When an Alzheimer’s patient requires multiple specialists, like neurology, psychiatry, rehabilitation, etc, what role does the primary care physician play in coordinating all of those inputs and making sure they aren’t contradicting each other? originally appeared on Quora – the knowledge sharing network where compelling questions are answered by people with unique insights.
Answer by Hillary Clinton, Candidate for President Former Secretary of State, on Quora.
More than 5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease today, and that number is expected nearly to triple by 2015. I’ve met so many families who are dealing with the heartbreaking reality of watching a loved one’s memory and mental capacity slip away, all while they struggle to find–and afford–the right care.
Primary care physicians are critical to planning and overseeing this process–and my proposed plan will make it easier for them to do so. More than two-thirds of patients with Alzheimer’s or other dementias also suffer from other chronic illnesses. Beyond the difficulty of planning for Alzheimer’s care itself, the disease complicates the management of these other conditions. So we need primary care physicians to coordinate the care their patients receive from various physicians and specialists. The simple act of sitting down together–patient, caregiver, and primary care physician–to map out a treatment plan can make a big difference. Care-planning sessions help caregivers and patients understand the diagnosis and learn about all of the services and treatment options available to them. And simply updating a patient’s medical record with the right diagnoses and care plan can facilitate better outcomes across the board–and minimize painful and costly complications.
Under my plan, Medicare will cover comprehensive Alzheimer’s care-planning sessions, as well as the cost of properly documenting every diagnosis and care plan. These solutions align with the bipartisan HOPE for Alzheimer’s Act, championed by Senator Debbie Stabenow and Representative Christopher Smith, and with recommendations by the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease. Treating and curing Alzheimer’s disease is an enormous priority for our country–and something I’ve been fighting for for many years. As a U.S. senator, I consistently pushed for more Alzheimer’s research funding, including federally funded stem cell research. I also co-chaired the congressional task force on Alzheimer’s disease and introduced legislation to restore funding for the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Contact Center and for Alzheimer’s disease demonstration grants. I worked across aisle on this issue, appearing with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich to promote a new study group on Alzheimer’s research.As president, I will keep fighting for more robust Medicare coverage, better coordination and treatment, expanded research, and ultimately, a cure.
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