Frequently asked questions CDAMS referral
What tests will be conducted?
As part of the referral GP will arrange CT brain and some blood tests.
At the Baseline visit and clinic appointment a memory questionnaire and mood scale will be done. At the clinic visit the Doctor will ask the patient more memory related questions and tasks.
Who will be performing these tests, and how long will it take?
Tests will be undertaken by the assessment clinician (nurse) and clinic doctor. The initial home assessment takes approximately 1&1/2 hours and the clinic approximately 1 hour.
Should I prepare for the tests in any way?
No preparation is required.
Will any of the tests involve pain or discomfort?
Assessments will involve verbal and written tasks. The Doctor at the clinic visit will check blood pressure and reflexes. None of these should cause any pain or discomfort.
Will there be a cost involved?
There is no cost involved to the clinic process. If a driving assessment is required a subsidised cost is involved.
What follow-up will be necessary, and who will perform the follow-up?
Depending on the diagnosis/outcome, the clinic Doctor will do follow up visits as discussed with the patient.
How will I be informed of the test results and the diagnosis?
A written meeting sheet outlining results/ diagnosis and recommendations is provided to the patient, GP and family (if appropriate) at the conclusion of the assessment process.
Who else will be told of my results and diagnosis?
Your GP, family and service providers (if appropriate) will be notified of results and diagnosis.
Will my GP be given information about me? (if you are seeing a specialist)
Yes. Correspondence is sent to your GP each time you are seen in the clinic. Initially it is sent by the assessing nurse and then the clinic doctor after each of your visits.