
Transport Accident Commission (TAC)
We are registered provider for Transport Accident Commissions (TAC) and offer assessments to clients who have a TAC claim number and require neuropsychological services as a result of a transport accident injury. The services may be fully funded by TAC. Clients can make a referral for him/herself or by a GP.
Private Health
Private health insurance rebates available in certain situation, depending on your level of cover, for Australian Unity, HBA, Medibank Private, MBF, and most other health funds.
It is not possible to claim health insurance rebates and Medicare rebates for the same consultation. Clients need to check with their private health provider to determine the possible rebate rate available.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Some NDIS participants may be able to access funding for neuropsychological assessments
Self-managed NDIS participants can contact us directly to organise and schedule assessment services.
For plan-managed NDIS participants, their planner can typically confirm whether funds have been allocated for these purposes and seek approval to access our services under the participants’ plan.
Address List
PO Box 000, Camberwell South,
VIC 3124, Australia
(+61) 410 610 355
info@neurotree.com.au
Compassion Commitment Responsibility and Respect
Neurotree acknowledges Aboriginal people as the traditional owners of the land in each of the communities where we work and pays respect to their Elders’ past and present.