HCPCS G9170: Memory Functional Limitation, Discharge Status at Discharge from Therapy or to End Reporting

Name of the Procedure:

• Common Names: Memory Assessment at Discharge, Cognitive Discharge Evaluation
• Technical/Medical Term: Memory Functional Limitation, Discharge Status at Discharge from Therapy or to End Reporting (HCPCS G9170)

Summary

The Memory Functional Limitation assessment (HCPCS G9170) is a procedure carried out at the end of a patient's therapy or reporting period. It helps healthcare providers evaluate a patient's memory capacities and cognitive functions upon discharge.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions Addressed: Cognitive impairments, memory loss, and other conditions affecting mental functions that were being treated during therapy.
• Goals/Outcomes: To determine improvements, declines, or consistent levels in memory performance compared to pre-therapy evaluations. This information aids in planning further care or interventions if needed.

Indications

• Symptoms/Conditions: Memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, brain injuries, and other neurocognitive disorders.
• Criteria: Patients undergoing cognitive or memory therapy who have completed or are ending their course of treatment.

Preparation

• Pre-Procedure Instructions: No specific fasting or medication adjustments are typically needed. It's advisable for the patient to get a good night's sleep and avoid stressful activities.
• Diagnostic Tests: Cognitive assessments and baseline memory tests performed before starting therapy to compare with discharge results.

Procedure Description

1. Patient Interaction: The healthcare professional interviews the patient and possibly their family members to gather relevant data.
2. Memory Tests: Administer specific memory and cognitive tests tailored to the patient’s condition, such as recall exercises, problem-solving tasks, and recognition tests.
3. Tools/Equipment: Standardized cognitive assessment tools and questionnaires, electronic devices for administering tests, and recording results.
4. Anesthesia/Sedation: Not applicable.

Duration

• Typical Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Setting

• Location: Can be performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or therapy center.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals: Typically conducted by neuropsychologists, occupational therapists, or trained nurses specializing in cognitive therapies.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Generally non-invasive with no physical risks, but may cause emotional stress or frustration if the patient is struggling with memory tasks.
• Rare Complications: Potential for minor emotional or psychological discomfort which needs to be managed by a healthcare professional.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Provides a clear picture of patient’s cognitive improvement or decline. Helps in planning further care or interventions.
• Realization Timeframe: Immediately upon assessment, with results typically discussed during the same appointment.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: No specific care required. Discuss results and any further recommendations with the patient and family.
• Recovery Time: No physical recovery needed, but follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor ongoing cognitive health.
• Restrictions: None.

Alternatives

• Other Options: Alternative cognitive evaluation methods, continued memory therapy, use of different cognitive assessment tools.
• Pros and Cons: Alternates may offer more comprehensive or varied insights but might require more time or specialized equipment.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: The patient may feel a range of emotions from stress to satisfaction based on their performance and memory recall.
• Pain Management: Not applicable, but emotional support and reassurance are important.
• Comfort Measures: Patient should be made comfortable and informed throughout the procedure to ease any anxiety or stress.