Frequently-Asked Questions

Frequently-Asked Questions contains answers to most of the common questions clinicians and administrators ask about CNS Vital Signs. For additional information call 888-750-6941, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or REGISTER for an in-service webinar.

The FAQ categories are: About CNS Vital Signs, Clinical Questions, Technical Questions, Test Administration Questions, Assessment Report Questions, and Purchasing Questions.

About CNS Vital Signs

What is CNS Vital Signs?
CNS Vital Signs is a reimbursable assessment procedure that utilizes scientifically validated, objective, and reliable computerized neuropsychological tests to evaluate the neurocognitive status of patients and covers a range of mental processes from simple motor performance, attention, memory, to executive functions. CNS Vital Signs also contains over 50 well known evidence-based medical and health (behaviors, symptoms, comorbidities) rating scales. Immediately following the assessment, the software automates a standardized scoring of the patient assessment eliminating variability and rater bias. The assessment platform auto-scores and generates user-friendly reports with summary dashboards, individual responses, and longitudinal views. The neurocognitive report presents the raw test scores, domain scores with a comparison of age-adjusted norms, and an overall neurocognition index.
The standardized presentation of the report and its data supports the clinicians’ evaluation and management activities.

The use of CNS Vital Signs with other proven neurological exams gives the clinicians a robust view of the patient’s neurocognitive status. The assessment platform lends an added dimension to the patient evaluation and generates useful data that can guide one’s decisions about ongoing treatments or the need for additional information or whether a referral is warranted.

How is CNS Vital Signs used?
The clinical applications for CNS Vital Signs can be summarized in terms of five prototypical situations:

1. Establish a neurocognitive baseline in each patient to evaluate current status and use as a comparator in later testing.
2. Distinguish mild or subtle neurocognitive deficits compared to the normal population, which may aid in evaluation and management of neuropsychiatric, neurodegenerative or other medical conditions. (e.g., MCI – Dementia, AD/HD, etc.);
3. Evaluate and manage a range of neurocognitive impacted disorders (e.g., Attention Deficit Disorder, Dementia, Bipolar, Depression, etc.);
4. Evaluate and manage a patient serially to assist in decision making on the patient’s activity, suggest proper treatment, and support medication compliance (e.g., to evaluate disease, treatment, or medication effects);
5. Track recovery and help patients and families understand the neurocognitive status of the patient and the effect of the disease process (e.g., from brain injury, stroke, or substance abuse).

How do I access and download the CNS Vital Signs local software assessment platform?
To REGISTER and DOWNLOAD the CNS Vital Signs assessment platforms, CLICK HERE. You must have a valid medical license to register and download the software. Additionally, CNS Vital Signs will install on Windows 7, XP, and 2000 computers. Windows Vista is no longer supported by Microsoft.

Is it possible to evaluate the CNS Vital Signs assessment platform before purchasing?
Yes. When you register with CNS Vital Signs and download the software, you will be given five fully functional free test administrations to trial.

Clinical Questions

What computerized neuropsychological tests are used in CNS Vital Signs?
The core CNS Vital Signs neurocognitive assessment battery consists of seven subtests: Verbal Memory (VBM), Visual Memory (VIM), Finger Tapping (FTT), Symbol Digit Coding (SDC), Stroop Test (ST), Shifting Attention Test (SAT) and the Continuous Performance Test (CPT). There are additional tests available for brain and behavioral specialists. Email or call support for more information about the other tests available.

What does each subtest of CNS Vital Signs measure?
The CNS Vital Signs neurocognitive assessment captures an objective view of nine basic brain functions: composite memory, verbal memory, visual memory, executive function, processing speed, psychomotor speed, reaction time, complex attention and cognitive flexibility. The battery consists of seven subtests which in different combinations compose the above nine cognitive domains. CNS Vital Signs includes parallel tests of verbal memory (word list learning) and visual memory (figure learning). The tests are virtually identical, but one uses words as stimuli, the other, geometric shapes. The Finger Tapping Test generates relevant data about fine motor control, which is based on motor speed as well as kinesthetic and visual-motor ability. The Symbol Digit Coding Test generates processing speed data and is included in a composite score for psychomotor speed. The Stroop Test gives important data about three levels of reaction time (simple, complex, Stroop) or, to be more precise, information processing speed. The Shifting Attention Test measures a subject’s executive functions (rules, categories, rapid decision making) or their ability to shift from one instruction set to another quickly and accurately. The Continuous Performance Test is a measure of vigilance or sustained attention or attention over time.

