•The geriatric VMC was established on December 12, 2024. This clinic operates two days per week, utilizing one-hour video appointments via a secure telehealth platform. Data was retrospectively analyzed from December 2024 to December 2025.  

•Primary outcomes measures included referral patterns (family-initiated, PCP-referred, or patient identified), geographic distribution (urban vs. rural), and operational resilience, measured by no-show and cancellation rates. 

Results

After 12 months, 168 new patients were seen in the VMC. Family identified concern was the primary driver for seeking care (n=76), followed by patient self-identification (n=68), and then PCP referral (n=24). Notably, 41.6% (n=70) of the cohort resided in underserved rural areas. 

Operational data revealed only 23 cancellations (of which 14 rescheduled) and 3 no-shows (2 rescheduled). Only 1.2% (n=2) of appointments required rescheduling due to same-day technical issues. Ultimately, 93.3% of the total volume was retained, with a definitive no-show/no-reschedule rate of only 0.6% (n=1). This indicates near-maximum throughput and high patient engagement.  

Conclusion

The Virtual memory clinic model improves access to care by eliminating travel burden, evidenced by the significant rural representations and minimal no-show rate.  The volume of family and patient-initiated referrals suggests a strong demand for direct access to specialist care.  Furthermore, the low technical failure rate (1.2%) counters ageist assumptions regarding seniors' ability to navigate telehealth. This model is operationally resilient, scalable, and effective in addressing geographic disparities in dementia care.

 

Contact:

jfernan4@nm.org