Frequently Asked Questions

ImPACT TEST: Interpretation

• What is the new Cognitive Efficiency Index measure? What is the formula?
• If any given athlete did not have baseline testing, and then clearly had a concussion or symptomology during competition, what, if anything, would repeat testing tell the training staff. I presume that there are norms by age, sex, etc?
• How do I get the baseline and post-injury test to show up on the same report?
• I am trying to locate articles that discuss the use and validity of ImPACT for patients other than the athletic population, ie trauma patients. Where can I find these?

ImPACT TEST: Baseline Testing

• What is the best way to test large numbers of athletes?
• How often should athletes be given a baseline test?
• What if I don't have a baseline on an athlete?
• Who should I baseline?
• Can an athlete who is color blind be tested?

ImPACT TEST: Post Injury Testing

• What do we do after a concussion? Who should interpret the test results?
• When should ImPACT be given following a concussion?

DOCTORS: Billing

• What code is recommended for billing for baseline test for athletes and a what is a reasonable cost?
• What is the best way to bill so that the insurance company will reimburse?
• In addition to the E&M codes, would MDs use CPT codes 96118 and/or 96120, or should they just use a higher E&M code? Should they use modifiers?
• Do you have any helpful information or documents on billing?
• What kind of reimbursement can be expected from insurance?
• How do I become part of the Play It Safe Provider Network?
• Where can I learn more about my billing questions?

DOCTORS: Return-to-Play Issues

• When should I return an athlete to play following a known skull fracture with additional complexities including expressive dysphasia, a stable traumatic subarachnoid hemmorhage and frontotemporoparietal bone fracture along with a small acute SDH?
• Where can I find information on a student-athlete's return to the classroom after a concussion?
• How close to the Baseline scores must the Post-Injury scores be before the athlete can return to play?
• How often do you administer the ImPACT test during an athlete's injury?
• Do you administer the test when an athlete still has self reported symptoms?
• Have you found that athletes who perform the test have increased symptoms following the test because of increased cognitive function?

Testimonials

More About ImPACT

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, ImPACT Applications, Inc., is a provider of computerized neurocognitive assessment tools and services that are used by medical professionals to assist them in determining an athlete's fitness to return to play after suffering a concussion. At the current time, ImPACT is being used for concussion management services at more than 1,000 high schools, colleges, sports medicine centers, and professional teams throughout the world.