Independent Neuropsychological Evaluation

The Independent Neuropsychological Evaluation explores the process of conducting an independent neuropsychological evaluation (IME) for disability related claims. While neuropsychologists are well trained in the area of clinical assessment, little training, mentoring, or supervision applies these skills to the disability arena, and a lack of literature specific to this rapidly growing area of practice by which to develop expertise encroaches on these needs. Authors Howard J. Oakes, David W. Lovejoy, and Shane S. Bush provide information about how to prepare disability related assessments that are valid, useful, and appropriate. They explain the language and context of "disability," offer relevant ethical and professional considerations, and cover business aspects of IMEs as well as particular neuropsychological related issues. Although the subject matter covered in this book has relevance to neuropsychological IMEs conducted in the context of civil litigation, workers' compensation, fitness for duty, and state- or federally-sponsored disability programs, this book emphasizes IMEs conducted for private disability insurance companies. Practicing neuropsychologists and clinical psychologists who conduct, or are contemplating conducting, independent examinations, as well as providers in neurology and psychiatry who may struggle with some of the same disability-related issues and questions, will find this volume of great practical use.

Howard J. Oakes, PsyD, ABPP has been a neuropsychologist for 20 years with particular interest in the evaluation and treatment of individuals with acquired brain injuries. His clinical work involves neuropsychological evaluations, consultation, medic-legal assessment, disability review, WADA examinations as well as language mapping during intraoperative procedures.
David W. Lovejoy, PsyD, ABN is board certified in neuropsychology. He is a Senior Managing Partner at Northeast Neuropsychology and a neuropsychologist in Hartford Hospital's Neurosurgery Department and Neurosciences Institute. He serves as AVP and Director of Behavioral Health and Medical Specialties in MassMutual Financial Group's Disability and Longterm Care Claims Department.
Shane S. Bush, PhD, ABPP is Director of Long Island Neuropsychology, P.C., He is board certified in clinical neuropsychology, rehabilitation psychology, clinical psychology, and geropsychology. He is a fellow of the American Psychological Association and is a Past President and Fellow of the National Academy of Neuropsychology. He has published numerous books, journal special issues, articles, and book chapters, and he has presented at national and international conferences.

Preface
Chapter 1: Introduction
· Introduction
· Understanding the Context
· US Social Security Administration (SSA)
· Worker's Compensation
· Private Disability Insurance
· Independent Medical Examinations
· Conclusions
Chapter 2: Ethical and Professional Considerations
· Professional Competence
· Human Relations
· Privacy and Confidentiality
· Record Keeping and Fees
· Assessment
· Resolving Ethical Issues
· Conclusions
Chapter 3: Business Aspects of Performing IMEs
· Your Curriculum Vitae: Gateway to the Referral Source
· Identifying Referral Sources
· Fees and Contracts
· Understanding the Purpose of the referral
· The Referral Letter
· Review of Information from the referral source
· Consent Forms
· The Power of Rapport
· Conclusions
Chapter 4: Review of Records and other materials
· IME Letter
· Attending Physician Statement
· Claimant Forms/An Insured's Description of Their Functional Impairments, Restrictions, and Limitations
· Telephone Call Summaries
· Field Visit Reports
· Vocational Rehabilitation Reviews
· Previous IMEs
· Medical and/or Mental Health Records
· Internal Medical and/or Behavioral Health File Reviews
· Attending Physician Telephone Calls
· Social Media Searches and/or Video Surveillance
· Conclusions
Chapter 5: Considerations in Structuring the Independent Neuropsychological Evaluation
· Factors that may impact the evaluation structure
· Typical Referral Questions that inform the evaluation structure
· The Neuropsychological Interview
· Cognitive Assessment
· Psychological Assessment
· Changes to the evaluation frame/process
· Conclusions
Chapter 6: Assessment of Response, Symptom and Performance Validity
· Standard of Care
· Assessment of Response Validity
· Assessment of Symptom Validity
· Assessment of Performance Validity
· The Process
· Interpretation
· Conclusions
Chapter 7: Interpretation
· Pre-evaluation Psychometric Considerations
· Integration of Complex Information
· Conclusions
Chapter 8: Follow-up Issues
· Examinee Feedback
· Feedback to Examinee
· Sending Data to Consultants
· Examinee Contact
· Handling New Information and Revising Reports
· Completion of the Case
· Record Retention and Handling Subpoenas
· Handling Complaints
· Conclusions
Appendix A: Three Sample Fee Schedules for Independent Neuropsychological Evaluations
Appendix B: Sample Informed Consent Form
References
Index