What is testing like? Will I be required to move and stand a lot?
Testing is experienced differently by different people. Some tasks will be easy for you, while others may be more difficult and challenging. You may be asked to solve problems, read words, complete puzzles, align blocks, learn lists, and draw pictures and other images. Testing is generally not stressful for the majority of people. However, the time commitment required and the continuous nature of assessment can be frustrating and fatiguing for some individuals. It is important to remember that your primary goal as a patient is to provide your best effort. Breaks can be taken during testing as needed.
How long will my testing appointment be? Do I need to take a full day off of work/school?
Testing appointments vary in duration based on a patient’s performance and particular testing needs. Because of this, it is difficult to determine exactly how long a person’s appointment may take. That being said, the majority of appointments start at 9:00am and end around 2:30 to 3:00pm. A 1 to 1.5-hour lunch break typically starting at 11:30am is typically scheduled as part of this time. We generally recommend that patients set aside a full day for their testing. This helps to eliminate potential distractions and anxiety about finishing “on time”.
How much will my insurance pay for?
What an insurance company will reimburse with regard to neuropsychological testing can vary significantly from company to company and plan to plan. We may be able to provide some limited information in terms of what an insurance company might authorize, though we strongly recommend that each patient contact their insurance company directly, before the testing date, to ascertain what level of coverage they have for Neuropsychological Testing.
I can’t come in at 9am. Are there other times that I can schedule my testing during the day?
In some instances, there is flexibility in terms of when we can start a testing. However, due to pre-existing schedules, it is often difficult, or unfeasible, to start testing too late in the morning. Generally, we can allow around 30 minutes of leeway (e.g., starting testing at 9:30am instead of 9:00am). If you have specific questions about scheduling, please communicate these with our office immediately following your intake.
Can you refill or prescribe my medications?
Dr. Zimostrad is a fully licensed psychologist. We do not prescribe medications. Prescription privileges in the state of Michigan are restricted to medical doctors and physician’s assistants. That being said, we work closely with a number of medical personnel and other medical providers in the mid Michigan tri-city area, and can make appropriate referrals as needed.
Do I (the parent/guardian) have to stay when I bring my child in for an evaluation?
Typically, No. Parents and guardians are not usually needed for the duration of the testing appointment, though you may be asked to complete forms and or questionnaires on that day. Parents and guardians are free to leave during the appointment and come back for the lunch break and at the end of the testing period. We are usually able to provide a rough estimation of how much time will be required after the lunch break.
My physician will not prescribe me the medication that I feel is necessary. Can you tell
We cannot dictate what your physician can and cannot prescribe to you. We are not medical doctors and specific concerns about medications should be directed to your primary care physician.
Can I complete the testing over more than 1 day?
We make all efforts possible to accommodate the schedules and needs of our patients. If you have certain needs or have certain scheduling preferences, please feel free to discuss them with us following your initial intake meeting. We may be able to accommodate multi day testing’ depending on our current schedule and patient load.