1. What is the decision or change (e.g., clinical topic, practice guideline, system design, delivery of care) you are facing or struggling with where a summary of the evidence would be helpful?

Will providing multifactorial comprehensive fall risk assessments annually on older adults be more impactful than the Medicare Wellness Visit as it stands right now? Multifactorial meaning comprehensive assessments for vision, hearing, pharmacy, mental, physical health, etc. rather than just a few questions on a form.

2. Why are you struggling with this issue?

Currently Medicare beneficiaries are provided the Annual Medicare Wellness Assessment but reportedly do not see much intervention following the exam. With insurance not covering a wide range of prevention services, the beneficiary is the one to suffer if they do not have the means to pay for more comprehensive services out of pocket or the knowledge to advocate for these services for themselves.

3. What do you want to see changed? How will you know that your issue is improving or has been addressed?

Prevention assessments will be comprehensive and provided by multiple disciplines (audiologist, ophthalmologist, physical therapist, neuropsychologist, etc.) and will engage the older adults in practical steps to maximize their health. Older adults will be more likely to remain independent and will be able to age in place rather than enter assisted living/SNF's or be hospitalized for preventable injuries.

4. When do you need the evidence report?

Tue, 12/31/2024

5. What will you do with the evidence report?

I would use the information to back up my practice model, inform my decisions when promoting fall prevention in the area and the state as well as provide an evidence-based guideline for programming in senior centers and communities that are interested in cooperating with the governor's proclamation that NC is an age friendly state.

Optional Information About You

What is your role or perspective? Provider/physical therapist/business owner

May we contact you if we have questions about your nomination? Yes