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21-786m Screen for ACEs and Refer Patients to Community Health Workers

Date: 10/29/21

This information applies to Physicians and Participating Physician Groups (PPGs).

This information applies to Medi-Cal in Fresno, Kings and Madera counties.

Community resources can help reduce adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress

The adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) Aware Initiative awarded a grant to the Fresno County Trauma Informed Network of Care cohort. The grant will be used to:

  • Implement a seamless screening, referral and response process to support families who are at risk of experiencing negative mental and physical health outcomes that stem from traumatic life events.
  • Support forming a strong network of care where patients are able to access one of the key services beyond the doctor’s office.
  • Have community health workers be the link between the patient, the doctor’s office, and community-based resources to ensure closed-loop referrals.

Be part of the network of care for ACEs

If you are interested in screening for ACEs and referring patients to community health workers:

Watch a short video that walks you through the referral process and talks about the types of support provided to you and members.

No-cost training that helps you become trauma informed

In the podcast, Delusional Optimism with Dr. B, Dr. Kristin Beasley explains how traumas from the past influence long-term physical and mental health and give us the tools we need to overcome adversity and change our life's path.

Go to Dr. B Connections listen to the podcasts today. Topics include:

  • Social Determinants of Health and Resiliency.
  • Neuroscience of Confirmation Bias.
  • All Stress is Not Created Equal.
  • Wiring the Brain for Wellness.
  • Early Intervention is Prevention.
  • Overview of ACEs and What We Have Learned So Far (part one).
  • Overview of ACEs and What We Have Learned So Far (part two).

Complete an ACEs Aware certified training

Providers who attest to completing the ACEs Aware certified training can receive Medi-Cal payment for conducting ACEs screenings. Follow the steps below:

1     Visit the ACEs Aware website. The training lasts two hours. It covers trauma-informed care, how to use the Pediatric ACEs Screening and Related Life-events Screener (PEARLS) tool and the ACEs questionnaire.

2     Download the attestation form.

Additional information

If you have questions regarding the information contained in this update, you may contact the Access and Availability Unit via email at CVH-CAP@healthnet.com or CalViva Health at 888-893-1569.



Last Updated: 10/29/2021