Wondering what an evaluation typically looks like? Is it different for kids and adults? Find answers to some of the most common questions we get here at NCAC.
Testing for adults looks similar to testing for children, but there are some differences. Read more here, or feel free to reach out.
Testing will involve a variety of activities depending on the evaluation focus, which may include:
The goal of testing is to identify both strengths and challenges, gaining insight into how your brain processes information to better address areas of concern
To help you choose the best path for your psychological evaluation, here is a clear breakdown of the two main options:
Using Insurance: When you use insurance, the evaluation is focused on determining a “medically necessary” diagnosis. This means the scope of testing is limited by the time and services your insurance plan will authorize. It is a good option for answering a specific diagnostic question, but it requires us to share your diagnostic information with your insurance provider.
Private Pay: Choosing a private pay option allows for a much more comprehensive and holistic evaluation. We are not limited by insurance constraints and can take a “deeper dive” into a broad range of concerns, from cognitive skills to emotional patterns. This option offers complete privacy, as no information is shared with insurance companies.
Important Note on Educational Testing: Please be aware that testing for academic or learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia) is never covered by insurance. This type of assessment is considered educational, not medical. If this is an important area for you to explore, we can add it to your evaluation for an additional fee.
Our priority is to offer excellent, tailored services. Due to surging prices to conduct neuropsychological and psychological testing, we are unable to accept other insurances because of extremely low reimbursement rates. With the aim of continuing to provide comprehensive assessments, we offer clients the option of self-pay.
We currently accept the following insurance:
Most insurances limit coverage to minimal testing hours. If the assessment you seek will take longer than what is covered by your insurance, you may choose to pay for extra hours of testing; insurances do not cover the cost of learning disorder (academic) testing
Clients are strongly urged to contact their insurer to verify testing benefits
Every patient’s situation is unique. In fact, no two patients will receive the same testing battery. All of our services are customized to meet your needs. The cost of the complete assessment process will typically range from $2,200 to $2,800. If you have questions about pricing and fees, please don’t hesitate to ask one of our knowledgeable team members.
The psychologist spends most of the time on an evaluation when the client/guardians are not present. Understanding the background, scoring, interpretation, report writing, and recommendations takes a great amount of time. This may be the bulk of the time billed. We know it is hard to wait for the report, but we appreciate your willingness to understand that this process takes a while and includes a clinical review and editing.
A deposit of $200 is required to secure an appointment and will be collected when paperwork is started. If your portion of the cost is less, the deposit will be refunded to you once insurance claims are fully processed.
We stay busy at Northern Colorado Assessment Center, so it’s important to our team and patients that you let us know as soon as possible when you won’t be able to make an appointment. We ask that patients give us at least 72 business hours notice prior to your appointment time. This allows us to offer your scheduled treatment time to patients who may be waiting for an appointment. If you do fail to arrive for your scheduled appointment or cancel with 72 business hours before your treatment time, we will keep your deposit.
Academic Testing Fees: Testing for dyslexia and other common learning differences are not covered by most insurance plans. Any testing for these disorders will be billed to the client at a rate of $500. This will not be included on any superbill.
Assessment with Dr. Sanders: Our administrator books clients based on psychologist availability with mindfulness of best fit; however, if a client specifically requests to work with Dr. Sanders, a surcharge of $500 will be charged due to her role in running the practice and limited assessment hours. This fee cannot be charged to insurance.
Expedited Report Fees: Report-writing is the most time-consuming piece of the evaluation process. Northern Colorado Assessment Center staff spend large blocks of uninterrupted time reviewing data, writing a report, and in peer review and collaboration. The final report is generally available 15-30 business days after all data is collected/provided; however, expedited reports are available for a fee. This fee cannot be charged to insurance.
Our consulting services are billed on an hourly basis since we don’t often know in advance how much time will be invested. These services are typically billed at $200 an hour, and we can discuss possible billing when you contact us to inquire about consultation services.
Legal consultation, report writing, correspondence, and telephone contact for legal action are billed at $400 per hour for all clinicians in 15-minute increments. Payment in full is requested prior to releasing the prepared letters and reports in legal matters. A deposit of 2 hours of work (i..e, $800) is due prior to commencement of services with any refund or additional payment due at the completion of services.
If called to testify in court, the fee for this service is $400 per hour with a 4-hour minimum ($1,500 retainer due at time of subpoena) within a 40-mile radius and an 8-hour minimum for travel beyond a 40-mile radius with travel time billed at the same rate. Preparation will also be billed at this rate. Mileage charges will be added at the standard IRS rate. Overnight lodging, if necessary, will be billed as well. All time for court preparation, including conversations with attorneys, research, and report preparation is billed at the same $400 per hour rate.
We understand that recent news coverage around government tracking of autism diagnoses may be concerning. Please know that your privacy is our top priority. Under HIPAA, your health information – including any diagnoses – is fully protected. There have been no changes to privacy laws, and we are not required to report autism or any other diagnoses to the government. We will continue to safeguard your personal information with the highest standards of confidentiality and care.
If any changes to the law occur, we will immediately communicate with our clients and advocate on your behalf. In the meantime, your trust and privacy remain secure with us.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us directly. We are here for you.
