Why is a Neuropsychological evaluation required?
Head trauma, stroke, encephalitis, multiple sclerosis, other suspected acquired or developmental conditions, and medications used for treatment, may produce cognitive deficits that would make an airman unsafe to perform pilot duties.
Who may perform a Neuropsychological evaluation?
Neuropsychological evaluations should be conducted by a qualified Neuropsychologist with additional training in aviation-specific topics. I am Board Certified in Clinical Neuropsychology and I am aeromedically trained to perform neuropsychological evaluations to meet FAA requirements. I have been certified as a HIMS neuropsychological examiner by the FAA and trained in CogScreen AE. In addition to FAA work, I have been conducting aeromedical evaluations for the military for 17 years.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Use the contact for to send a request and ask to schedule an FAA evaluation. I will also need a copy of your notification letter from the FAA. The purpose of this step is to ensure that you are receiving the type of evaluation required by the FAA. This step will help you avoid paying for unnecessary services or omitting crucial information. I can provide a secure email address for records and forms submission.
Will I need to provide any of my medical records?
You should make records available to me at least 2 weeks prior to the evaluation, to include:
• Your certified FAA Medical File. You can obtain it by calling (405) 954-4821 and selecting option 4 then option 3. You can also request a copy of your agency records to be sent directly to me by submitting a Request for Airman Medical Records (FAA Form 8065-2).
• Your submission should include copies of all records regarding prior psychiatric/substance-related observations, diagnoses, or hospitalizations not previously submitted to the FAA.
• If there are any other medical or personal records that you feel will help me form an objective opinion of your case, I would appreciate them as well. I typically have availability within 30 days and aim to provide reports within 7-14 days days of the evaluation and receipt of all required documents. Records sent after the appointment will not be included if the report has already been submitted or they will delay the submission of the report. The FAA has been taking 6-8 weeks to send requested records, so providing them directly to me is typically much faster than making the FAA request.
What is included in the exam?
The FAA requires different types of exams depending on the condition in need of assessment. However, generally the following is included:
• A review of all available records, including academic records, records of prior psychiatric hospitalizations, and records of periods of observation or treatment (e.g., psychiatrist, psychologist, or pediatric neuropsychiatrist treatment notes). Records must be in sufficient detail to permit a clear evaluation of the nature and extent of any previous mental disorders.
• A thorough clinical interview to include a detailed history regarding: psychosocial or developmental problems; academic and employment performance; legal issues; substance use/abuse (including treatment and quality of recovery); aviation background and experience; medical conditions, and all medication use; and behavioral observations during the interview and testing.
• A mental status examination.
• Interpretation of a full battery of neuropsychological and psychological tests.
• An integrated summary of findings with an explicit diagnostic statement, and the neuropsychologist’s opinion and recommendation regarding aeromedically significant findings and the potential impact on aviation safety consistent with the Federal Aviation Regulations.
• Expect the exam to take between 4-8 hours.
Who will learn of the findings?
In most cases, no information regarding my findings will leave my office without your expressed, written consent. If the evaluation is ordered by an employer, insurance company, or other third party, I may be required to release some information if you proceed with the evaluation. At the time of the evaluation, I will request your permission to communicate my findings with the FAA, your aeromedical examiner (AME), and any third party paying for the evaluation, if applicable. Expect that any information released to the FAA is discoverable (meaning that it can be subpoenaed and obtained in the event of legal actions related to you).
Who decides whether you pass or fail this evaluation?
There is no particular score or finding that “passes” or “fails” you. There are many factors that go into the recommendation and this will be explained to you. Although I offer a recommendation, the FAA makes the final decision on whether Special Issuance for your medical certificate is granted. Once the report is completed and sent in to the FAA, they have reviewers who read the report and make the determination whether or not to issue the medical certificate. The purpose of the evaluation is to present a comprehensive picture of the cognitive and mental health of the pilot, so the FAA reviewer can make that determination based on all the evidence. I always communicate with your AME and FAA consultants as needed.
Fees
Fees are not covered by medical insurance and need to be paid by the applicant at the time of the exam. These vary depending on the type and length of evaluation required by the FAA. A fee agreement will be sent once the FAA letter is reviewed. If you do not have an FAA letter and are trying to get ahead of the process, please contact me to discuss next steps and potential limitations. Since I work full-time for the DoD, FAA exams are typically conducted on weekends in my Olympia office. I support Active Duty Service Members and Veterans and can assist with obstacles arising from VA Service Connected disabilities.