Using Policy to Improve Access to Care for Persons With Alzheimer's Disease

As Americans increase life expectancies, one disease that has captured federal attention is Alzheimer's disease. Annually, health care professionals see provider billing codes changing to meet regulatory guidelines. In 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services enacted billing code G0505 to provide health care reimbursements for care planning services for clients with Alzheimer's disease. In-depth assessments and screenings included a patient-centered approach with familial interventions. Due to lack of awareness, health care providers demonstrated <1% use of these assessments in eligible older adults. Congress has proposed a bill (H.R. 1873/S880) to promote provider awareness and education training on its key elements. By educating future health care providers on updated legislation, providers will be able to offer an interdisciplinary approach in meeting the health care needs of the aging population. Health care providers can maintain patient advocacy while creating a vision of change for enabling policies specific to identified demographic populations. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 45(12), 7-11.].