Has anyone done a cognitive test at their doctor's office.?

C50 said:
Again I ask how it's just a money maker? People make it sound like the doctor is bilking the insurance company for money, prove that's true. In reality wellness visits are encouraged and promoted by insurance companies, it's an early detection procedure. It baffles me people refuse to take one.

I will agree if it's some unsolicited independant organization wanting to come to your home to perform the test it's could be an attempt to bilk insurance, but I'm comfortable having my doctor do it.

Also my doctor has never denied questions or tried to charge extra for bringing up other issues. Actually at my last visit they even cleaned my ears of wax, I didn't ask but they looked and saw a build up so cleaned them.
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After I read about the wellness exam, I looked them up online and if your doctor is following the government guidelines, you are not allowed to discuss any of your medical problems during that visit. I’m not going to waste my time going in for an appointment where they are just going to give me a cognitive test and asked me a bunch of nosy questions. Doctors make money on the visit because they get reimbursed a certain amount for not doing much.
 
Teacher Terry said:
After I read about the wellness exam, I looked them up online and if your doctor is following the government guidelines, you are not allowed to discuss any of your medical problems during that visit. I’m not going to waste my time going in for an appointment where they are just going to give me a cognitive test and asked me a bunch of nosy questions. Doctors make money on the visit because they get reimbursed a certain amount for not doing much.
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I wish I could give you more than one 'like' for this ^ post!!!!

When I first heard (read) 'wellness exam' or 'wellness visit,' It sounded to me like a basic physical exam, and the doctor may recommend or advise a test or two he/she thought a person should have.. FAR from the truth, from what I've been reading!

The first 'wrong' is the terminology.. wouldn't most people come to the same conclusion I came to when I first heard about it?
Perhaps instead they should be 'transparent' (a/k/a 'truthful') in what it really involves.

All of that to say I agree 100% with what you said.
 
Because we have an extended family member with severe dementia I became concerned about this issue. My wife's health is not as good as mine and in many respects I am gradually becoming her caregiver. I see that becoming more pronounced as the years pass. So I asked my primary care doctor to provide a referral to a professional for evaluation.

The exam I had wasn't a ten minute answer a few questions, it was an in depth battery of tests over about a four hour period. I was honestly tired at the conclusion. After a week I returned to hear the results. In my case I showed very good cognitive measures in some areas and in a few I had some results that were not dementia but certainly age related and worth monitoring. I was encouraged to begin a routine of mental exercises that are professionally designed to stimulate better recall. I plan on having the same testing performed every three years. I'm 78 and I think it is worth paying attention too.
 
I believe medicare requires a cognitive test with your yearly checkup billed to Medicare. Last time I drew a clock and the nurse commented on how I drew mine. I did the 12 then the 6 then the 3 then the 9 and filled in the rest so it was equally spaced out. I did roman numerals and she called me a showoff.
 
oscash said:
My doctor asked me to see the nurse to do a Diabetes update and cognitive test. I thought that was strange. She asked me what today's date was, what is the name of the medical centre I was in, my height and weight, name the three articles she showed me a couple of minutes ago. Count backwards from 100. draw a clock and put in the hands of 11.40 am. She then drew a square with multiple sides (failed
that miserably)., then showed me three articles and name them (torch, cell phone and a pencil). I thought it was a total waste of time.
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Got the results of my cognitive test yesterday. Turns out it was an Annual Health Assessment. 6 pages of all the tablets I take, past operations, eye tests, if I care for myself. Actions: Mental State Examination Score 29/30. This result indicates that no significant cognitive impairment has been identified. At least I know I'm still with it.
 
Well, it turns out that it wasn't a cognitive test that my huzz's PCP gave him; I went with him today to get the results and the PCP said "Oh, that wasn't a cognitive test; I just asked him a few questions. I can't give him that test; he'll have to see a neurologist for that." But first he's going to have Huzz have a brain MRI first to rule out a mass or something.
 
MoBeans said:
I believe medicare requires a cognitive test with your yearly checkup billed to Medicare. Last time I drew a clock and the nurse commented on how I drew mine. I did the 12 then the 6 then the 3 then the 9 and filled in the rest so it was equally spaced out. I did roman numerals and she called me a showoff.
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Medicare does not require a cognitive test every year. The Medicare wellness exam which includes the cognitive test is not mandatory. I’ve been on Medicare for seven years and I never do the wellness exam. I go to the doctor when I have an issue.
 
officerripley said:
Well, it turns out that it wasn't a cognitive test that my huzz's PCP gave him; I went with him today to get the results and the PCP said "Oh, that wasn't a cognitive test; I just asked him a few questions. I can't give him that test; he'll have to see a neurologist for that." But first he's going to have Huzz have a brain MRI first to rule out a mass or something.
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Really? an mri based on what? i am suspicious.
 
oscash said:
Got the results of my cognitive test yesterday. Turns out it was an Annual Health Assessment. 6 pages of all the tablets I take, past operations, eye tests, if I care for myself. Actions: Mental State Examination Score 29/30. This result indicates that no significant cognitive impairment has been identified. At least I know I'm still with it.
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I've just completed my annual wellness check with my GP. First stage was a home visit from the practice nurse to check on my living situation. She asks a lot of questions and takes notes on safety in the home, weighs me and reports back to the GP. Next is a visit to the GP who also weighs me and we discuss my health needs including allied health measures that I might need. So far my needs are podiatry and some meds, both of which are subsidised by the federal government.

This time round he did not administer the cognitive test because he has no concerns about my mental acuity. However, after Hubby died he did check that issue. For my driving licence renewal I am required to be checked over by my doctor, including a check on my vision. At my age this happens every two years but when I turn 85 it will be an annual requirement.
 
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