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22-413m Complete Required Online Training to Receive Payments for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Screenings

Date: 05/27/22

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

Learn more on how to submit claims and coding requirements for screenings

Health Net* HMO, HSP, Point of Service (POS), EPO and PPO (commercial) providers can now get certified and are eligible to receive payment for conducting ACEs screenings.

Screening for ACEs can help determine if a patient is at increased health risk due to a toxic stress response. It can inform patient treatment and the use of trauma-informed care. Identifying ACEs early and connecting patients to interventions, resources, and other supports can improve the health and well-being of individuals and families.

No-cost provider training and certification

The ACEs Aware initiative offers provider resources and education on ACEs, how to screen for ACEs and a no-cost two-hour online training. Providers who complete and attest to taking the training will be eligible to receive payment. Although the training is geared towards providers who serve Medi-Cal members, it is also available to all providers. We urge all network providers to take part in the training to better serve our members.

How to receive payments for ACEs screenings

Providers must complete the ACEs Aware training and self-attest to receive payment. To get started, you must:

  • Register for the “Becoming ACEs Aware in California” core training.
  • Self-attest. Complete the ACEs Provider Training Attestation form.
    • Note. The ACEs Aware provider directory is optional for commercial providers.
  • Submit ACEs screening claims correctly. Submit claims with dates of service on or after January 1, 2022, and proof of completion certificate. Claims eligible for payment must be submitted within one year from the date of service.
  • Use CPT codes 96160 and 96161 when billing for ACEs screenings.
  • Claims must also include an ICD-10 code (e.g., T and Z codes around child maltreatment). In California, some
    ICD-10 codes have been identified as being related to ACEs screenings in the state. Examples are:
    • Z59.4: Lack of adequate food or safe drinking water.
    • Z63.0: Relationship problem between spouse or partners.
    • Z62.819: History of abuse in childhood.
    • Z63.5: Family disruption due to divorce or legal separation.
    • Z63.32: Absence of family member.
    • Z81.9: Family history of mental and behavioral disorder.
    • Z63.72: Alcoholism and drug addiction in family.
    • Z63.9: Problem related to primary support group.
  • Document the following information and ensure the documents remain in the member’s medical record and are available upon request:
    • The screening tool that was used.
    • Date the completed screen was reviewed.
    • Results of the screen.
    • Interpretation of the results.
    • What was discussed with member and/or family.
    • Any appropriate action taken.

Additional information

Relevant sections of Health Net’s provider operations manuals have been revised to reflect the information contained in this update as applicable. Provider operations manuals are available electronically in the Provider Library after logging in to Health Net’s provider website > Provider Library under Quick Links, or go directly to provider library.

If you have questions regarding the information contained in this update, contact the Health Net Provider Services Center by email within 60 days, by phone or through the Health Net provider website.



Last Updated: 05/26/2022