Document Depression Screenings for Your Patients

Our goal is that VNS Health Medicare members are as healthy as possible, both physically and mentally. That’s why we ask that you conduct a depression screening with our members at least once per year and submit claims with codes for both screenings and results.  

For those with moderate to severe depression, please schedule follow-up appointments and/or provide behavioral health referrals. For more information on behavioral health related HEDIS® and QARR measures, please refer to the HEDIS/QARR Provider Reference Guide. The New York State Office of Mental Health has implemented a Collaborative Care Medicaid Program, to allow Primary Care Physicians to provide behavioral health care to their patients.  

The sooner depression is detected, the sooner treatment can begin, potentially lessening the effects on the patient’s overall health. Depression can impact health in multiple ways, including sleep disruption, appetite changes, weakened immune system, and even changes to the central nervous system.  

There are several standardized screening tool options available:  

• Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) and (PHQ-9)  
• Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scales (CES-D)  
• Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)  
• Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D)  
• Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)