Connecting Providers to Top Memory Care Facilities

Georgia Memory Net’s recommended criteria for a referral include a cognitive screening test with impaired scores or observed or reported symptoms typical of memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia. If you have a patient whose screening or symptoms suggests the need for further memory loss assessment or diagnostic testing, Georgia Memory Net is a simple referral away. You can refer by placing an order in local system (CPOE), or by faxing a completed form to your patient’s most convenient Memory Assessment Clinic.

Each year, Medicare-eligible adults should receive their Annual Wellness Visit (AWV), a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reimbursable health screening. Primary Care Physicians (PCP) perform the AWV to determine risk factors for chronic illnesses, including dementia. The Mini-Cog™ is a non-invasive cognitive screening tool embedded in the AWV that takes about three minutes to complete. If a patient's Mini-Cog results indicate an impairment in memory or cognitive function, the PCP can refer the patient to their local Georgia Memory Net for further testing and a diagnostic visit with the trained provider. Alternatively, if the PCP conducts the Mini-Cog outside of the AWV or otherwise indicates notable impairment in memory, that provider may also refer the patient to the local Georgia Memory Net Memory Assessment Clinic.

In the state of Georgia, it used to take up to 18 months to schedule a diagnostic appointment for a definitive diagnosis for Alzheimer’s or related dementias. Since Georgia Memory Net was founded, Georgians can get an appointment in an average of 5 weeks, though that time can vary depending on demand. Because every case is different, the time required to receive results varies, though it usually is within a couple of weeks.

Many medical and mental health issues may mask as Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. Physicians or Advanced Practice Providers, such as Nurse Practitioners or Physician Assistants, are best equipped to rule out some of the masking disorders, including thyroid or Vitamin B disorders, depression and side effects of particular medications or combinations of medications. Using the PCPs to determine the greatest likelihood of a dementia prior to making the referral enables Georgia Memory Net to streamline the process of delivering diagnostic and care planning expertise.

General neurologists treat a wide range of conditions and diseases affecting the nervous system. Cognitive neurologists specialize in treating patients with memory loss, dementia and cognitive dysfunction. There are few cognitive neurologists in Georgia outside of Atlanta. Using telehealth and consultative resources, Georgia Memory Net provides its Memory Assessment Clinics with access to cognitive neurologists, Emory clinicians and scientists specializing in memory issues and cognitive decline, and a Community Service Educator (CSE) for care recommendations. Moreover, Georgia Memory Net staff has the education and resources to follow up with a patient’s local Primary Care Physician, ensuring that they are well-equipped to continue caring for their patients with memory issues and cognitive decline, since many patients are unable to regularly visit a neurologist due to geographic distance or scheduling constraints.

Though it’s not required, Georgia Memory Net recommends that a care partner or partners are aware of the referral in order to support scheduling and attending the appointments as needed.

Georgia Memory Net will train Primary Care Providers on how to conduct and bill for the Annual Wellness Visit (AWV), ensuring the Mini-Cog™ is conducted within the AWV. PCPs will also receive training on providing the best care for dementia patients and their families in primary care settings to ensure they’re equipped to care for their patients in the long term following their Memory Assessment Clinic visits. As Memory Assessment Clinics go from pilot to full operations, Georgia Memory Net will deliver regional messaging in digital and live format via webinars regarding referral processes via AWVs, expectations of PCP-to-Memory Assessment Clinic communications and care continuity instruction. Georgia Memory Net will offer regional and statewide conferences in partnership with various professional organizations like the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, or the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association.

Most people Georgia Memory Net diagnoses are covered by Medicare. However, our MACs also accept a range of private insurance plans as well as self-pay options. For patients who are underinsured or uninsured, many of our MACs offer financial assistance programs to help ensure access to care.

After diagnosis, Georgia Memory Net provides a customized care plan for each patient to their Primary Care Provider so that they can be well informed in managing their health moving forward. This can include coordinating with specialists and other health care providers. Currently, GMN does not provide ongoing care, but in the rapidly changing landscape of Alzheimer's treatments, we are exploring models to be more directly involved in the follow-up care of GMN patients.

If you notice symptoms that could be caused by Alzheimer’s or related dementias in a patient over 65, we recommend a referral to Georgia Memory Net as soon as possible. At our Memory Assessment Clinics, or via telemedicine, our specialists will use multiple diagnostic tools to determine whether your patient’s symptoms are Alzheimer’s related, or if they may be due to another cause.