Integration of Clinical Neuropsychology into Primary Care

Robert Fallows, PsyD, ABPP

Medical Director – Behavioral Health & Neuropsychology | Samaritan Medical Group

Margaret Lanca, Ph.D.

Director of Adult Neuropsychology and Psychological Testing and Training, Cambridge Health Alliance

Assistant Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

Psychologists have been integrating into primary care settings for several decades now, with demonstrated benefit for patient access, improving health outcomes, and reducing overall cost of care. Although neuropsychology is not new to the concept of integration (involvement with departments of neurology/neurosurgery, sports medicine, etc.), our presence in primary care is novel. Continued efforts to engage primary care providers will be crucial in both rural and urban areas of the country, especially considering that primary care providers are typically among the top five referral sources for neuropsychologists. This webinar will review some key points related to operating within primary care, including understanding different levels of integration, models for operating a neuropsychology practice in primary care, and outcomes from attempts at integration. Discussion about similarities and differences between urban and rural practice will occur alongside a review of how COVID has impacted primary care integration and what it may mean for integration moving forward.