ABSTRACT
The primary aim of this chapter is to provide an understanding of the indications, components, and expectations of neuropsychological testing. The neuropsychological examination provides the clinician with an additional method for diagnosing neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and acquired disorders of brain function. It should be considered a valuable addition to the overall neurodiagnostic assessment that includes other techniques such as the neurological examination and appropriate laboratory tests. The goal of the neuropsychological examination is to assess the clinical relationship between the central nervous system and a behavioral dysfunction. The Social Security Administration defines neuropsychological testing as the administration of standardized tests that are reliable and valid with respect to assessing impairment in brain functioning. Procedurally, neuropsychological services are designated as medicine, diagnostic by the federal Health Care and Financing Administration (HCFA), and are subsumed under Central Nervous System Assessments in the CPT 2002 Code Book, with corresponding ICD diagnoses. The American Academy of Neurology has rated neuropsychological assessment as Established with Class II evidence, and a Type A recommendation. In contrast to a clinical psychological evaluation, the neuropsychological assessment is not a primary mental health= psychiatric service and does not use corresponding DSM IV diagnostic codes.
