Specialized Testing
I'm Not Crazy! But My Doctor Says I Need Psychological Testing
Many patients come to us due to being referred for “psychological testing”.
This can sound confusing (and even a little scary) if you dont know what psychological testing is or how it is used.
Psychological testing is the process where a person is assessed for IQ, learning ability, personality, readiness for certain types of medical procedures, use of certain medications, or other specialized reasons. Psychological testing gives a picture of the “Whole Person” to your treating doctor so treatment can be tailored to your particular strengths and weaknesses.
It is important to know that psychological testing should be conducted by psychologists who are trained to interpret these specialized tests and also liasion with your doctor to develop the best treatment plan for you.
Presurgical Evaluations
- Neurostimulation / Spinal Cord Stimulation
- Intrathecal Pump Placement
- Spine Surgery
- Implants (cosmetic or medical)
- Transplants (Kidney, Liver, Spleen)
- Top & Bottom Surgery
Insurance companies often REQUIRE psychological testing prior to these procedures. This is partly due to the need for patients to understand the risks and benefits of surgery, and to know what the surgery will do, and what it doesn’t do.
Your doctor may also want to get recommendations for how to help contain any risk factors (like smoking, depressed moods, or other issues) so that they don’t interfere with your surgery outcome. Insurance companies also typically require that psychologists (PhD) perform this evaluation because psychologists are the most qualified to understand the factors that could impair or delay recovery from your procedure. We follow you BEFORE and AFTER surgery to make sure the procedure goes smoothly.
Opioid Risk Evaluations
Opioid Medications are one of the most abused substances in the US. Opioids are also the #1 cause of death in the US, and have been since 2011. As a result, prescribers of opioids have become more careful about who opioids are written for.
We conduct a psychological evaluation that helps your doctor determine your level of need for opioids, and any risk factors that may be present for misusing opioids. If you are referred for an opioid risk evaluation, it does NOT mean you are abusing your medicine or that you will! This evaluation actually helps your doctor and you work together to create the best treatment plan for your medication and your chronic illness.
Bariatric Evaluations
Bariatric surgeries are rapidly growing as a means for weight loss in people who have “tried everything”. Bariatric surgery includes Lap Band, Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve, and newer minimally invasive procedures.
People who desire weight loss surgery are often reluctant to talk to someone about all the methods they have tried to lose weight. Those with overweight have often had negative experiences with healthcare providers and may have felt judged or put down.
We are very sensitive to these issues, and strive to make the bariatric evaluation as pleasant as possible. We are the only practice in Mississippi using a health psychologist with over 15 years experience and specialized training in weight loss and weight gain.
In addition to pre-surgical evaluation, our staff are available to meet with you BEFORE and AFTER weight loss surgery to assist you in meeting your goals. We offer assistance in managing cravings, increasing activity safely, and staying on track with nutritional goals.
Medication |Neuropsychological | Learning Disability Evaluations
Your doctor may refer you for testing before you are given certain types of medication. This can include medication for ADD/ADHD, sleep, anxiety, or other medical conditions.
Your doctor wants to understand your problem at a deeper level and find out the best medicines to prescribe, how often, and how else your problem could also be helped.
Your doctor may also refer you for a learning disability or neuropsychological testing. This testing helps obtain a better understanding of how your brain works and analyzes information. Issues related to memory, learning, traumtic head injury, or personality changes can be uncovered via testing. Neuropsychological testing help to determine your strengths and weaknesses and can make recommendations about how to reduce the impact of any challenges or limitations you may have.
