What is a neuropsychological evaluation?

Neuropsychology is a branch of psychology that studies how a person’s cognition, emotion, and behavior are related to their brain. A neuropsychological evaluation is used to determine exactly what functions and abilities are affected. The results of the evaluation will assist in answering questions concerning returning to work or school, whether academic accommodations may be helpful, safe driving, independent living, and aid in treatment planning. The evaluation can also help track progress and/or change over time.

What conditions are commonly seen by Dr. Vinck?

• Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury

• Memory Problems and Dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease, vascular disease Parkinson’s disease, and others

• Stroke (cerebrovascular accidents)

• Brain tumors

• Work-related Problems

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Specific learning disabilities that affect reading, spelling, written expression, or math

• Psychological concerns, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder

• Other Neurological Conditions

Does Dr. Vinck take insurance?
Dr. Vinck currently does not accept insurance payments. As required by law, she will provide you with a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of the evaluation. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises

How do I initiate an evaluation?

When you call or email Dr. Vinck, she will describe her services, discuss your concerns, collect personal information, and schedule the first hour long virtual appointment. She will also send you paperwork to fill out, which will include history forms, consent for treatment, and consent to obtain information. She will also review cost and payment information.

How do I prepare for the evaluation?

• Prior to your evaluation, Dr. Vinck will ask you to consent to obtain your medical and psychiatric, and in some cases academic records to Dr. Vinck so that she can review them prior to your appointment. Often, Dr. Vinck will also ask for your permission to speak with family members regarding your functioning and abilities.

• It is important that you have a good night sleep and eat a well-balanced breakfast prior to your testing appointment.

• You are also recommended to pack a bag the night before with snacks, drinks, and any assistive devices that you may need, such as reading glasses or hearing aids.

What to expect during and after the neuropsychological assessment?

• Step 1 – Initial Neuropsychological Consultation: The first appointment is a virtual hour-long opportunity to share your clinical history and concerns.

• Step 2 – Neuropsychological and Psychological Testing: This appointment will be in person in our office and involves you working one on one with Dr. Vinck. Depending on the reasons you are being seen in person, a single half-day or a full-day testing session may be necessary. For longer testing batteries, you will be encouraged to take a lunch break and have the opportunity to take additional breaks throughout the day.
  During the testing, you will be asked to perform a variety of novel tasks that will assess your intellectual abilities, language skills, visual-spatial reasoning, learning and memory, processing speed, attention, and executive functioning. Some of the tasks are computer-based, some are IPad based, some require writing, and some involve listening or speaking. We will also conduct a thorough psychological evaluation to assess your emotional functioning.

• Step 3- Neuropsychological Results Feedback: The final appointment is a virtual feedback session in which Dr. Vinck will review your results and recommendations and you will have the opportunity to ask questions.
  
  

What is an FAA-mandated neuropsychological evaluation?
Aviation safety experts agree that appropriately 70% of general aviation (“GA”) accidents are rooted in aeronautical decision-making, which requires sound neurocognitive abilities, particularly with regard to executive functions.

In 2010, several of the top aerospace neurologists in the United States convened to review and refine FAA policies. They agreed that brain imaging and neurological examinations were not sufficient to detect a variety of aeromedically significant neurocognitive deficits. Therefore, the FAA now uses neuropsychological evaluations to identify or rule out aeromedically significant neurocognitive deficits.

A neuropsychological evaluation may be required by the FAA due to neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular accidents, cardiovascular conditions, encephalitis, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, HIV-seropositive, substance use, neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD, as well as a history of being prescribed SSRI medications that may produce neurocognitive deficits that would make an airman unsafe to perform pilot duties.

The evaluation will assess neurocognitive skillsets that are critical in flight safety and air traffic control, including but not limited to decision-making, mental flexibility, planning, concentration, perceptual-motor skills, memory, verbal comprehension, perceptual speed, reaction time, spatial perception, mental calculations, auditory perception, and impulse control.

These neuropsychological evaluations can only be conducted by qualified neuropsychologists with additional training in aviation-specific topics.

How much do these evaluations cost?

These evaluations are NOT covered by insurance. The cost of the evaluation depends on the protocol used and background historical information unique to each individual pilot.

What information is needed prior to the evaluation?

To start the process, it is helpful to provide Dr. Vinck with a copy of the letter you received from the FAA or your AME requesting the valuation. This will allow her to provide you with the most accurate information as testing is generally based on the diagnosis in question.

If after speaking with Dr. Vinck, you elect to proceed with the evaluation, you will be required to have your FAA records sent directly from the FAA to our office. This is a requirement of the FAA and the neuropsychologist must comment on whether the records were received and reviewed as part of the evaluation process. If you did not receive a record release form, you can find a copy of the Request of Airman Records (FAA Form 8065-2) (https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/medical_certification/media/MedicalRecordsRequestForm.pdf) here. The turnaround time for the FAA can be slow (currently about 6-8 weeks) so it's important to plan ahead.

