June 30, 2021 – Updated May 31, 2022
June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month
Facts about Alzheimer's (Facts and Figures, n.d.):
- In America, more than six million people are living with Alzheimer's and the predication is this number may rise to 13 million by the year 2050.
- Around 6.2 million of these Americans are 65 years or older and 72% of them are 75 years old or older.
- One in every three older adult dies from Alzheimer's or another dementia.
- Deaths from Alzheimer's have increased by 145% between the years 2000-2019.
- The cost to the US for Alzheimer's and other dementia is $355 billion and is estimated to be as high as $1.1 trillion by the year 2050.
- Unpaid care is being provided to people with Alzheimer's and other dementias by over 11 million Americans.
June has been designated Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. This month is focused on the importance of educating the public about Alzheimer's. Throughout the month, community outreach, social media events and educational opportunities are offered to educate, to provide support, and to promote awareness about Alzheimer's. Events such as The Longest Day (June 21st) heighten the awareness about Alzheimer's and provide the community the opportunity to support those diagnosed with Alzheimer's as well as the caregivers, family, and friends of those living with Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive disorder that causes the affected individual to lose mental functioning. Alzheimer's affects a person's ability to remember, learn information, and eventually perform daily activities needed to function in everyday living. The exact cause of Alzheimer's is unknown.
Cognitive testing is part of the Annual Wellness Visit (MLN6775421 Medicare Wellness Visits Educational Tool). The Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is covered by Medicare once every 12 months. The patient pays no out-of-pocket costs and no deductible or copayment/coinsurance applies.
Type of Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) | HCPCS code | Description |
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Annual Wellness Visit (AWV); initial | HCPCS code G0438 |
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Annual Wellness Visit (AWV); subsequent | HCPCS code G0439 |
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For More Information
- MLN Connects® Newsletter 2021-05-13 Cognitive Impairment: Medicare Provides Opportunities to Detect & Diagnose
- Preventive & Screening Services (medicare.gov)
- Cognitive Assessment & Care Plan Services | CMS
- MLN Connects® Newsletters:
References
- Facts and Figures. (n.d.). Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia.
- CMS Medicare Learning Network (ICN MLN6775421 October 2020) – Medicare Wellness Visits Educational Tool