How are the cognitive domains calculated?
Abbreviations Defined: VBM – Verbal Memory Test; VIM – Visual Memory Test; SDC – Symbol Digit Coding Test; SAT – Shifting Attention Test; FTT - Finger Tapping Test; ST – Stroop Test; CPT – Continuous Performance Test; 4PCPT – Four Part CPT; POET – Perception of Emotions Test; NVR – Non-verbal Reasoning Test.

The raw score calculations for each domain score are as follows:

What is the Neurocognition Index?
The Neurocognition Index reflects the overall or global neurocognitive functioning of the test taker. It is an average or the standard scores for five of the domains (composite memory, psychomotor speed, reaction time, complex attention and cognitive flexibility) that reflect the patients performance on each assessment.

What is the normative structure of CNS Vital Signs?
The original seven tests of the CNS Vital Signs neurocognitive assessment platform have been normed in a large sample (n=1662) of normal individuals, from age 8 to 90. “Normals” are defined as healthy individuals, with no active medical condition, and with no history of neurological or psychiatric disorders. Normals may be on stable doses of medications for well-controlled medical conditions, like hypertension or arthritis, but not on any psychotropic medication.

How do I know if the neurocognitive assessment is valid?
The CNS Vital Signs Validity Indicator (VI) is a guideline identifying the possibility of an invalid test or domain score. When reviewing a report, a “No” in the VI column suggests the clinician should evaluate whether or not the test subject understood the test, put forth their best effort, or has a clinical condition requiring further evaluation. The Validity Indicator alerts the clinician to the possibility of an invalid test allowing the clinician, examiner or testing technician to question the testing subject: Do the testing results reflect an understanding of the test and the instructions? Did the testing subject put forth their best effort? Did they get a good night’s sleep? Does the subject have poor vision and need their glasses? Do the results suggest willful exaggeration, e.g., malingering?

How is the “Validity Indicator” scoring algorithm calculated?
CNS Vital Signs Embedded Indicators of Valid Effort

Have there been any concurrent validity studies comparing CNS Vital Signs to conventional tests?
Yes, refer to “Reliability and Validity of a computerized neurocognitive test battery, CNS Vital Signs”, Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2006 Oct;21(7):623-43.

How soon can I retest the same person on CNS Vital Signs?
This is a KEY ADVANTAGE as CNS Vital Signs was designed for serial administration. The words and symbols in the test are auto-randomized from a large bank of potential stimuli generating an unlimited number of alternate forms. This minimizes potential learning effects in serial administration. Tests other than memory tests are routinely administered several times a day in research settings.

How do I code and get reimbursed for my services?
The CNS Vital Signs procedure codes have been reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid and almost all private insurance companies when billed using the appropriate ICD-9 / DSM codes and modifiers. Most public payer reimburse any licensed practitioner e.g. MD, DO, PhD, CN, P, PA, however, a few health plans reimburse only licensed psychologists, neurologists, psychiatrists or developmental/behavioral specialists. Click Here for more detailed reimbursement and coding information.

Technical Questions

What operating systems does the CNS Vital Signs VSX local software run on?
The local version of CNS Vital Signs will run on any Window 2000, XP or 7 computers. Windows Vista was never a good operating system is no longer supported by Microsoft. Alternatively, if a user has an internet connection the web-based version CNSVS Online may be utilized rather than having to install the local version. If you prefer to use the web version, after you register at www.cnsvs.com, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your user name and let us know that you would like to have your internet or web-based account activated.

What do I need to do with my computer to ensure optimum performance of CNS Vital Signs?
Ideally, computerized tests should run on a dedicated computer; however CNS Vital Signs will run on any computer that meets our basic system requirements (minimum requirement is the Window OS run correctly). It is important that CNS Vital Signs is the only application open and running during testing. Additional programs should be closed; spyware scanners, virus scanners and automatic updates should be turned off and/or scheduled during a non-testing period of time.

Is an internet connection necessary to run CNS Vital Signs?
No. If you download and install the local version, CNS Vital Signs does not require a live internet connection to be administered.

