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?
• Why does ImPACT discourage home based testing?
• 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?

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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.