The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have issued final regulations for implementation of this important provision which also says that these visits must include assessments for the detection of cognitive impairment.
 
The Affordable Care Act for all Medicare recipients provides new coverage for an Annual Wellness Visit began January 1, 2011.
 
This new provision will increase the likelihood of early detection of cognitive impairment, thereby increasing the rate of diagnosis and allowing patients and families to plan their care at an earlier stage.
 
Lisa Ewald can be reached by email at Lisa.Ewald@alz.org.