| Physicians
Physicians often refer their pediatric and adult patients to us as a part of the comprehensive medical care they provide. The evaluation helps in differential diagnosis, which then guides the treatment plan in a focused and efficient manner.
We are always happy to consult with physicians or their representatives over the phone to discuss a particular patient’s presenting problems and whether evaluation may be appropriate.
Physicians may refer their patients who are experiencing memory loss, mental status changes, or other cognitive decline. The neuropsychological evaluation complements other tests the physician may order, including blood tests, a CT scan or MRI, EEG, vestibular testing, carotid Doppler ultrasound, MRA, or lumbar puncture.
For patients who have sustained a stroke or traumatic brain injury, or who have conditions such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, neuropsychological evaluation helps determine the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral effects of these conditions. This information is useful in answering questions regarding the ability to return to work, live independently, drive safely, and make medical/financial/legal decisions in a competent manner.
For patients experiencing both memory loss and depression, neuropsychological evaluation may be used in the differential diagnosis of dementia versus “pseudodementia” (i.e. cognitive effects of depression).
For patients experiencing depression or anxiety (including panic attacks), psychotropic medication in combination with cognitive behavioral psychotherapy is very effective in quickly improving a patient’s emotional functioning. The medication helps to elevate and/or stabilize mood, while psychotherapy helps identify and modify underlying inaccurate/maladaptive cognitions that are creating and maintaining emotional disruption. In most cases, short-term psychotherapy (three months or less) can result in significant relief.
For children or adolescents experiencing difficulties in learning, attention, development, behavior, or emotional functioning, evaluation assists physicians, parents, and educators to more fully understand the contributing factors. We then are able to discuss how best to address these factors toward improving the child’s functioning in key domains of their lives.
In cases where it is not clear whether a full evaluation is necessary, we may meet with the patient or family members for a consultation to review the individual’s history and presenting problems, and to make recommendations regarding the next step to take.
To make a referral, simply have your office call us with the patient’s presenting problem. We will ask your staff to fax over the patient’s contact information and will contact the patient regarding insurance benefits and to set up an appointment. Alternatively, you may call our office to set up the appointment and we will contact the patient afterward.
Once we contact the patient to set up their appointment, we will provide them with our location and directions if needed. We will discuss over the phone with them any concerns they may have regarding the reason for the referral and/or the process of the evaluation. We strive to help them feel comfortable regarding their visit with us.
We will send you a detailed and comprehensive report describing the results of the evaluation and our recommendations. We welcome your phone call to discuss the findings over the phone, if desired.
Please feel free to contact us if you need additional information, would like to discuss a case, or would like to schedule an appointment for a patient. We look forward to being a part of the comprehensive, high quality care you provide to your patients.
WE ARE COMMITTED TO HELPING INDIVIDUALS ACHIEVE THEIR ULTIMATE POTENTIAL AND ENHANCE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE
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Suite 110
McKinney, TX 75070
Telephone: 214-585-0584
Fax: 214-585-0586
E-mail:counsel@npconsult.net