August 2018

Texas Health Steps Periodicity Schedule Changes

In last month’s newsletter, new changes and benefits for Texas Health Steps (THSteps) preventive checkups were reviewed. These changes were effective beginning July 1, 2018, and include:

Mental health screening tools for patients ages birth to 20 years (procedure codes 96160 or 96161):

Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-17)
Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-35)
Pediatric Symptom Checklist for Youth (Y-PSC)
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Family and Trouble Checklist (CRAFFT)
(New) Patient Health Questionnaire Modified for Adolescents (PHQ-A [depression screen])
(New) Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-A [anxiety, eating problems, mood problems and substance abuse])

Maternal postpartum depression screenings may be completed and reimbursed once per provider in the 12 months following an infant’s birth during a THSteps checkup (procedure codes G8431 and G8510). To utilize the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code for reimbursement, you must use one of the verified tools below. (During quarterly THSteps audits, these tools will be requested if there is an associated billing code documented with the THSteps exam.)

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PPDS)
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

Action: Become Familiar with the Updates
Because of these changes, the THSteps periodicity schedule has been updated. Review the changes and all requirements to ensure members are receiving all required components. Providing and documenting all assessments ensures continuous, quality care.