In recent years several professional organizations have developed guidelines for adolescent preventive services (AAP, Bright Futures, USPSTF), and these guidelines contain strong support for preventive mental services. We surveyed state Medicaid officials responsible for preventive benefits for children, and state managed care officials responsible for quality assurance. The survey asked whether states require or recommend that primary care providers screen for certain mental health conditions, and which instruments or questionnaires are recommended. Specifically, states were asked about screening policies for abuse, alcohol use, behavioral problems, depression, eating disorders, school problems, substance use. The survey addressed whether states require or recommend that primary care providers counsel adolescents on avoiding health risks, and make referrals to mental health providers. The survey also asked whether states were using or considering a range of quality measures, including those recommended by HEDIS and the Foundation on Accountability. Additional questions included whether state Medicaid agencies are collaborating in or contributing to any special initiatives to prevent suicide, depression, or mental health problems among low-income youth; and the extent to which state policy is developed in consultation with mental health providers, associations, or other child health stakeholders.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify the mental health content of adolescent clinical preventive guidelines. 2. Learn whether and how state Medicaid law and policies incorporate these mental health guidelines
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Medicaid Managed Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.