A-239 Cost of Neuropsychological Evaluation Comparable to Neuroimaging in the Eastern USA

Abstract Objective Anecdotal evidence indicates a belief among physicians that neuropsychological evaluation is more expensive than brain imaging procedures. Another concern is that neuropsychological evaluations are a limited resource to be utilized sparingly, likely due to insurance limits on the annual allowable units of neuropsychological evaluation. This study aimed to contextualize the cost of neuropsychological evaluation relative to common neuroimaging studies used in conditions seen by neuropsychologists. Data Selection Publically available fee schedules from 27 hospitals in the eastern U.S. were reviewed to identify standard costs of head CT, brain MRI, and 5- and 8-hour neuropsychological evaluations conducted with technicians. Data Synthesis Head CT averaged $2963 (range $282–$6007) and brain MRI averaged $4857 (range $834–$11,524). Five-hour evaluations using technicians averaged $2080 (range $698–$4165). Eight-hour evaluations using technicians averaged $3289 (range $1104–$6657). Conclusions Contrary to anecdotal concerns, neuropsychological evaluations do not appear more expensive than brain neuroimaging procedures in several eastern U.S. hospitals. Focused neuropsychological evaluations comparable to or less than head CT procedure cost. Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations are comparable to or less than MRI brain procedure cost. These preliminary findings may dispel the notion that neuropsychological evaluations are more costly than brain imaging. Additional research is needed in all regions of the U.S.