A new brain mapping diagnostic tool has been introduced on Guam at the Hepzibah Family Medicine Clinic, offering detailed cognitive testing capabilities to diagnose conditions such as PTSD and dementia. The technology, provided by Nufaze Health Solutions, has the potential to revolutionize mental health care for veterans on the island. However, the tool is currently only available to Medicare recipients, highlighting ongoing health care access issues for veterans.
Dr. Ugochukwu Akoma, who runs the Hepzibah clinic, explained that the brain mapping system uses electrodes attached to a cap to measure brain activity while patients undergo cognitive challenges. The technology can help diagnose conditions like depression, PTSD, and dementia, providing valuable insight for VA disability claims.
This initiative, in collaboration with the nonprofit HMI, aims to address the mental health challenges faced by veterans on Guam. Corina Ballesta, HMI vice president, emphasized the importance of expanding access to specialized care for veterans, who often struggle to receive the treatment they need.
While the brain mapping technology shows promising results, its limitation to Medicare coverage presents a significant barrier for many veterans. Dr. Akoma hopes to expand access to more veterans and community members after the initial trial period.
Health care providers across the island are currently evaluating the technology, with the potential for further collaboration and expansion in the future. The Hepzibah clinic continues to collect data on the effectiveness of the brain mapping system, with the goal of providing valuable diagnostic capabilities to help improve mental health care for veterans and community members on Guam.
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