Neuropsychology

Assessment typically involves a clinical interview with patient and family members and formal cognitive testing. Individual assessment is geared to answer specific referral questions posed by the referral source. Testing may include measures of:  

• Intellectual functioning
• Memory
• Language
• Visuospatial abilities
• Motor skills
• Executive functioning (attention, speed of processing, planning/organization)
• Academic achievement
• Emotional/affective functioning

Neuropsychological assessment can provide useful information in a number of ways. It may be used to:

• Identify mild or subtle cognitive deficits often critical to early diagnosis/treatment
• Help to diagnose neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's Dementia
• Establish a cognitive baseline to assist in later diagnostic assessments
• Identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses to help with discussions of disease/injury recovery and course
• Assist in decision-making regarding return to school, work, driving, sports, independent living, etc.
• Educate patients and family regarding cognitive issues, recovery time frame and course, and development of compensatory and coping strategies

If you think you would benefit from a neuropsychological evaluation, speak first with your physician and ask that they write a prescription for the service (helps to assure insurance will consider it a covered benefit). Your physician can send in referral information (see Referrals below) or you can call us directly at 919-350-7878 for more information.

If you think your client or patient would benefit from a neuropsychological evaluation, please complete the Neuropsychology Referral Form and fax it, along with pertinent medical records, to 919-350-7130. We will then contact your patient directly to schedule the appointment, and will provide you with a copy of the evaluation upon completion. If you have questions, call the Neuropsychology Referral Line at 919-350-7878.

Ms. Kia Rutledge joined WakeMed Neuropsychology in 2022. Ms. Rutledge coordinates outpatient services for the department and can answer questions related to referrals and scheduling.