THE MECK REPORT --- THE MECK PODCAST: ImPact Baseline Test Pushed Locally on Schools/Coaches/Athletes in The Wiregrass. A Must Read --- ImPACT And Other Concussion Tests For Athletes May Not Work. - Slate Magazine - By Christie Aschwanden --- “It’s a huge scam,” says physician Robert Sallis, past president of the American College of Sports Medicine. -- So why have hundreds of high schools, colleges and professional sports teams have adopted ImPACT testing? In a word: money. Every time a player gets seriously hurt, it creates hysteria that something needs to be done. “The response is, let’s throw some money at something, and ImPACT is there to say, we’ll take your money,” says Robert Sallis, the sports physician. ImPACT sells some more tests, and those in charge can show that they're doing something and protect themselves from potential lawsuits. It’s not just ImPACT getting a cut. Neuropsychologists and other experts who pony up a yearly $1,500 subscription fee are christened “certified ImPACT consultants” and promised “access to ImPACT’s sports concussion business practice tool,” “extra public relations assistance with your local media,” and “excellent referral opportunities.” Neuropsychologists can charge $500 or more to interpret the test, turning a mild concussion into a $500 or $1,000 bill. And while the schools that sign up for ImPACT through the “public service” program get free testing for the first year, they’re on the hook after that.