Motivation for the pilot program
A leading national healthcare organization collaborated with BrainCheck to address delays in identifying cognitive impairments, which hindered early intervention opportunities, while also alleviating clinician burden to allow more time for critical patient care activities. Traditional tests like MoCA or Mini-Cog were time-consuming for both patients and clinicians. Additionally, patients familiar with these tests often performed better due to repeated exposure, which could skew results and impact the accuracy of cognitive assessments.
To address these challenges, the practice integrated BrainCheck Screen™ and Assess™ into Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs), involving seven providers and 1,800+ patients. The implementation utilized a combination of remote and in-office testing to enhance patient convenience and compliance while streamlining clinical workflows. This approach not only optimized the efficiency of cognitive assessments but also ensured more accurate and timely detection of impairments.
High compliance of Screens completed with annual wellness visits
AWVs offer an ideal opportunity to establish a cognitive health baseline for patients, enabling proactive care and monitoring. By integrating BrainCheck Screen™ into AWVs, the organization ensured high compliance, seamlessly embedding cognitive assessments into routine healthcare interactions. This integration provided clinicians with a reliable foundation for tracking changes over time and identifying potential concerns earlier, benefiting both patients and providers.
81% of of AWVs included a BrainCheck Screen™
The results underscored the program’s impact: 81% of patients screened for potential cognitive impairments at their AWV. This earlier detection allowed clinicians to intervene sooner, initiating care plans and further diagnostic evaluations when needed. By identifying impairments in their early stages, the practice was able to address patient needs more effectively, improving outcomes and supporting a more pro-active approach to cognitive health management.
One provider, initially skeptical, screened a patient they had seen for six years with BrainCheck. The Screen flagged ‘further testing recommended,’ and an Assess confirmed ‘likely cognitive impairment,’ leading to a neurologist referral and ensuring the patient’s cognitive health was not overlooked.
High remote screen completion rates minimized in-clinic time
High remote screen completion rates significantly minimized in-clinic time, enhancing both efficiency and patient experience. By offering a combination of remote and in-office testing options, the practice maximized patient convenience and compliance. This flexible approach allowed patients to complete cognitive assessments in a way that best fit their schedules while maintaining the integrity of the evaluation process.
41% completed remotely before the visit
Patients who completed assessments remotely improved waiting room utilization, minimizing back up and streamlining the workflow to test patients who did not complete remotely ahead of time onsite. For in-office completions, assessments were conducted before clinician involvement, ensuring that valuable appointment time was focused on critical care activities.
Impressively, 81% of AWVs included a BrainCheck Screen™, with 41% of these assessments completed remotely before the visit, reflecting the program’s success in improving both compliance and operational efficiency.
Strong financial impact and sustainable growth
Integrating cognitive assessments into AWVs improved care and proved financially sustainable, with 93% reimbursement compliance and $25,000+ in revenue during the nine-month pilot.
By streamlining workflows and embedding cognitive screenings into AWVs, providers improved patient outcomes and operational efficiency, demonstrating the financial viability of this approach.
Broader impact: transforming cognitive care across the network
By piloting BrainCheck in one practice with seven providers and 1,800+ patients, the organization enhanced cognitive testing workflows and generated revenue, showcasing its scalability for broader use. Feedback from both patients and staff highlighted the program’s effectiveness. Patients valued the user experience as well, with one noting, “The different tests [within Assess] keep you engaged.”
The success of the pilot demonstrates the potential to expand these benefits across the organization’s network, improving cognitive care while maintaining operational efficiency and financial sustainability.
