Integrating BrainCheck with Athena
Dr. Bruce Lowell, a seasoned geriatrician and board-certified internist affiliated with New York Hospital Queens and North Shore Hospital Manhasset, operates a private MDVIP practice in Great Neck, NY, where he provides care to a large number of adult and Medicare-aged patients.
Over the years, Dr. Lowell noticed that patients often become frustrated when asked to take pen-and-paper cognitive tests. The presence of an observer—who must remain silent during the test—can heighten tension and cause distractions.
“With these traditional cognitive assessments, no matter how much you try, there is still a human element that makes them subjective,” Dr. Lowell explained. Seeking a more efficient and objective solution, in early 2023 Dr. Lowell implemented BrainCheck, an FDA Class II digital cognitive assessment tool available on the Athena Marketplace EMR. BrainCheck’s seamless integration with Athena makes it easy to view results directly in the patient chart. The browser-based tool (no app required) works on both Apple and Android devices, allowing patients to complete the assessments independently.
“BrainCheck was the perfect solution because it could be administered in a private room within the office, allowing patients to complete the assessment independently without the added pressure of being observed by medical staff,” with a technician available nearby to assist if needed.
108 Patients and Counting: Saving Time Without Sacrificing Care
To date, Dr. Lowell has administered 164 assessments across 108 unique patients, with some patients returning for a second test in their second year. The typical assessment takes about 15 minutes to complete, though some patients finish even faster. These 15 minutes, plus setup time, no longer require the silent presence of a clinician. Instead, their time is redirected toward more meaningful patient interactions.
Across 164 assessments, that’s over 2,160 minutes —or 36 hours—of clinic time saved, time that Dr. Lowell and his team has reinvested in patient care—and more thorough discussions about the results.
Remote Testing: A Game Changer for Patients and Providers
After receiving positive feedback from patients about the fun, video game-like usability of BrainCheck, Dr. Lowell adopted BrainCheck’s remote testing capabilities. This feature allows assessments to be sent to patients via text, enabling them to complete the tests on their home devices. Results are automatically and securely sent back to the practice’s EMR system.
“Now, most of my patients complete their cognitive assessments at home, in a comfortable and relaxed environment, and at their convenience. This not only helps to reduce their stress but also provides a more accurate reflection of their cognitive abilities. As soon as the patient completes the test, their results are instantly available in their electronic health record,” Dr. Lowell shared.
A Comprehensive Approach to Brain Health
Dr. Lowell typically incorporates BrainCheck into the physical portion of annual wellness exams, with a follow-up consultation.
Having the patients’ BrainCheck results readily available in Athena provides me with critical information about their brain health, which I then review with the patient during the consultation. When we look at the patient’s physical and brain health together, we can determine what actions the patient can take to improve their overall health and well-being,” he explained.
Dr. Lowell now recommends BrainCheck for all his adult patients, particularly those over 65.
“For patients with a family history or a genotype that puts them at higher risk, BrainCheck is even more valuable as it helps detect signs of decline earlier, when interventions may be more effective,” he added.
Dr. Lowell emphasized that BrainCheck provides comprehensive insights across multiple cognitive domains, including memory, attention, executive function, mental flexibility, and processing speed.
“BrainCheck provides me with an objective way of presenting a clear snapshot of the patient’s brain health to them and their family, along with a care plan to help shape the patient’s care today and in the future,” Dr. Lowell noted.
By eliminating the inefficiency of paper-based systems, gaining greater insights and focusing clinician-patient time on meaningful discussions and actionable care plans, Dr. Lowell has saved over 36 hours of clinic time while dramatically improving the quality of care for his patients.
