Sutter Health Streamlines Alzheimer’s Therapy Referrals
Patients pursuing anti-amyloid therapy now undergo a multidisciplinary review to determine their eligibility for treatment.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
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Sutter Health established a specialized review board in November 2023 to manage the surge in patient interest for anti-amyloid Alzheimer’s therapies. This multidisciplinary panel now evaluates eligibility for California patients amid a 148% rise in referral requests between 2024 and 2025.
Why it matters
The review board bridges the gap between high patient demand and the limited supply of cognitive neurology specialists. By streamlining the evaluation process, the system aims to safely manage patient access while allowing general neurologists to participate in complex Alzheimer’s care.
In an internal audit covering November 2023 through December 2025, a multidisciplinary board reviewed 447 referrals for anti-amyloid therapy, finding 334 patients eligible and prescribing treatment to 214. The data remains preliminary regarding long-term safety, as 27 patients experienced amyloid-related imaging abnormalities.
The players
Sutter Health
A California-based health system providing care to 3.5 million patients through a network of general and specialized neurologists.
The details
The review board includes cognitive neurologists, a pharmacist, an RN program manager, and a neuroradiologist who meet weekly to assess 12 to 14 cases. Local neurologists first perform initial counseling and testing, after which the board conducts a comprehensive analysis of the patient's imaging, biomarkers, and cognitive test results. This structured approach helps ensure that complex anti-amyloid therapies are administered appropriately across the diverse patient population while maintaining safety protocols.
Timeline
November 2023: The review board began operating.
2024-2025: Referrals for anti-amyloid therapies increased by 148%.
December 2025: Data collection period for the review board concluded.
October 2026: Data regarding the board's findings was presented at a medical conference.
Health Landscape
The creation of this review board reflects the broader challenge of integrating high-complexity Alzheimer's therapies into existing healthcare delivery models. It marks a transition toward standardized, multidisciplinary vetting processes for managing rapidly evolving neurodegenerative treatment options.
Patients and caregivers should prepare for a structured, multi-step evaluation process when discussing anti-amyloid therapies with their provider. It is worth discussing with your doctor how your local clinic coordinates with specialist review boards to determine your candidacy for specific treatments.
The takeaway
The increase in demand for Alzheimer’s therapies requires systems to balance rapid access with rigorous safety monitoring. When considering treatment options, ask your physician about the clinical pathway your health system follows to ensure all safety benchmarks are met.
Further reading
For more on managing the condition, visit the Alzheimer’s section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Healio.
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