Research Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether using nationally recognized screening instruments might result in more accurate identification of children with special needs when compared to a single item on the SCHIP application. Study Design: The study uses the application data for the SCHIP program to identify children whose parents indicated that their child had a "medical or developmental condition expected to last 12 months." These children were randomly assigned to four different screening instruments designed to identify CSHCN. The study also obtained data from the state's Title V agency indicating the children's medical eligibility for that program. Population Studied: The study included 183,186 applicants for Florida's SCHIP during September 1999 and June 2000. There were 12,997 children (7%) who were identified by parent report as having a medical or developmental condition. Over 4,500 surveys were conducted with parents of these children between August and December 2000. Principal Findings: Depending on the screening instrument, between 74% and 81% of the children were identified as having a special health care need. However, 46%-53% of the children who met all three components of the instruments were determined medically eligible for the state's Title V program. Conclusions: Although not designed to identify children who are eligible for Title V programs, the findings suggest that the screening instruments were more successful at identifying children who were medically eligible for the state's Title V program than the single application item. Funding Source: MCHB
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the attendees will be able to: 1) discuss the use of nationally-recognized screening instruments to identify children with special health care needs, 2) understand and articulate the strengths of two instruments, 3) assess the effectiveness of using the screening instruments as a pre-screen for children who are eligible for Title V services, 4) evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using the screening instruments in the application process for Title XXI programs and in managed care organizations.
Keywords: Children With Special Needs, 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.