Cognitive Screen Evaluation

[Unregistered]

Before soloing, in addition to my medical (due to a chronic condition), I am required to do the Aero Medical Cognitive Screen Eval.

Has anyone else here had to take this eval?

There are, apparently, only a very small number of doctors in the country who give this test, and I was FLOORED when told that I would need to make two office visits ($150.00/apiece) and pay $300.00 for the test here locally.

I'd love to know a little bit more about this test if there is anyone who has had it administered. Thanks in advance!

 

[AggieMike88]

Before passing GO and spending your $200, I suggest contacting Dr. Bruce Chien directly (www.aeromedicaldoc.com).

Explain your current situation and why it is you've been told you need to do the CogScreen. You will also get guidance of how to get the screening done so that the FAA will accept it the first time.

From past threads, it is my understanding that the CogScreen must be done a certain way, buy a particular set of doctors, otherwise it's not accepted and you're out the money you spent for the bad report and the money you'll need to spend for the correct report.

Also, by paying Dr. Chien for his services and making him the AME of record (as in going to Peoria if needed for your exam), your chances of getting your third class will improve greatly over picking an AME out of the phone book.

 

[Kelvin]

Before passing GO and spending your $200, I suggest contacting Dr. Bruce Chien directly (www.aeromedicaldoc.com).

Explain your current situation and why it is you've been told you need to do the CogScreen. You will also get guidance of how to get the screening done so that the FAA will accept it the first time.

From past threads, it is my understanding that the CogScreen must be done a certain way, buy a particular set of doctors, otherwise it's not accepted and you're out the money you spent for the bad report and the money you'll need to spend for the correct report.

Also, by paying Dr. Chien for his services and making him the AME of record (as in going to Peoria if needed for your exam), your chances of getting your third class will improve greatly over picking an AME out of the phone book.

 

[bbchien]

BTW it's called COGSCREEN

The test is now a well validated comparison of about 12 of your cognitive processes normed to a population of similar age. The reason it is limited is it is dependent on your not being able to prep it as you can for many of the tests on the internet. That is actually to your advantage, as sometimes it is exculpatory. The test self validates, so that if you have seen it before, it will know and a portion will not be available to support your "normalcy". Then it gets really expensive.

Dr. Gary Kay, in Washington, made this his Ph.D thesis project and has spent a lifetime getting the population norms to make it useful. We use it for:

Alcoholics
depression meds
Kids who were pilled instead of studied in their middle school years (ADD).
Post stroke
Questions of competency.
...and there are a few others.

I would NOT get it from just anyone local yokel. I would go to a reputable guy known to FAA as a lot is riding on this. Where are you physically located?

PS I think I remember an email on this in the last few days, but I've lost it.....

 

[gprellwitz]

Somewhat off-topic, there was somebody at the FAA pavilion at Oshkosh this year who was doing some sort of a study trying to establish pilot norms. They were asking pilots to come in and do some sort of psych evaluation. They said that they would give you a code to allow you to access the anonymized study later and it would be used as a baseline if you ever had any future problems. Could that be related to this sort of test?

 

[AggieMike88]

The test self validates, so that if you have seen it before, it will know and a portion will not be available to support your "normalcy".

That someone figured out the questions and method of testing to accomplish this is fascinating. (and no, I'm not being snarky)

 

[asgcpa]

Before passing GO and spending your $200, I suggest contacting Dr. Bruce Chien directly (www.aeromedicaldoc.com).

Explain your current situation and why it is you've been told you need to do the CogScreen. You will also get guidance of how to get the screening done so that the FAA will accept it the first time.

From past threads, it is my understanding that the CogScreen must be done a certain way, buy a particular set of doctors, otherwise it's not accepted and you're out the money you spent for the bad report and the money you'll need to spend for the correct report.

Also, by paying Dr. Chien for his services and making him the AME of record (as in going to Peoria if needed for your exam), your chances of getting your third class will improve greatly over picking an AME out of the phone book.

Plus 1 here. Dr. Bruce gives sage advice.

 

[bbchien]

Somewhat off-topic, there was somebody at the FAA pavilion at Oshkosh this year who was doing some sort of a study trying to establish pilot norms. They were asking pilots to come in and do some sort of psych evaluation. They said that they would give you a code to allow you to access the anonymized study later and it would be used as a baseline if you ever had any future problems. Could that be related to this sort of test?

