Rapid Expert Guidance for Cognitive Concerns

For Providers Outside MUSC

Submit via MUSC Health CareLink. Instructions for requesting a CareLink account are available on the login page.

For MUSC Providers

Order in EPIC:

• “eConsult to SCAN” or
• “eConsult to SCAN Panel” (includes prerequisite studies)

Instructions appear in the “Scheduling Instructions” area (press F3 to expand).

Initiate an eConsult anytime you need fast specialist guidance on cognitive symptoms, diagnostic uncertainty, or management questions. 

Common reasons include:

• New or worsening cognitive impairment
• Evaluation for anti-amyloid or emerging Alzheimer’s therapies
• Behavioral changes, agitation, sleep disturbances, or mood symptoms
• Medication review or treatment recommendations
• Caregiver/patient education and resource support
• Any case where cognitive disease is a concern
• Interpretation of and guidance on when to use blood based and other biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease.

If unsure, submit the eConsult — SCAN provides rapid expert triage and will guide you to the right next step.

An eConsult to SCAN is designed for rapid expert support, giving clinicians specialist-level input without waiting months for an appointment. Providers receive:

• Fast specialist guidance — recommendations delivered within days
• Medication and treatment advice for Alzheimer’s and related disorders
• Diagnostic clarity to support earlier identification and evaluation
• Behavioral management strategies
• A PCP-first model — many patients remain in your care with SCAN supporting you
• A streamlined path for patients who need in-person memory clinic evaluation

This statewide model improves access, speeds treatment decisions, and supports equitable access to new Alzheimer’s therapies.

These prerequisites ensure SCAN can provide high-quality, rapid recommendations:

• Patient Symptom Questionnaire (PSQ) — completed by provider or caregiver
• Imaging: MRI brain without contrast (or CT if MRI cannot be done)
• Labs: CMP, CBC, thyroid panel, Vitamin B12, syphilis antibody
• Optional: Cognitive screening test
• For therapy evaluations: MMSE expedites determination

SCAN clinicians provide rapid, actionable clinical guidance through one of the following outcomes:

1. Recommendations for management (medications, testing, behavioral strategies)
2. Guidance to redirect to another specialty (neurology, psychiatry, neuropsychology) — with help scheduling when possible
3. Scheduling into a SCAN Memory Treatment Center for in-person evaluation when indicated