A friend's family needs a neurologist in La Crosse, Wisconsin (preferably with the Gundersen Lutheran medical group due to HMO coverage).

The friend's mother has been given a dementia diagnosis by an internist and the family wants her to see a neurologist with experience in dementia. The internist is not exactly being proactive, to say the least.

Thanks for any suggestions,

Julianne

If their insurance would cover it and if they don't mind coming across the river, I strongly recommend the Noran Clinic in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area (they have a number of offices). If this isn't an option, and they can take a drive, UW-Madison's medical school and health center has an excellent reputation.

Kate

Thanks, Kate, for the suggestions. Actually, the immediate issue is their health insurance coverage. I don't think they can go to either of the facilities you mentioned. That's why I was focusing on La Crosse.

Moreover, not to shoot down your well-intended suggestions, but frankly, my mother's initial neuro workup and diagnosis were in the neurology department of UW-Madison's hospital and, in hindsight, I don't think they were anything to write home about. (At the time, I knew nothing and the docs seemed very good. Then I started reading and learning....) It was a real eye-opener when I took my mother to a different neurologist, someone recommended on this forum. So I know UW has a great reputation but my experience is that teaching hospitals aren't great for everything, UW being no exception.

Thanks again,

Julianne

I am not sure about the insurance but they could check into it, I hope it helps !

Franciscan Skemp Healthcare Dementia Care Program Thomas Loepfe, MD, Director 800 West Avenue South La Crosse WI 54601-4700 (608) 392-9505

Thanks, Irene! The friend checked further and found that the only covered facility is Gundersen Lutheran, which has a dementia unit and a couple of highly-rated neurologists, so I think they will go there. If they have a good experience, I will report back for others' future reference.

Julianne