Routine cognitive screening is important. There's no question about that. It's been a requirement of the Medicare Advantage Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) since 2011, and it's also a key American Academy of Neurology geriatric neurology quality measure. With the population explosion of adults 65+, and a relative shortage of neurologists, it's even better if this sort of evaluation happens in primary care. There's just one catch. Cognitive screening still isn't happening reliably enough.
At Neurotrack we've noticed that in many leading health systems, like California's Sutter Health, top neurologists are now leading the charge for adoption of efficient screening tools and better cognitive assessment workflows within primary care. Here's why our nation's leading brain specialists have Neurotrack at the top of their wish lists:
1. Earlier, More Reliable Cognitive Impairment Detection
Neurologists often see patients too late—when symptoms are already advanced. Efficient digital screeners like Neurotrack enable standardized, repeatable cognitive screening in primary care, helping to identify impairment while it's still mild. If this impairment is caused by Alzheimer's disease, this is also the ideal time to intervene with new disease modifying therapies.
Why it matters:
Improves timing and appropriateness of referrals
Reduces “watch and wait” ambiguity
Enables earlier intervention, when it’s most impactful
2. Higher-Quality Referrals with Objective Data
Instead of vague complaints (“memory issues”), platforms like Neurotrack equip PCPs with quantifiable cognitive data and longitudinal trends.
Why it matters:
Better triage: PCPs can easily determine who actually needs specialty care
More efficient consults (less time spent establishing baseline)
Supports clinical decision-making from day one
3. Reduces Specialist Waitlists
When PCPs refer for "memory issues" without doing their own cognitive screening, Neurology waitlists get jammed with patients who may not actually require specialist care. Neurotrack helps PCPs rule out or monitor mild concerns independently.
Why it matters:
Frees up neurologist capacity for complex cases
Reduces low-acuity referrals
Aligns with value-based care and access goals
4. Aligns with Modern Standards for Cognitive Screening
With increasing regulatory emphasis on cognitive assessment (e.g., during Annual Wellness Visits), and stepped up scrutiny of diagnosing and reimbursement, Neurotrack helps PCPs operationalize screening at scale, speeds time to diagnosis, and has defensible documentation built right in.
Why it matters:
Ensures patients entering neurology have already been screened
Standardizes upstream care pathways
Ensures system-wide cognitive health strategy achieves other key goals
5. Enables Longitudinal Monitoring Between Visits
Neurologists rarely see patients frequently enough to track subtle cognitive change. Neurotrack creates a continuous data stream from primary care.
Why it matters:
Detects progression or stability over time
Supports treatment planning and adjustments
Adds objective evidence for clinical and reimbursement decisions