Further, Dr. Vinck will ask you to provide copies of all records regarding prior psychiatric/substance-related hospitalizations, observations or treatment not previously submitted to the FAA. Some evaluations require records such as a driver’s history, academic records, letters of recommendation, etc. Dr. Vinck will work with you to identify what is needed as quickly as possible to avoid delays.

How do I prepare for the evaluation?
The best way to prepare for your evaluation is to get a good night’s sleep prior to the evaluation. If you are coming in from out of town, we suggest you spend the night in an area hotel.

You are also recommended to eat a healthy breakfast prior to coming in for your evaluation to ensure that you will be energized and able to focus.

If you had less than five hours of sleep or are feeling ill, please reschedule the evaluation. We want to capture you at your best.

What should I expect during and after testing?
Dr. Vinck will review all available records including academic records, records of prior psychiatric hospitalizations, and records of periods of observation or treatment (e.g., psychiatrist, psychologist, or pediatric neuropsychiatrist treatment notes). Records must be in sufficient detail to permit a clear evaluation of the nature and extent of any previous mental disorders.

Dr. Vinck will then conduct a thorough clinical interview to include a detailed history regarding: psychosocial or developmental problems; academic and employment performance; legal issues; substance use/abuse (including treatment and quality of recovery); aviation background and experience; medical conditions, and all medication use.
After the clinical interview, Dr. Vinck will administer a full battery of neuropsychological and psychological tests. The length of testing varies depending on the reason for the referral. Testing may be as brief as one hour or may last for 8-10 hours. For longer testing batteries, you will be encouraged to take a lunch break and have the opportunity to take additional breaks throughout the day. You are also welcome to split longer testing sessions across two days if you prefer.

In some circumstances, a urine drug screen will also be required.

Your scores on the test measures will be compared to others who are similar to you in terms of age and education and in some cases other pilots. The goal is to be as consistent and objective as possible in reviewing performance.
After the evaluation, your AME will receive an integrated summary of the clinical interview, behavioral observations, mental status examination, and neuropsychological and psychological findings with an explicit diagnostic statement, and Dr. Vinck's opinion(s) and recommendation(s) regarding clinically or aeromedically significant findings and the potential impact on aviation safety consistent with the Federal Aviation Regulations.

You may also request to receive a copy of the report and recommendations although some materials contain sensitive information that may only be released to your AME, the FAA, or another psychologist.

If Dr. Vinck is concerned about your performance, she may provide a feedback session in which she will review alternative options, such as completing additional testing, participating in cognitive rehabilitation, etc.

What is executive functioning coaching?

Executive function refers to a variety of skills, including maintenance of attention, working memory, planning, judgment, organization, sequencing, multi-tasking, self-monitoring, regulation of behavior and emotions, and complex problem-solving. Executive functioning coaching explores an individual’s cognitive and behavioral abilities and attempts to improve their executive functions by implementing interventions, goal setting, and reviewing progress. Executive functioning coaching can help you reach your full potential in college and at work. Dr. Vinck will work with you virtually one-on-one to improve skills such as organization, planning, prioritizing, self-monitoring, goal setting, and time management.

Who should consider executive functioning coaching?

A formal diagnosis is not required to receive coaching support from Dr. Vinck. While a previous neuropsychological evaluation would be helpful, it is not required nor included as part of the coaching services. Clients who may benefit from executive functioning services are adolescents and adults who:

• Are not achieving their full potential

• Find themselves overwhelmed by work and their personal life
  Want to become more successful and build confidence

• Need help establishing routines

• Have the desire to build on their life skills

• Would like to improve their organization, planning, and time management skills

Where can I learn more?

Please call or email Dr. Vinck to set up your free initial meeting to discuss the process and pricing, as well as collect basic information. If you want to proceed, Dr. Vinck will send you consents for treatment, history forms, and questionnaires to be completed for your second appointment. In the second appointment, Dr. Vinck will thoroughly review your history with you, collaboratively set up a treatment plan, and work on improving your techniques.

How long will it take for me to see results?

The executive functioning coaching process can be life-changing but it does take time. For many clients, it involves learning entirely different ways of functioning, and building new habits can take many months. Progress is dependent on one's motivation to change, the scope of their needs, and their level of self-awareness. For example, someone who is highly motivated but disorganized will take a shorter time to learn how to manage their new life. If someone is easily frustrated, has more difficulty with attention and contraction, and lacks motivation, then coaching will take more time.

How much does it cost?

• Insurance does not cover executive functioning coaching. The initial meeting is free.

• Pricing is as follows:

  • 1 Individual 50 minute session: $275

  • 4 50-minute sessions price: $255 each ($1020)

  • 12 50-minute sessions price: $245 each ($2940)

  • 24 50-minute sessions price: $225 each ($5400)