Care Coordinator, Cognitive Screening & Assessment Support

Kitwood Health is a specialized cognition-focused medical practice addressing the massive gap in dementia diagnosis and care. About 20 million seniors are living with Alzheimer’s, Other Dementias or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), yet only 6 million have a diagnosis and only 3% of those have a care plan and are receiving adequate support. Even when primary care physicians and specialists want to focus on cognitive health and close this gap, they lack the time, staffing and specialized training to effectively manage cognitive diagnosis and care for such a large number of patients. Kitwood Health comes alongside these doctors to co-manage patients with suspected cognitive concerns or MCI/dementia diagnoses. The Kitwood Health clinicians and care coordinators handle the cognitive care workload on behalf of its partner practices, guiding patients through the cognitive evaluation, diagnosis, care planning, and ongoing support process.

The Care Coordinator will play a vital role in supporting the Kitwood Health cognitive screening and assessment process for patients of our partner practices. Screening will be for patients identified with suspected cognitive impairment or with high risk factors.The Care Coordinator will administer digital cognitive assessments, gather patient information, and manage patient engagement workflows to ensure timely identification and further evaluation of patients who may benefit from dementia care. You will be assigned to one or more Kitwood Health partner practices. The work will involve both in-clinic and remote work as needed to support the patients, the Kitwood Health clinicians, and the partner practice physicians. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Administering Cognitive Screening Tools:
  • Administering digital cognitive screening tools at multiple points in the process.
  • Following established protocols for test administration and documentation.
• Patient Intake and Preparation:
  • Managing schedule of upcoming cognition-focused appointments, gathering relevant patient information, prepping charts, and sending remote testing link to patients prior to appointment (if warranted). 
  • Remote and in-person proctoring tests. 
  • Following up on incomplete tests.
• Documentation and Record Keeping:
  • Updating and maintaining electronic medical records (EHRs) with patient information and test results.
  • Managing patient engagement information in a customized CRM system.
  • Ensuring accurate documentation of all patient interactions and procedures.
• Billing Support / Prior Authorization Processing:
  • Assist with billing and insurance processing tasks, including verifying insurance coverage and obtaining pre-authorizations.
  • Initiate and manage the prior authorization process for diagnostic testing, medical procedures, and referrals.
  • Gather and organize patient medical records, treatment plans, and other relevant documentation required for authorization submissions.
  • Document all communication and actions taken throughout the authorization process accurately and thoroughly.
  • Monitor the progress of authorization requests and follow up as necessary to expedite approvals.
• Communication and Support:
  • Communicating professionally and compassionately with patients and their families, addressing questions and concerns.
  • Providing basic health information to patients and families regarding dementia screening and the next steps.
  • Maintaining a high level of confidentiality regarding patient information.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program and credentialing through a recognized entity (e.g., CMA, RMA, CCMA) required.
• A high school diploma or GED required.
• Previous prior authorization and billing experience a must.
• Key skills include proficiency in administering assessment tools, excellent communication, and strong computer skills, including experience with electronic medical records (EMR).
• The role requires the ability to work effectively in a team with compassion, empathy, patience, and strong organizational skills. The ability to adapt to change is also important.
• Bilingual Spanish is preferred.