Who is allowed to determine Mild Cognitive Impairment?
The parameters of the code indicate that ‘objective measured decline and objective cognitive deficits’ must be present. It is preferable to have a physician indicate this condition. In some settings the physician relies on other health personnel to indicate conditions present in the patient. If in a formal evaluation, a Speech Pathologist or Occupational Therapist discovers such indicators as verbal (word finding) and visual memory deficits that information should be brought to the attending physician and/or nurse manager for agreement and inclusion in the medical chart. • Can this new diagnosis of MCI be used as a treatment diagnosis? Yes, as an additional supporting diagnosis for treatment. Examples: Physical Therapy is treating someone for a gait disturbance, following a hip replacement. The person would be returning to an independent or ALF environment. If the diagnosis, MCI, is in the chart or determined through objective testing of a Speech Pathologist or Occupational Therapist,