Is special hardware required to use CNS Vital Signs?
No special hardware is required to run CNS Vital Signs. You will need a computer, monitor, and keyboard to run the application. A printer is necessary if you will be printing out the patient report at the conclusion of the test.

How large is the report file?
The test report file is approximately 200-300KB depending on the number of tests and questionnaires administered.

How large is the software application once loaded?
Depending on the version you use, the CNS Vital Signs software application is fully installed it between 3 and 20 MB.

How long does the download take?
With a typical broadband connection, the download will take less than 30 seconds. The executable is about 10 MB.

Is the report saved automatically?
Yes, the report is automatically saved and stored locally on the test computer or can be SYNCed to a CNSVS Online server.

How do I export the test data for analysis?
To export test data for analysis, open the application and CLICK on the MENU button found in the top left hand corner of the initial CNS Vital Signs test screen (directly across from Help). Click on the Export button. Highlight the file(s) you want to export. Click Export and select the program to which you want to export the data.

How do I customize test defaults?
There are several ways to customize the administration and test report of CNS Vital Signs. The options can be found by opening the application and CLICK on the MENU button found in the top left hand corner of the initial CNS Vital Signs test screen (directly across from Help). Click on the Preferences button. From the Sessions Tab, you can customize test defaults according to your needs of 1) subtest, 2) test language, and 3) report password requirement. Many other customization preferences can be found by choosing any of the remaining tabs under Preferences.

What is the re-test feature?
This feature allows you to re-test any subject, using the same subject ID, who has taken CNS Vital Signs within a 24 hour period of time without being charged an additional session. This feature is especially helpful for those subjects who may have misinterpreted the directions during the initial testing or when doing a test-dose paradigm. This functionality can be found by opening the application and CLICK on the MENU button found in the top left hand corner of the initial CNS Vital Signs test screen (directly across from Help). Click on Re-Test.

How do I backup test reports?
To backup test reports, CLICK on the MENU button found in the top left hand corner of the initial CNS Vital Signs test screen (directly across from Help). Click on the Preferences button. Click on the Backup Tab. Check the Duplicate report data at backup location box. Select the appropriate backup location and click OK. You can also manually back up the reports by copying all the *.res files to a cd or thumbdrive. Clients can also enable the SYNC functionality and collect all the testing station(s) data on the CNSVS Online servers. Reports can then either be accessed locally or via the web.

What is User Management?
This is recommended for advanced users who understand the concept of user roles. The User Management feature enables sites to track Test Administrator usage of CNS Vital Signs and provides means for access control to the application and its features. To enable the User Management CLICK on the MENU button found in the top left hand corner of the initial CNS Vital Signs test screen (directly across from Help). Click on the Preferences button. Click on the Users Tab. When User Management is enabled for the first time it will request a System Administrator password. In order to provide security to the configuration parameters, this password is required to access Preferences and a new feature, View Log, whilst User Management is enabled. Once User Management is enabled the System Administrator will be able to add, modify, and delete Test Administrator users to the local software.

Test Administration Questions

Who should take CNS Vital Signs?
CNS Vital Signs has been normed on a sample of individuals from ages 8 to 90. The test was designed to be self-administered; however, younger children and older adults who take the test often need a family member with them to ensure that they understand the instructions.

Who should not take CNS Vital Signs?
Individuals who are unable to read should not take CNS Vital Signs. CNS Vital Signs is not appropriate for older adults who are severely demented. Individuals with MMSE scores less than 20 may not be able to perform some of the more complicated tests. There are “spacebar” only tests for individuals who may be impaired.

Can the test subject be left alone during testing?
Yes, CNS Vital Signs was designed for self-administration. It is sometimes helpful to ask a technician or a family member to sit in with an elderly or young test taker to assure test instruction comprehension.

What are the optimal CNS Vital Signs test taking conditions?
CNS Vital Signs is ideally administered in a quiet environment with minimal interruptions. A separate testing room is ideal; however, it is not necessary. A white noise maker or screen will adequately assure quiet test taking conditions.

How do I begin administration of CNS Vital Signs?
Test administration can be performed by a non -clinical staff person. To begin, click on the Windows Start button. Click on All Programs to find CNS Vital Signs. Click on the CNS Vital Signs agent. You should momentarily see the initial screen of the CNS Vital Signs application. Then enter a Subject Reference Number and subsequently a data of birth when queried for it. The date of birth is necessary to generate a standard score. Ten enter any desired demographic information CLICK OK and select the appropriate language, toolbox or tests and rating scales. Then begin testing.

