Why We Choose a Private Pay Neuropsychology Model
One of the first questions we hear from people inquiring about a neuropsychological evaluation is whether using an in-network provider will be more affordable. While that’s a reasonable assumption, the reality is often more complicated.
At Minnesota Neuropsychology we believe it is important to provide a comprehensive evaluation for each client. Insurance companies set very specific requirements about which tests can be administered, which concerns qualify as “medically necessary,” and how much time can be spent on each portion of an evaluation. These restrictions can significantly limit the provider’s ability to be thorough and to address all of the questions clients are hoping to answer.
Many insurance plans also do not cover evaluations for ADHD or learning disabilities. Even when coverage is approved, important areas—such as academic skills, executive functioning, emotional regulation, or subtle diagnostic questions—may be excluded. With an in-network provider, clients may still incur out-of-pocket costs, while receiving a more limited evaluation.
In our private practice setting, we are able to take a different approach. Because we do not accept insurance or payments directly from insurance companies, we can:
- Spend the time needed to fully understand each individual’s history and concerns
- Evaluate the full range of cognitive, academic, emotional, and behavioral functioning when indicated
- Select the most appropriate, up-to-date assessment tools based on the individual, instead of being limited by insurance companies’ pre-approved measures and time allotments
- Maintain diagnostic independence, allowing conclusions to emerge from the data rather than from insurance requirements
- Evaluate gray-area or complex concerns, including overlapping, subtle, or evolving presentations that do not fit neatly into a single diagnosis
- Spend meaningful time in feedback sessions with clients for direct, interactive discussion with the neuropsychologist and space for questions
- Offer greater privacy and control over records, allowing families to decide when and how results are shared
- Provide recommendations that reflect real-world feasibility, considering the individual, family, school, and available resources
Our goal is not just to generate a report, but to provide clear answers, clinical insight, and practical guidance that individuals and families can truly use. For many clients, this level of depth, personalization, and collaboration ultimately provides greater value than a more restricted, insurance-driven evaluation.
We are always happy to talk through options and help families decide what approach best fits their needs.
Warmly,
The MNNP Team
