Medicare Corner
Medicare Cognitive Assessment & Care Plan Services
When you see your provider for a visit (including your yearly “Wellness” visit), they may perform a cognitive assessment to look for signs of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Signs of cognitive impairment include trouble remembering, learning new things, concentrating, managing finances, or making decisions about your everyday life. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and delirium can also cause confusion, so it’s important to understand why you may be having symptoms. Medicare covers a separate visit with your regular doctor or a specialist to do a full review of your cognitive function, establish or confirm a diagnosis like dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and develop a care plan. You can bring someone with you, like a spouse, friend, or caregiver, to help provide information and answer questions.
During this visit, your doctor may:
• Perform an exam, talk with you about your medical history, and review your medications. • Create a care plan to help address and manage your symptoms. • Help you develop or update your advance care plan.
• Refer you to a specialist, if needed. • Help you understand more about community resources, like rehabilitation services, adult day health programs, and support groups. The Part B deductible and coinsurance apply.
Source: Medicare & You Handbook 2022 (The official U.S. government Medicare handbook), pp:34
Click on the following link https://pcoa.org/ways-we-help/medicare.html/ for up-to-date information about Medicare resources, including presentation schedule, at PCOA or call 520.546.2011 for more information.
May 2022, Never Too Late | Page 5
Pima Council on Aging
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