Recent Study Updates
The following page is designed to provide participating New IDEAS dementia practices and PET imaging facilities updates on study activities. This page will be updated monthly.
Please contact the New IDEAS Operations Team at newideas@acr.org with any questions about the updates featuring on this page or past updates.
New IDEAS Newsletter
Read the most recent New IDEAS Study Newsletter here to learn more about ongoing initiatives. Read the most recent newsletter or past newsletters.
Referring Dementia Practice Updates
Study Protocol and Informed Consent Form Amendment
Important Notice: Advarra IRB is still in the process of issuing site-level approvals for the recent protocol and ICF amendment. Sites will continue receiving approval from Advarra IRB on a rolling basis. This protocol and ICF amendment approval should not be confused with a recent approval memo that was issued regarding supplemental patient facing instructional materials. Sites are NOT permitted to use the recently approved patient facing materials (Transportation Assistance Information Sheet and the Updated Blood Draw Instructions Sheet) until site-level IRB approval of the protocol and ICF amendment is received from Advarra IRB. If you are not sure of your approval status, please contact cirbi@advarra.com.
The New IDEAS Study Team is excited to announce new study-wide initiatives including transportation assistance to the amyloid PET scan, in-home blood collection services, and updates to the study protocol’s inclusion criteria for more inclusive research.
The Study Team received approval for a protocol and Informed Consent Form (ICF) amendment on March 1, 2023. Sites should look for email communication from the Study Team and Advarra IRB with additional details and next steps. In the coming weeks, sites will receive additional communication regarding supporting documents associated with the study's programmatic changes, including: 1) Transportation Assistance Information Sheet and 2) Updated Blood Draw Instructions.
Please review the following documents:
PET Imaging Facility Updates
Medicare Reimbursement and Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization Denials
If your facility is currently experiencing issues with prior authorization requests or Medicare reimbursement for amyloid PET scans conducted through New IDEAS, please contact the New IDEAS Operations Team at newideas@acr.org.
Detailed instructions on proper Medicare billing processes can be found on the study website. Reminder, the study has a template letter available for use when communicating with Medicare Advantage Plans. This resource has been proven successful in obtaining prior authorization for coverage.
Community Engagement Updates
Highlights
A Houston area Champion sharing information about Alzheimer’s disease and New IDEAS during the Binational Health Week in partnership with the Mexican Consulate.
The goal of the event is to provide health education and preventive screenings to communities in Houston.
Become a Study Champion
Study Champions are trained volunteers who partner with community organizations within their region to spread information about the New IDEAS Study. Champions must live in near one of the following metropolitan areas - Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia/New Jersey, San Diego, Washington DC/DMV.
If you become a Study Champion, you will receive training on New IDEAS and learn how to build strong community relationships and cultural humility.
Email NewIdeasStudy.CES@med.unc.edu to learn more about becoming a New IDEAS Study Champion.
Page last updated: March 16, 2023.