Clinical Neuropsychological Services

Clinical services are appropriate for patients who have a brain-related problem of some kind or another. We assess and treat acute patients who have recently developed brain-related problems, as well as chronic patients who have been suffering from brain dysfunction for many years. Treatment is provided for inpatients as well outpatients.

Appointments

Referrals

Patients do not have to be referred by a doctor, although it is usually preferable.  The practice may be approached directly.

Age Range

We deal with children and adults.  The youngest patients we can usefully see are approximately 3 or 4 years of age. Any child older than 4 years of age can be meaningfully evaluated. There is no upper age limit and we will, for example, examine patients in their nineties with suspected Alzheimer’s disease.

The hospital has a paediatric ward and wards for adults.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatients are accommodated in the wards at the Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital.   Typically such patients receive therapy from all members of the rehabilitation team: neuropsychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.  We are an integral part of the team at the hospital and participate in ward meetings, family feedback sessions and the like.  Treatment is structured to meet the needs and capabilities of the individual patient.

Outpatient Treatment

Please bring all relevant information to the the first consultation. That includes brain scans, medical reports, a list of medication the patient is using and any other information that is pertinent.  It is usually preferable for the patient to be accompanied by someone who knows him/her well, such as a parent or spouse.  At the first consultation a detailed history will be taken. This consultation usually lasts for approximately one hour.

Thereafter it is usually necessary to do comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation.  This means that the patient is subjected to a battery of different tests of brain function. The tests cover functions such as coordination, concentration, memory, reasoning and the like and usually take two to three hours to complete.  Testing can be done in one protracted session or split over a few days.  The precise tests that are required differ from patient to patient.

Once patient’s neuropsychological status has been determined a treatment programme may then be instituted. Treatment programmes are tailored to the specific needs of the individual patient.

Fees

We charge very reasonable fees for standard clinical services. Our standard rates are pegged to the National Health  Reference Price List (NHRPL). This is essentially the recommended tariff structure. Most medical aid societies will reimburse 100% of fees charged at NHRPL rates.

Fees are payable upfront and immediately after the consultation is complete, just like any other business.  We are a neuropsychology practice, not a banking credit facility.  You will be provided with a statement that you may submit to your medical aid society.  The statement of account will include all relevant information demanded by medical aid societies, including ICD-10 codes, a formal diagnosis, treatment codes and the like.

The only exception to the rule for immediate payment is that inpatients are not required to pay after every consultation.  In a nutshell, you pay us for the services we have provided and then you hassle afterwards with your medical aid society! Fees for neuropsychological services are independent of ward fees and other expenses at the hospital. We, like other professionals based there, are a private practice