About Baseline Testing
ImPACT baseline testing takes approximately one-half hour to complete. The test measures an athletes memory, attention and concentration, problem solving abilities, and processing speed down to the millisecond. From this testing we are able to determine the level of functioning prior to any brain injury. If an athlete then sustains a head injury, he would be re-evaluated within a few days after the injury and will receive subsequent follow-up testing as necessary.
Baseline Testing Is A Critical Part Of Concussion Care
Several elite sporting organizations have now mandated their athletes take baseline cognitive tests so that medical staff can best manage their concussion injuries. Most noteable was the decision by the NFL in 2006 to require all players to baseline test before each pre-season. Other organizations utilizing baseline cognitive testing are the NHL, MLS, MLB, NBA, NASCAR, US National Soccer Team, most elite college sports programs including Cal Berkeley and Stanford, and over 3500 high school sport teams across the country.
By taking this step, these organizations are making a critical decision and stance that they will not allow their athletes to return to play before they are confident that they have fully healed from their concussion injury.
How To Receive A Baseline Test?
You may contact our clinic to schedule a baseline test. The cost of the test is $50. Post injury care is generally covered by most insurance companies. For an explanation of how we bill for our services, please click HERE.
In addition, our clinic periodically offers "Baseline Clinics", where, for a discounted fee, several athletes can sign up and test at one time on several different computer work stations. We will announce these test dates on our website. Also, organizations can arrange to have their athletes tested on a scheduled Baseline day for just the members of that organization.