Before the Assessment
Once the appointment with Dr. Berenguer has been scheduled, you will receive a confirmation letter, along with a general history form that is to be completed prior to the evaluation. Completion of this form will help shorten your evaluation time and provide an initial sense of the patient’s history and presenting concerns.
The Day of the Assessment
The length of the assessment varies by age. Adult & geriatric evaluations generally last around 4 hours, but they can vary slightly depending on the presenting concerns. Legal Evaluations typically take the majority of a day. A lunch break is typically taken for longer evaluations, and brief breaks are available as needed. Occasionally the evaluation can be completed across 2 days, but this is not typical.
Interviewing
Patients and family members will be interviewed prior to beginning testing for all evaluations to collect background information and obtain an understanding of the presenting concerns as it pertains to the evaluation.
Neuropsychological Testing
The main purpose of neuropsychological testing is to gain a good understanding of the person’s thinking abilities (e.g., concentration and memory) and to identify areas of cognitive strength and weakness to inform treatment. The patient will be asked to do a variety of tasks that vary by age, each designed to measure a different aspect of thinking. Some evaluations also include completing paper-and-pencil forms, and basic computerized tests.
Psychological Testing
The main purpose of psychological testing is to gain a good understanding of the patient’s current and prior emotional experiences, as well as general personality style. This type of evaluation process is similar to a neuropsychological evaluation but less time will be spent on cognitive testing and more time will be spent completing questionnaires.
Feedback Appointment
In clinical evaluations, a feedback appointment is scheduled with Dr. Berenguer once the evaluation has been completed, generally within 1 to 2 weeks. This is an opportunity to sit down and discuss the test results and answer any questions that arise after discussing the results and diagnoses when appropriate. Most importantly, a clear plan for improving the presenting concerns that includes what the patient and family can do at home, what accommodations are appropriate at work and/or school, and what other professionals/treatments need to be included in their holistic care. These appointments generally last 30 to 60 minutes depending on the complexity of the case. If a re-evaluation is recommended, an appropriate time frame for follow-up testing will also be discussed. Patients and/or family members will be provided with a formal evaluation report shortly after the feedback session, and the report will also be sent to the referral source. Additional copies can be requested to share with other providers as needed.
General Information
Coffee, hot tea, and water will be available at all times free of charge. If you would like additional snacks or beverages or plan to eat lunch on site, please bring these items with you.
Please encourage the patient to get a good night’s rest the night before the evaluation and to eat a healthy breakfast the morning of the appointment. Please have the patient take all of his/her medications as directed, including ADHD medications, unless otherwise instructed. If applicable, please bring reading glasses or hearing aids to the appointment.
Cancellation Policy
Because most of a day has been devoted for this evaluation, Dr. Berenguer appreciates as much notice as possible if you are unable to keep your appointment. In order to avoid a $75 cancellation fee for same-day cancellations and no-shows, please leave a message for your provider at (615) 784-8142 within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment.