Diagnostic and Management Tools for Health Systems and Clinicians   The Alzheimer's Association has partnered with government and professional organizations to develop several physician guidelines and recommendations that can help you care for your patients with dementia.  Resources include detection of cognitive impairment in primary care, recommendations for defining preclinical Alzheimer's disease, appropriate use criteria for amyloid PET imaging, and more.   https://www.alz.org/professionals/health-systems-clinicians/guidelines_index_(1)

Tools to Assist with Cognitive Assessment during the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit  The Alzheimer's Association convened a group of practicing expert clinicians to make consensus recommendations for an effective, practical and easy process for detecting cognitive impairment in the primary care setting.
https://www.alz.org/professionals/health-systems-clinicians/cognitive-assessment

Diagnosing Patients With Dementia  The Alzheimer's Association and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) jointly issued four criteria and guidelines to diagnose Alzheimer's disease, including recommendations for clinical office settings.  https://www.alz.org/professionals/health-systems-clinicians/dementia-diagnosis

How does one optimally manage a patient living with Dementia?  Both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions are needed to optimally treat the cognitive, behavioral and psychological symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.  Explore resources and tools to enhance and inform the treatment and management of patients living with dementia at https://www.alz.org/professionals/health-systems-clinicians/management.

Making a Plan of Care for Patients with Cognitive Decline and Dementia   Cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, can be difficult and time consuming to discuss with patients. Although in-depth care planning is beneficial for all, this type of service has not been covered under Medicare - until recently.  CPT® code 99483 provides reimbursement for a clinical visit that results in a comprehensive care plan, allowing you to deliver services that can contribute to a higher quality of life for your patients.  Clinicians who can be reimbursed under the code include physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and certified nurse midwives.  Care planning for individuals with dementia is an ongoing process and a formal update to a care plan should occur at least once per year or when indicated by disease progression.
https://www.alz.org/professionals/health-systems-clinicians/care-planning

Diagnosis, Treatment and Management of Dementia https://www.alzmassnh.org/hospital/physician-cme-course/

For more information, contact:
Peter Baker, LCSW, Program Director
Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter
207-772-0115 x9691  1-800-272-3900  
pbaker@alz.org