Testing FAQs

Who does it? All of our testing is administered by a licensed clinical psychologist, as well as all of our test scoring, interpretation and written reports. Two psychologists may work together as a team to administer an evaluation.

In the case of a child, both parents must attend the intake. Why? Evaluations are more accurate when the differing perspectives of both parents are represented.

What are the exclusion criteria? We do not evaluate Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Effects, or brain damage.

How do you bill insurance? We are preferred providers for MODA, Optum, Aetna, ASEA, EBMS, Meritain, Multiplan, Tricare, Triwest, UHC, and UMR, and we bill other insurance carriers as out-of-network providers.

Your out-of-pocket cost depends on whether you have met your insurance deductible and the size of your copay. If you prefer to pay cash, we will review your background and referral question and will provide a good faith estimate of cost.

We bill for:

  • time spent in face-to-face appointments,

  • record review,

  • collateral interviews,

  • test scoring, interpretation and integration into the report,

  • and one hour/two pages of final written report.

Written reports are typically 20-30 pages.

We bill between 20-40 units/evaluation. The CPT codes for these units are 96130 and 96131.

How does pre-authorization work? Some insurance companies require preauthorization for testing. Guarantors are responsible for contacting their insurance carrier and organizing a preauthorization from their primary care provider if necessary. This document must authorize the following CPT codes: 90791 x 1 unit, 96130 x 25 units, and 96131 x 15 units.

What’s the timeline?

  1. You review our FAQs then email your intent to proceed and to organize a preauthorization if needed.

  2. We receive your preauthorization, then schedule testing.

  3. You receive and respond to an email with background questions.

  4. You receive and respond to an invitation to join our patient portal, and you complete paperwork.

  5. Our front desk schedules an intake with you, to occur within one month with Dr. von Hippel or Dr. Mack.

  6. Our front desk works with you to schedule a block of testing dates, typically months in advance.

  7. Your psychologist will give you instructions about how to prepare for your testing block. For example, you will receive standardized behavior rating scales to complete electronically in advance.