Neuropsychologists are being increasingly called upon to demonstrate the value of their services. This edited book introduces clinical neuropsychologists to the concepts and challenges involved in conducting cost outcome research. It provides examples of how such research can be conducted within clinical neuropsychology and therefore is a "beginning" step in what must become an interdisciplinary effort. The text suggests that more than cost effectiveness studies should be considered when demonstrating the clinical utility of neuropsychological services. The concept of "objective" and "subjective" markers of value is emphasized, particularly as it relates to measuring the impact of a neuropsychological examination. Chapters review the economic burdens associated with different neurological conditions commonly seen by neuropsychologists. They also provide examples of how clinical neuropsychological services to different patient populations may reduce "costs" and increase "benefits" and suggest directions for beginning cost outcome research. Furthermore, the book summarizes the utility of various neuropsychological services that may be helpful to readers concerned with healthcare economies. The book is intended as a resource for clinical neuropsychologists who wish to explain to healthcare providers the value of their work. It is the first book of the National Academy of Neuropsychology book series entitled: Neuropsychology: Scientific Bases and Clinical Application.

Neuropsychologists are being increasingly called upon to demonstrate the value of their services. This edited book introduces clinical neuropsychologists to the concepts and challenges involved in conducting cost outcome research. It provides examples of how such research can be conducted within clinical neuropsychology and therefore is a "beginning" step in what must become an interdisciplinary effort. The text suggests that more than cost effectiveness studies should be considered when demonstrating the clinical utility of neuropsychological services. The concept of "objective" and "subjective" markers of value is emphasized, particularly as it relates to measuring the impact of a neuropsychological examination. Chapters review the economic burdens associated with different neurological conditions commonly seen by neuropsychologists. They also provide examples of how clinical neuropsychological services to different patient populations may reduce "costs" and increase "benefits" and suggest directions for beginning cost outcome research. Furthermore, the book summarizes the utility of various neuropsychological services that may be helpful to readers concerned with health-care economies.
The book is intended as a resource for clinical neuropsychologists who wish to explain to health-care providers the value of their work. It is the first book of the National Academy of Neuropsychology book series entitled Neuropsychology: Scientific Basis and Clinical Application.

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There are critical issues facing the neuropsychological community, such as inadequate reimbursement for services, a lack of familiarity among public policy makers regarding the science and practice of neuropsychology, and a lack of public policy awareness among professional neuropsychologists. Advocacy for the field is the most effective way to undertake positive change. Currently, a minority of psychological professionals actively engages in an advocacy process. With weak advocacy, our field risks slower development in key areas and without strong and constant advocacy, we risk losing ground previously gained. The purpose of this special issue of The Clinical Neuropsychologist, is to: (1) convey the importance of advocacy, (2) address and dispel unfounded mental obstacles that inhibit involvement in advocating for the specialty, and (3) aid neuropsychologists in preparing to join the advocacy process. A primary motivation to engage in advocacy should be found in the stark realization that most critical decisions that affect neuropsychological practice are made by non-neuropsychologists. The twelve articles in this issue address topics such as increasing the public's awareness of neuropsychology, how to advocate for neuropsychology in the government sector, how to advocate for specific patient populations, promotion of professional identity and scope of practice, advancement of the science of the field, select issues at the interface of neuropsychology and the law, increasing the diversity of neuropsychological practitioners, and increasing services to underserved populations. It is our hope that this special issue will be a catalyst for positive change.