My husband and I have Long Term Care Insurance. Before they begin to pay benefits they must have some medical information about what type of care we will need. Our Primary Care Physician said she could give my husband tests to determine if he is a possible early dementia patient, but then gave him instructions to draw a clock with the hands in the proper location to show the time of 11:20 and then gave him three words to remember until the end of the office visit. I have been told by friends with family members who have alzheimers that there are much more sophisticated cognitive tests available. Do we need to see a neurologist to get a proper evaluation?
When LTC insurance is involved there will be forms to fill in; a person must qualify according to the rules of the policy in terms of needs assessments. It can be quite competent. You should go through this form, find out what is needed, and speak with the MD about getting the testing needs met. Good luck to you.
Yes there are other more complete tests that can be done other than the MME. (that is what the doctor usually does in the office.) Typically if there is a problem with the MME or if you give indications there are other reasons to be concerned the doctor will refer you to a Neurologist or a Neuropsychologist. (If a referral is needed otherwise you can just make an appointment with one in your network)
I think an accurate diagnosis is important as that can give you a slight advantage when figuring the direction the dementia will progress. Alzheimer's is different than LBD and that is different than Vascular or FTD.
We can't know what the insurance company really expects and it's very important that you give them exactly what they want/need. If I were you I'd email them so that the answer they give you is in writing.