Cognitive screening is not a new concept, and many clinics and health systems have cognitive screening protocols and processes in place. However, training and education are key tools for introducing new findings, reinforcing previous learning, and aligning all staff with the purpose and goals of cognitive health.  

Dementia Care Aware offers training on an approach called the cognitive health assessment (CHA) tool as well as supplemental courses, webinars, and podcasts for those wanting to go deeper into specific topics. 

The cognitive health assessment training covers the CHA which is an approach to screening older adults for dementia in primary care. It can be used as any annual approach to screening, including within the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. It can also be used as the start of a comprehensive evaluation for someone with signs or symptoms of dementia. The assessment is completely free and uses instruments validated in primary care that are easy to score and available in multiple languages. The course is offered as an online self-paced module and as a live virtual training held multiple times monthly. Sign up for the CHA on our website today! 

Learners who complete the training will: 

1. Learn about dementia and screening tools for dementia. 
2. Gain confidence in screening for dementia in older adult patients in a primary care setting through examples of real-world implementation of the cognitive health assessment. 
3. Know how to start a brain health plan in collaboration with their patient. 
4. Qualify and learn how to bill for the assessment for patients with Medi-Cal only coverage using CPT code 1494F and other payers. 

Additional courses, webinars, and podcasts are also available as additional ways for interested professionals to learn more about dementia care. Click here to learn more about Dementia Care Aware educational offerings