1. What is clinical neuropsychology?
Clinical neuropsychology is a health care specialty that focuses on evaluating cognitive and behavioral changes related to medical illness and neuropsychiatric disorders.
2. What services do you offer?
Chesapeake Neuropsychology offers comprehensive adult neuropsychological assessment, meaning that we specialize in evaluating and documenting cognitive and behavioral functioning relating to many different conditions (see below).
3. What kind of conditions can you help with?
Physicians and other care providers often request our services to help guide treatment and diagnose, rule out, or characterize the effects of numerous conditions including, but not limited to:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Brain trauma & head injury
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cognitive changes after surgery
- Congenital/developmental syndromes
- Dementia
- Diabetes
- Effects of toxins/substance use
- Encephalitis
- Language changes
- Memory disorders
- Mild cognitive impairment
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Seizure disorder
- Stroke & cerebrovascular diseases
4. Do you prescribe medications or offer psychotherapy?
We do not prescribe medications. We do not offer psychotherapy (or “talk therapy”), but we always consider whether psychotherapy may be appropriate for our patients and often make recommendations accordingly.
5. What ages do you see?
We see ages 18 and older.
6. How long does an evaluation last?
Neuropsychological evaluations are generally half-day or full-day appointments, with a 1-hour break for lunch. Each person and their situation are unique, so assessments are tailored to each individual. Your test session will be designed specifically to answer your questions and your doctor’s questions.
7. I don’t like taking tests. I am nervous about this appointment. What exactly happens during a neuropsychological evaluation?
You will first meet with Dr. Wendell, who will gather information during a clinical interview, which will be followed by testing with our psychometrist Robin Sprague, MS, who has specialized training in administration of neuropsychological tests.
The tests are paper-and-pencil and computerized measures of many aspects of thinking skills and functioning, which could include:
- Attention & effort
- Learning & memory
- Language
- Visual-spatial functions
- Executive functions, such as problem-solving and mental flexibility
- Fine motor skills
- Emotional functioning
Some patients find certain tests boring or “school-like,” but most people find the entire testing session to be a fun and interesting way to spend their time.
8. How do I prepare for the appointment?
There is no special preparation or “studying” necessary. All we ask is that you:
1. Get a good night’s sleep
2. Eat breakfast
3. Take medications as usual
4. Give yourself plenty of time for travel in the morning
5. Bring paperwork, a trusted family member or friend (if desired), insurance card(s), photo ID, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and any medical records you would like us to review.
9. What will happen after the evaluation? When will I receive the results?
Your results will be available approximately 2-3 weeks after your evaluation. You will be given the choice whether to receive your results from your referring doctor or from Dr. Wendell directly during a feedback appointment.
10. What is the cost?
Costs vary depending upon your insurance policy, referral questions, and the length of the evaluation. We are considered in-network with select insurance carriers. We are also happy to provide the paperwork necessary for you to submit to your out-of-network carrier for reimbursement of evaluation costs. Please see our Payment tab for more details.
11. Where are you located?
Address: 645 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Suite 220, Severna Park, MD 21146
Chesapeake Neuropsychology is located in Anne Arundel County and serves patients from many surrounding cities and counties as well, including Annapolis, Baltimore, Washington DC, Calvert County, St. Mary’s County, Charles County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, Baltimore County, and the Eastern Shore. Please click here for directions.
