To increase the detection rate of cognitive impairment, particularly in early stages, the MIPS eligible primary care clinician must perform the following activities:
• Determine his/her baseline detection rates for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, and cognitive impairment at either stage using the tool provided for this Improvement Activity
• If any of the three rates are below 1.0:
o Increase the uptake of the Annual Wellness Visit
o Ensure that each Annual Wellness Visit contains a structured cognitive assessment
o Include a question about subjective memory concerns to the collection of vital signs during intake for patients 65+, and conduct a structured cognitive assessment in those with concerns
• Remeasure detection rates for MCI, dementia, and cognitive impairment at either stage quarterly
This Improvement Activity should only focus on Medicare patients aged 65 and older, given the strong correlation of cognitive impairment with age.