That was Dr. Gary Kay, beefing up his statistical database. It's a lifetime of work.

 

[Porter]

My COGSCREEN cost me $2,900. I pray I have enough money because honestly I know I can go through the school. I am required to to take it because of medication I took over 3 years ago. I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child but i have out grown it. Further more I believe $2,900 is way too expensive for any type of test.

 

[AggieMike88]

I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child but i have out grown it.

Has the "out grown it" been officially tested for and properly documented by the board certified and licensed psychiatrist or psychologist specializing in ADHD? If not, then that will be a required item to prove that statement to the FAA.

 

[lbfjrmd]

Before soloing, in addition to my medical (due to a chronic condition), I am required to do the Aero Medical Cognitive Screen Eval.

Has anyone else here had to take this eval?

There are, apparently, only a very small number of doctors in the country who give this test, and I was FLOORED when told that I would need to make two office visits ($150.00/apiece) and pay $300.00 for the test here locally.

I'd love to know a little bit more about this test if there is anyone who has had it administered. Thanks in advance!

no, there are many psychologist that can administer said testing, all across the fruited plains!

 

[bbchien]

yes IIRC there are ~45 of them who have access to the pilot norms. "HIMS Neurospychologists".

 

[James331]

Gotta pay the toll before ya can cross the troll.

Besides $300 isn’t that bad when it comes to aviation, or appeasing the crown, just remember to study before your test

 

[bbchien]

Gotta pay the toll before ya can cross the troll.

Besides $300 isn’t that bad when it comes to aviation, or appeasing the crown, just remember to study before your test

Actually, trying to prep is a bad idea. Many of the tests are self validating, that is, they can detect when prep happened. Do that to enough tests and the psychologist is left with only second rung tests to clear you. If they have no tools you can't be cleared. You have to get an affirmative result.

Best thing to do is (1) Get a good night's rest nad (2) absolutely have Zero OTC anything in your system.

So, "Not a good idea, Mav."

 

[James331]

Actually, trying to prep is a bad idea. Many of the tests are self validating, that is, they can detect when prep happened. Do that to enough tests and the psychologist is left with only second rung tests to clear you. If they have no tools you can't be cleared. You have to get an affirmative result.

Best thing to do is (1) Get a good night's rest nad (2) absolutely have Zero OTC anything in your system.

So, "Not a good idea, Mav."

Right

 

[A1Topgun]

Somewhat off-topic, there was somebody at the FAA pavilion at Oshkosh this year who was doing some sort of a study trying to establish pilot norms. They were asking pilots to come in and do some sort of psych evaluation. They said that they would give you a code to allow you to access the anonymized study later and it would be used as a baseline if you ever had any future problems. Could that be related to this sort of test?

Ditto, a couple of years ago at Oshkosh "they" were doing a "study" to build the "norms". I took the "test" and a few weeks after Oshkosh you could go to a web site, enter a code and see your results as to where you placed within the study group.

 

[Palmpilot]

Ditto, a couple of years ago at Oshkosh "they" were doing a "study" to build the "norms". I took the "test" and a few weeks after Oshkosh you could go to a web site, enter a code and see your results as to where you placed within the study group.

Do those study tests have to be reported as visits to a health professional?

 

[Lachlan]

Do those study tests have to be reported as visits to a health professional?

No. If you didn’t pay for the test then it’s considered a visit to a health amateur. Possibly a health volunteer. Definitely not a pro.

Great advice in this thread. Best of luck to the prospective student.

 

[skier]

Just out of curiosity, how is Cogscreen different from other neuropsychological evaluations? From reading their website, it seems identical to the neuropsychological eval that I had done after a head injury, except it appears to be given on a computer rather than in person.

Is it somehow specific to aviation or is it still just a general evaluation?

 

[AggieMike88]

Just out of curiosity, how is Cogscreen different from other neuropsychological evaluations? From reading their website, it seems identical to the neuropsychological eval that I had done after a head injury, except it appears to be given on a computer rather than in person.

Is it somehow specific to aviation or is it still just a general evaluation?

