How do I get a neuro-phych assessment done?
 

How do I get a neuro-phych assessment in Canada? Do they really cost thousands of dollars? It has been a year since my injury and I am tired of waiting!

I go to the brain clinic at St. Mikes, a neurosurgeon who specializes in concussions, acupuncture, a chiropractor and my regular GP. I am waiting to see a neuro-opthamologist at the end of the year. I have been assessed by an OT.

Why has no one recommended this yet?

Yes, they do cost thousands. There is a progression of diagnostics and treatments. Canada health care is likely slower at moving you through the progression.

If there is not a system for using an NPA to direct treatment, then its only use is to quantify your function. They are more common in litigation cases.

I'm in Ottawa and had my neuro psych assessment done about 14 months after my injury.

My physiatrist (rehab doc) at the rehab center here arranged for one through the inpatient program even though I'm an outpatient. I was very lucky as that almost never happens. That meant mine was covered through ohip. Normally, yes they do cost around $4000, at least that was what I was quoted.

Ask your docs at the brain clinic about it. They will probably be happy to refer you. If you have extended health plan benefits through work or your husbands work you may be able to claim at least part of the expense that way.

Make sure you go to someone well respected in the area. I know there are a couple in my area that my rehab doc warned me not to see when I was originally going to do it outside the rehab center. He said they primarily do the assessments for the car insurance companies and aren't necessarily great for people looking for actual information. For people looking for lawsuit paperwork they are fine.

Good luck.
Starr

It seems that Canadian health care moves at a snails pace, because I didn't go to the hospital after I was hit I feel like I have no care. Everything I have has been through my own work/research. I thought my lawyer said that they were going to do it. All brain injury services people I speak to tell me that I should have it done. I guess I will wait and see.

Thanks! Unfortunately we don't have benefits. :(

Please keep me posted. I am a Canadian too and have been seeing a Psychologist since Nov '13. I have been curious about a neuro-psychologist too. I will ask him about it at my next appointment. Thanks.

I'm Canadian, too.

The neuropsych test was absolutely the best thing I did after my TBI. Among other things, it helped target my cognitive therapy.

As I was litigating, I did choose to expedite the process by paying privately. However, my province would have covered it. The wait times are long, so TELL your GP you want a referral now. Just don't take no for an answer.

ugh, so the assessment sponsored by the insurance company will likely have little value in directing my treatment plans.

Is the concussion clinic helpful?

At what point after your accident were you guys required by the car insurance company to do the assessment? does this even matter?

Will, if you're litigating, you need to build your OWN medical dossier.

The insurance company clinicians will ALWAYS deny/downplay your issues. For every exam they order, you need a countering one.

Sadly, that usually means paying privately. The ones covered by your province's health plan will be conducted by doctors who almost certainly do private IMAs for the insurance industry - and will not bite the hand that feeds them. Easy money, coupled with laws that absolve doctors of liability for opinions- even those shown to be unsupported by evidence - have corrupted the system to the core.

Sometimes it can be helpful to get out ahead of them. I had my neuropsych done BEFORE they tried to send me to one of their quacks. I didn't use a clinician the other side could brand a victim's shrill. (Yes, they should choke on the irony.) I went to a prominent specialist with an unassailable reputation for objectivity. In the end, they didn't have the stones to challenge seriously her findings.

I agree with Hockey. My lawyer wanted the neuropsych test done and I picked someone who had great credentials.

Of all the therapy and testing I went through - the neuropsych testing was by far the most useful - for the litigation as well as finally getting an accurate picture of my issues. Money well spent.