Cognitive Assessment Written Care Plan

A patient presents with cognitive impairment and or identified during the encounter then Medicare covers a separate visit for a cognitive assessment.

So, the provider can more thoroughly evaluate the patients for cognitive function and help with care planning.

Any clinician eligible to report evaluation and management services can offer this service, including physicians (MD and DO), nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and physician assistants.

The Cognitive Assessment & Care Plan Services (CPT code 99483) typically start with a 50-minute face-to-face visit that includes a detailed history and patient exam.

The physician can collect the information from the physical examination to create a written care plan.

The resulting written care plan includes initial plans to address as following,

• Neuropsychiatric symptoms
• Neurocognitive symptoms
• Functional limitations

The Patient and or caregiver referrals to community resources, as needed, with initial education and support.

Effective from January 1, 2021, Medicare increased payment for these services to $282 when provided in an office setting, added these services to the definition of primary care services in the Medicare Shared Savings Program, and permanently covers these services via telehealth.

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