From https://www.cogscreen.com/

• One version, CogScreen-AE, meets the FAA's requirement for a sensitive and specific neuro-cognitive test battery for use in the medical re certification evaluation of pilots with known or suspected neurological and/or psychiatric conditions CogScreen-AE is not a test of aviation knowledge or flying skills, but rather a measure of the underlying perceptual cognitive, and information processing abilities associated with flying (Imhoff & Levine, 1986)

 

[flyingron]

No. If you didn’t pay for the test then it’s considered a visit to a health amateur. Possibly a health volunteer. Definitely not a pro.

Great advice in this thread. Best of luck to the prospective student.

I suppose that's intended to be a joke, but the answer is factually incorrect.
Professional doesn't equate to being paid.
Whether you pay for a medical visit, doesn't affect the reportability.

 

[Lachlan]

I suppose that's intended to be a joke, but the answer is factually incorrect.
Professional doesn't equate to being paid.
Whether you pay for a medical visit, doesn't affect the reportability.

You feel good, now, or is that log still lodged where it doesn’t belong?

I hope more and more misdiagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed youngsters can overcome the things they were saddled with and become pilots. This thread has some great info for the OP and others looking to learn.

 

[flyingron]

And your two posts helped how? One is nothing but a profane ad hominem attack and the other was misleadingly wrong if taken seriously.

 

[Martin KPDX]

Good thread. I am taking my neuro psychological test tomorrow and feel good about it. As good as I can I guess. I have not done anything to prepare except have a clear mind and a good night’s rest. This test comes after 2.5 years of seeing a HIMS doctor and after nearly 30 random UAs because of a DUI 10 years ago (No one involved but myself). This test is costing me $2600 and everything is riding on it. This is after thousands of extra dollars have been paid to various individuals. The FAA has definitely put me through the ringer and I hope to come out on the other side with a special issuance license. I am based in Portland, OR and will seeing Dr. James E. Bryan.

 

[AggieMike88]

Good thread. I am taking my neuro psychological test tomorrow and feel good about it. As good as I can I guess. I have not done anything to prepare except have a clear mind and a good night’s rest. This test comes after 2.5 years of seeing a HIMS doctor and after nearly 30 random UAs because of a DUI 10 years ago (No one involved but myself). This test is costing me $2600 and everything is riding on it. This is after thousands of extra dollars have been paid to various individuals. The FAA has definitely put me through the ringer and I hope to come out on the other side with a special issuance license. I am based in Portland, OR and will seeing Dr. James E. Bryan.

If you are willing, please provide a new thread with a thorough documentation of your journey: starting with who you are in life, the DUI event, and all the steps involved and timeline to get your certification back.

My hope is that the new thread can be the case study we can, in the future, point to that explains what is involved and how it is done. And something that future airmen at the start of their journeys can read and have hope, **if** they are willing to put in the effort that you have.

 

[GRRR]

Good thread. I am taking my neuro psychological test tomorrow and feel good about it. As good as I can I guess. I have not done anything to prepare except have a clear mind and a good night’s rest. This test comes after 2.5 years of seeing a HIMS doctor and after nearly 30 random UAs because of a DUI 10 years ago (No one involved but myself). This test is costing me $2600 and everything is riding on it. This is after thousands of extra dollars have been paid to various individuals. The FAA has definitely put me through the ringer and I hope to come out on the other side with a special issuance license. I am based in Portland, OR and will seeing Dr. James E. Bryan.

Get lots of rest and have nothing OTC in your system!! Cannot stress this enough from my journey. —>

https://www.pilotsofamerica.com/community/threads/hims-1st-class-medical-maze.121707/#post-2803951

 

[KeepWatch]

Halfway through it, I told the doc who administered my Cogscreen, "This would be fun if there weren't so much riding on the line." His response was a smiling, "I get that a lot."

 

[MyDimeIsUp]

Halfway through it, I told the doc who administered my Cogscreen, "This would be fun if there weren't so much riding on the line." His response was a smiling, "I get that a lot."

Exactly my thought. I actually enjoyed the cogscreen it was entertaining except for that math part; 60% of 40% I just woke up like 2 hours ago was all I thought (all jokes of course!) And also the MMPI, man that was a joy of 630 questions.