Reducing Financial Barriers to Neuropsychological Testing With Patient Financing

For many patients, the biggest barrier to completing neuropsychological testing isn’t motivation; it’s the out-of-pocket bill. A 2026 Synchrony Market Insights survey found that over half (51%) of respondents who received mental and behavioral health services in the past year reported out-of-pocket costs, averaging $700 a year.¹ When patients are already absorbing ongoing expenses, a multi-hour assessment with a significant balance can translate into delays, drop-offs or incomplete follow-through, right when results are needed to guide care.

Behavioral health providers can help reduce this friction by setting clear financial expectations up front, streamlining the pre-visit payment workflow and offering financing options that help patients move forward with testing on a timeline that supports clinical decision-making and your practice’s revenue cycle.

Why Neuropsychological Testing Can Result in High Out-of-Pocket Costs

The cost to administer time-intensive neuropsychological testing varies based on clinical presentation and the scope of an assessment, but some evaluations can reach $6,000 or more. While insurance may reimburse patients for some or all of the costs, coverage is neither universal nor consistently sufficient.²

Patients may face high deductibles, coinsurance and pre-approvals

Health insurance plans, including Medicare Part B, require patients to meet their deductibles before neuropsychological testing is covered. Even when coverage kicks in, coinsurance may apply.³

Many health plans require preauthorization before any services are administered, and a failure to prove the tests are medically necessary may result in a claim denial.² In some cases, neuropsychological assessments require specialty providers who are outside a patient’s insurance network, resulting in higher cost-sharing or even no coverage.⁴

Wait times can be long, adding to the pressure on families

Waiting lists are common. With autism evaluations, for example, patients may wait a year or more.⁵ During this time, coverage can change — or a provider can move out of network — complicating reimbursement just as urgency for intervention increases.

Neuropsychological assessments can also be difficult to reschedule once offered. When insurance approvals lag, paying out of pocket may be the only way to keep a long-awaited evaluation on the calendar.

The Impact High Balances Have on Post-Testing Treatment

For patients who have completed neuropsychological tests, a high out-of-pocket balance can become the next barrier to care. Some families may feel obligated to pay down the balance before beginning the therapeutic interventions they’ve been waiting for. Synchrony’s Healthcare Journey Research Consumers and Providers report found that 53% of patients surveyed delay health or wellness care due to out-of-pocket costs.⁶

The obstacles high balances pose for patient well-being

Research has found that the more costs patients are responsible for, the lower their adherence to treatment plans.⁷ Beyond operational challenges such as no-shows, dropped appointments and reduced follow-through, high outstanding balances may also negatively affect patient well-being if they delay or prevent access to recommended interventions.

A Streamlined Financial Workflow Can Improve the Patient Experience

Human nature may lead some providers to postpone difficult financial conversations until the last possible moment. But building a front-end financial workflow that addresses costs before testing may improve the patient experience and help families plan for expenses.

While every mental and behavioral health practice may develop a process that fits its needs, a customer-centered financial workflow can look like:

Patient Financing Options to Help Patients Move Forward With Care

When insurance coverage is limited, flexible financing may help patients and their families proceed with neuropsychological assessments with fewer financial barriers. The CareCredit credit card is a patient financing solution that allows cardholders to pay for out-of-pocket health and wellness expenses over time, helping them get the care they want or need without delaying or foregoing recommended services.

How to talk to patients about financing options

Discussing cost can feel sensitive, but using patient-friendly language can help families understand their options and make a timely decision. When offering a financing solution like CareCredit, providers and their staff can use the examples below:

The Benefits of Empowering Patients to Move Forward With Testing

Reducing financial barriers through a streamlined workflow and expanded payment solutions may help families move forward with care sooner. When expectations around costs, insurance coverage and financing are discussed early, families may feel more prepared to pursue testing and any recommended next steps.

For providers, a more transparent financial experience may help reduce scheduling delays, appointment drop-offs and treatment interruptions. And when the financial experience is more seamless and less stressful for patients and their families, providers can keep the focus where it belongs: on timely testing and appropriate interventions.

A Patient Financing Solution for Health and Wellness Providers

If you are looking for a way to connect your patients with flexible financing that empowers them to pay for the care they want and need, consider offering the CareCredit credit card as a patient financing solution. CareCredit allows cardholders to pay for out-of-pocket health and wellness expenses over time while helping enhance the payments process for your practice or business.

When you accept CareCredit, patients can see if they prequalify with no impact to their credit score, and those who apply, if approved, can take advantage of special financing on qualifying purchases.* Additionally, your practice or business will be paid directly within two business days.

Learn more about the CareCredit credit card as a patient financing solution, or start the provider enrollment process by filling out this form.

Author Bio

Natalie Burg is a writer, editor and editorial project manager with 20 years of experience. She uses her expertise from a range of industries, including economic development, business, sustainability and more, to create content that educates and engages readers.

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