Maternal Mental Health Screening Requirement
Provider Type
- Physicians
- Hospitals
- Participating Physician Groups (PPG)
- Ancillary
Licensed health care practitioners who provide prenatal or postpartum care for a patient are required to screen for maternal mental health conditions once during pregnancy and once within the first six weeks postpartum. Additional screenings must be offered if determined to be medically necessary and clinically appropriate.
Maternal mental health condition means a mental health condition that occurs during pregnancy, the postpartum period, or interpregnancy and includes, but is not limited to, postpartum depression.
Providers serving Medi-Cal members can use one of the following screening tools, as appropriate to the member's plan:
- Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2)
- Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
- Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale
You can refer members with a positive screen to the Plan's Case Management Department for further assistance with the member's mental health needs.
Notice of Pregnancy
Let us know about a member’s pregnancy so they can receive personalize care. Complete the Notification of Pregnancy form and fax it to the number on the form. This helps the member and their baby get the best care possible.
Pregnancy Program
Health care service plans and health insurers must develop a maternal mental health program. The program must be consistent with sound clinical principles and processes.
A pregnancy program is available to pregnant commercial and Medi-Cal members. The program provides customized support and care needed for a healthy pregnancy and baby. It helps pregnant members access medical care, educates them about their health care needs and assists with social needs and concerns. The program uses the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to assess for mental health needs of pregnant members and facilitates referrals to a mental health specialist as needed.
Refer members to the pregnancy program by contacting the Case Management Department.