ImPACT™ = Immediate Post-Assessment and Cognitive Testing

ImPACT™ is a program Fort HealthCare has adopted providing baseline concussion screening to athletes who participate in contact sports such as football and soccer. The program manages concussions through a sophisticated test of the athlete’s cognitive abilities, including verbal and visual memory, brain processing speed, and reaction time to help health care professionals track recovery following a concussion. ImPACT™ standardized assessments allow for communication of post-concussion status to athletes, coaches, parents, and clinicians. It also assists health care professionals and educators in making decisions about academic needs following a concussion. The ultimate goal of ImPACT™ is to determine if an athlete is safe and able to return to play.

Studies have shown that over 40 percent of high school athletes returned to play too soon after suffering a concussion. Even more alarming, one in six football players who sustained a concussion and lost consciousness returned to play the same day.

Given the unique nature of every concussion, it is important to manage them on an individualized basis. Fort HealthCare has a dedicated team of professionals specially-trained in managing ImPACT™ testing, reading the results, and coordinating the best care plan for individuals who have experienced an MTBI. This teams works with area schools’ administration and athletic departments, as well as with local sports organizations to keep our athlete’s brains safe.

Laurel Runte, APNP is our Certified ImPACT Consultant (CIC).  She is the primary care provider that helps manage our recovery process from simple to very complex.  Through ImPACT applications she has done extensive training on concussion and its treatment.  Laurie can be found at our Lake Mills primary care clinic.