Pre-Test Setup
When the patient comes into the doctor’s office for a scheduled cognitive testing, they are greeted by the doctor’s staff, brought to the testing unit, and seated comfortably. The staff person enters the patient identifying number and basic demographic information. The introduction then begins to “talk” to the patient (using recorded audio). It greets the patient, asks if the volume is high enough, if they have their glasses on and are comfortable and ready.
The staff member then leaves the room so the patient can take the Screen tests in privacy. The software takes them through some easy examples of touching some targets on the screen, graduating to slightly more complex sequences, so that the patient can get comfortable with the test process. Their privacy (no observing or participating staff) reduces embarrassment and possible errors due by distracting tester actions. The entire test is self-administered. All possible patient errors and delays have been accommodated for in the design of the software (eliminating the need for staff training).
The Testing Process
The computer shows patients various pictures, words and designs and asks them a series of questions and elicits their responses, all registered by single-touch responses. By simply touching the computer monitor to make their choices, the person taking the test works their way through the assessment. When they touch the screen on the last question, the test data are instantly sent to Screen’s headquarters via the Internet, where the test data receives a proprietary statistical analysis and is then passed on to a neuropsychological specialist (MA or PhD) for final scoring. Read our section on the CANS-MCI test battery for more details.
The Cognitive Report
The final physician report details the test’s results on three cognitive domains (memory, symbol fluency and executive function). Additionally, the report provides the likelihood that the patient will be diagnosed with MCI if they were given a full neuropsychological test battery (this probability was the criterion standard used in earlier scientific validation studies).
When doctors review Screen’s Physician Report, they are able to reassure many of their patients that their test results are normal and they have nothing to worry about. Yet, for patients whose test results show some cause for concern, doctors get early warnings that support the need for additional testing and follow-up. That’s exactly what’s supposed to happen in both cases: Screen’s tests provide an enormous service in terms of medical follow-up decisions and the emotional well-being of patients. Read our section on the CANS-MCI cognitive report for more details.
We recommend caution when a company offering a cognitive test promises reimbursement amounts above the industry standard and outside of responsible billing practices. We are happy to make billing recommendations but ultimately it is the provider’s responsibility to determine coverage and submit appropriate codes, modifiers, and charges for the services rendered.