Frequently Asked Questions

We understand you have questions about working with us. Below are answers to commonly asked questions.

For detailed information about what happens in the memory evaluation appointment and after, please visit Your Journey with Us.

How do I make a memory evaluation appointment?

Visit the Patient Forms page and click to download the Rancho Health History Form
Print and complete the form
Send us the completed form by fax or email:
- FAX – (562) 803-6900
- EMAIL – geroneuroinfo@ranchoresearch.org
We will call you to schedule your appointment.

What if I have trouble using the Health History Form?

If you have trouble with the form, call us at (562) 385-8130 to request an appointment.

We need you to give us the following information when you call:

patient name
birthdate
current address
phone number
social security number
medical insurance
primary care physician/provider name and contact information
name and contact information of a family member or someone who will serve as your primary contact to our office

How soon can I get a memory evaluation appointment?

Before we can schedule your appointment, we need approval from your health insurance carrier. This process can take between 3 to 10 days. We’ll call you to schedule it when we have approval.

If your health insurance company denies the appointment, we will call you to explain the reason so you can work with them to seek approval.

What can I do if health insurance denies the memory evaluation appointment request?

We will call you to tell you why the health insurance company said it denied the appointment so you can work with them to try to get approval.

What if I have difficulty getting the requested health records or insurance documents?

We will help you and the patient to get the necessary information.

Will I need to bring medical records to the memory evaluation appointment?

Please bring recent medical records from the patient’s primary care provider, especially if memory evaluations or assessments were made. Also, bring copies of recent blood tests (within the last 6 months), clinic notes, and an electrocardiogram (EKG), if applicable.

Second Opinion: If this appointment is for a second opinion, bring copies of the medical records and the diskette/CD of any head scans (CT, MRI, PET) done for the initial diagnosis.

When will my appointment be scheduled?

We are a half-day clinic, with all appointments scheduled for Monday afternoons from 1 pm to 5 pm. The turnaround time for appointments varies between 1 to 2 months.

Please expect the first evaluation appointment to take about 2 hours.

Where is the USC/Rancho Los Amigos California Alzheimer’s Disease Center?

Our clinic is located on the campus of the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey, CA.

Outpatient Building
Clinic 1-Floor 3
7601 Imperial Highway
Downey, CA 90242
Directions

How do I prepare myself for my memory evaluation appointment?

Have a good night’s sleep
Eat a good breakfast
Bring some healthy snacks and water

Who do I bring with me to my appointment?

All patients are asked to come with a family member or someone who can serve as a primary contact, provide patient information and make medical decisions, if needed, for the patient.

What if I do not have anyone to come with me?

All patients are asked to come with a family member or a designated person who can serve as the primary contact and provide additional information, if needed.

If you do not have anyone to come with you, please let us know in advance so we can discuss alternative arrangements to ensure you have the support you need during your appointment.

If you do not have anyone to come with you, please let us know in advance so we can discuss alternative arrangements to ensure you have the support you need during and after your appointment.