Physician Capacity Evaluation

Why is this evaluation necessary?

Advancing age and certain medical and psychological conditions that have the potential to interfere with a physician’s ability to safely conduct the responsibilities of his or her position. Therefore, the physician or his/her employer may request a neuropsychological evaluation to further evaluate the potential for problems related to various medical or psychological issues.

What is a neuropsychological evaluation?

A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of your behavior, emotions, and thinking. It involves the administration of questionnaires and tests of memory, language, attention, problem-solving, thinking speed, visual perception, reaction time, and personality. Pertinent records are reviewed and a comprehensive interview about your medical, psychological, educational, legal, social, and family history will be obtained. All these data are combined to provide you and your employer with objective and comprehensive information about your strengths and weaknesses. Please review the following document for more information about the neuropsychological evaluation.

https://theaacn.org/adult-neuropsychology/

How long will the appointment take?

You should plan on spending an entire day during the evaluation. These are comprehensive evaluations and focus on memory, thinking and motor speed, attention, and executive functions (e.g., problem-solving, cognitive flexibility).

Will you tell me what you found?

In most cases, you will receive direct feedback regarding the results of your evaluation and empirically-based treatment recommendations if problems were identified. Occasionally, however, the evaluation is ordered by an employer, insurance company, or other third party. In this event, I may not be able to disclose the results of the evaluation. If this is the case, we will discuss the issues prior to administration of any part of the evaluation.

Why do I have to participate?

You can choose not to participate in this evaluation. However, you should realize that this decision could result in consequences to you, including loss of employment and revocation of medical certificate.

Who will learn of the findings?

In most cases, no information regarding my findings will leave my office without your expressed, written consent. If the evaluation is ordered by an employer, insurance company, or other third party, I may be required to release information if you proceed with the evaluation. At the time of the evaluation, I will request your permission to communicate my findings to your employer. Expect that information obtained from this evaluation could be discoverable (meaning that it can be subpoenaed and obtained in the event of legal actions related to you). Some clients request that I release my findings to their treating physicians or mental healthcare providers as well. I will be happy to do so with your written permission. 

How much does this cost?  

My fee is $250/hour. I accept Visa and Mastercard. Individuals paying with check or cash will receive a 3% discount. A full evaluation of this nature takes roughly two days to complete. This includes our direct face-to-face time as well as the time it takes to score, interpret, and report the results, review your medical records, and integrate them into the comprehensive report. Expect that the evaluation will take between 12-15 hours of total time.

Who pays for the evaluation?

In most cases, you pay for the evaluation. It is not appropriate for me, or any other provider, to accept health insurance to pay for these evaluations. The contracts of health insurance companies state that the benefit is to be used to support your health. In other words, insurance only pays if the evaluation is medically necessary. Occupational evaluations are never considered medically necessary. If the evaluation is ordered by an employer, insurance company, or other third party, this party is responsible for the fees.

When do I pay the fees?

I will collect $2000 at the time of service. The remainder will be collected when the evaluation is completed.  

How do I schedule an appointment?

Call (858)693-3113 to make an appointment. Ask to schedule an aeromedical evaluation. Fax a copy of your medical records, or any pertinent communication from your employer to (858)312-8460. 

What do I do to prepare for the evaluation?

First, try to get a good night’s sleep for a few nights before the scheduled evaluation. Second, if you are commuting to the evaluation, arrange your travel so that you do not have to drive a long distance the morning of the evaluation. Third, bring glasses, hearing aids, and snacks for the evaluation. We will take a lunch break so you can opt to bring your own lunch or eat out. Fourth, call and talk to me about the evaluation with your questions and concerns. I recognize that this is a stressful process. My office will do everything in our power to make it less so. Finally, complete the forms that will be sent to you after you schedule and bring them to the appointment.

Who makes the final determination about my employment status?

You and your employer will make that determination based on the findings of the evaluation that I conduct and the limitations/risks that I identify.