What do I enter for Subject Reference ID?
The subject reference can be an alphanumeric entry. Users are encouraged to follow HIPPA guidelines when choosing an appropriate Subject Reference ID. Practices are encouraged to set a standard Subject Reference ID policy for securely referencing patients / subjects.
VERY IMPORTANT: The Subject Reference ID is used to select reports for longitudinal graphing.

Do I need to complete the entire Demographic page?
No, only subject reference and date of birth is required. The demographic page allows the test administrator to capture information on the test taker prior to testing. This data can be accessed at a later point in time for analysis and outcome based studies. The remaining fields are available for entry per your needs.

How do I switch the test language?
CNS Vital Signs is available in over 50 languages. To choose a specific language, use the drop down box labeled Test Language from the test administration screen.

Is it possible to get the test report in a different language?
Currently, our test reports are only available in English.

How do I customize the assessment platform and run only specific tests?
You will have the option to run a specific test or group of tests and scales on the Test Confirmation screen. Simply check or uncheck those tests and scales you would like to add or omit during testing. Clinicians can individually customize their local software toolbox or test/scale configuration settings by selecting the MENU button then clicking the PREFERENCES button and Assessment tab. Clinicians can also collaborate with our practice development staff to individually customize their web and local applications. To customize your web-based testing needs or to learn more about the CNS Vital Signs functionality contact our support team at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

What is the CNS Vital Signs Test Administrator Password?
By default, an administrator password is required to view the test report. The password is ‘cnsvs’ lowercase.

Assessment Report Questions

Is the report generated automatically or must I send away for the results?
On the local software once the administrator password (cnsvs) is entered, the report is generated automatically. The report can be printed immediately and provides both the clinical snapshot of several tests and domain scores. The web-based reports can be configured in numerous ways.

How do I access the demographic data I entered?
To access the demographic data entered during test administration, you must export the file to an appropriate application (such as Notepad or Excel) to view the data. To do this, CLICK on the MENU button found in the top left hand corner of the initial CNS Vital Signs test screen (directly across from Help). Click Export. Highlight the report you want to view and click Export.

Do I need to save the report?
CNS Vital Signs local software automatically saves the test data and report to the testing computer. The data files are saved the CNS Vital Signs directory in the Data folder. Web-based assessments are automatically stored in your account on the CNSVS Online servers.

Purchasing Questions

What is the cost of CNS Vital Signs?
CNS Vital Signs is $25 US dollars per test session. Volume purchases receive substantial discounts CLICK HERE to learn more.

Do I get a discount for bulk test purchases?
Yes, discount pricing is available for bulk purchases. CLICK HERE for more information. For discounts on larger purchases, please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Do you offer special pricing for research endeavors?
Students, interns, residents and fellows doing research receive additional discounts, as do academic and government groups. Research must be of scientific merit and a brief description of the project is necessary. CLICK HERE for more information or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for additional information.

Do you have international pricing?
Yes, we offer special pricing for international customers. Please contact our office for additional information, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

How do I pay for additional sessions?
We accept payment by Visa, MasterCard. For special payment arrangements such as purchase orders or invoicing please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Is the CNS Vital Signs website secure?
Yes, the CNS Vital Signs website use 128 bit encryption. All data including screen images, file transfers, credit card details, etc. are encrypted. .

Can I purchase additional sessions by phone?
Purchases can be made over the phone. Please call 888-750-6941 for assistance.

If I have more than one CNS Vital Signs testing computer, how do I buy tests for each?
For the local software assessment platform separate purchases must be made for each testing computer. Each computer will have a unique Serial Number and Request Code both of which are necessary for purchasing additional tests. When these two alpha-numeric strings of information are entered into the purchase page of our website a separate Authorization Key will be generated for that computer. This Authorization Key, once entered, will automatically populate the number of test sessions purchased. You must go through this process for each computer. For assistance or alternative arrangements, please call 888-750-6941.

What is the cost of the CNS Vital Signs custom keyboard?
The custom keyboard is $45 US dollars. This price includes shipping and handling.

I don’t have a computer available for testing; can I purchase one from CNS Vital Signs?
Yes, we do sell turnkey computer solutions ready for use out of the box. CLICK HERE for additional information or contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for additional information.