Any Doctors in Idaho/Washington able to diagnose dementia

jmontgomery329

I have been trying to get my mom a diagnosis for the type of dementia she has for almost a year. I keep getting the run around in the Coeur dAlene/Spokane area that apparently only two doctors in the whole area are capable of diagnosing her and prescribing any medication. This seems very odd and frustrating to me considering the population size of our area. Does anyone know of any doctors who can see her to diagnose her. The North Idaho Memory Clinic says their one doctor is too backed to see her until at least fall. The Providence Memory Clinic in Spokane says they are currently booking late November and by the time they process her referral it will be December. Does anyone know anybody who would be willing to see her? I have now reached out to the Boise area 8 hours away and am probably going to reach out to Seattle soon.

Anonymousjpl123

I am so so sorry you are going through this. I went through similar challenges. It’s not you, even with decent insurance our health care system is incredibly difficult to navigate for this.

I would make the appointments at the memory clinic, anyway. It’s a long wait but will be good to have them booked just in case.

Also does she have a primary care physician making the referral? I had to practically break down in tears in an appt with my mom while trying to get a diagnosis, but it did lead to movement.

Also, maybe try neurologists in your area. Some may be willing to see her more quickly, then you can follow up with memory care.

With my mom, it has been almost a year and I am just now getting close to a diagnosis in treatment. We started with a neurologist, then a primary, plus follow up with her endocrinologist so they could all be in sync. It took a lot of phone calls and research. I hope this helps. You may feel you are going in circles but you will get there.