Patient Selection
Identifying the right candidates for cognitive testing
Guidelines
We do not recommend that the testing be completed on all patients or for all annual physicals. On the contrary, the system should only be used if the physician determines that a patient is a part of a high risk group.
Patients with the following characteristics or history are the most likely candidates and should be scheduled annually for an evaluation.
Candidates
Individuals with memory concerns or other cognitive complaints. Non-memory symptoms include personality change, depression, deterioration of chronic disease without explanation, and falls or balance issues.
Medicare beneficiaries should be tested as part of the Annual Wellness visit. This provides an opportunity for early detection and ongoing monitoring of cognitive function.
