Appointments & Evaluation Process

Step 1	Contact Dr. Van Ost phone (301) 288-7194 or email svanostphd@comcast.net The return call will include a telephone interview. The purpose of this discussion will be to identify whether evaluation is appropriate at this time, the nature of your concerns about the child or adolescent, the scope of testing to be conducted, and cost.
Step 2	Schedule Appointments This is often done during the initial telephone interview or by email. A comprehensive evaluation requires 8 to 9 hours of face-to-face testing time spread over three to four sessions. Limited weekend hours are sometimes available at modest additional cost. There are two office locations at which your appointments can be scheduled (Silver Spring or Rockville). Both are in home-office settings. Snacks and breaks are provided. Please be sure that your child/adolescent is well-rested for each testing appointment.
Step 3	Collect necessary background information Typically, parents and teachers are asked to provide rating scale data regarding the child or adolescent’s behavior and work habits. In addition to completion of a detailed developmental history questionnaire, parents are asked to provide detailed school records and copies of all prior evaluations.
Step 4	Pay the fee in the first testing session Fees vary depending on the service being requested. Payment is by check or credit card. Though Dr. Van Ost does not participate on insurance panels, some portion of the fee is often covered as part of “out of network” benefits. Whatever information is needed for pre-authorization can be provided.
Step 5	Report Completion and Parent Feedback The report is completed and a two-hour parent feedback session is held two to three weeks after the final testing appointment.
Step 6	Adolescent Feedback For older students, a separate feedback session is strongly encouraged. There is no additional fee for a separate adolescent feedback session.

Thank you. I look forward to answering any additional questions you may have.