MedicaidBilling CodesHigh impact
[Georgia] Depression Screenings with Medical Provider Incentive Update
CareSource·GA · Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, General Practice +3 more·Provider Bulletin
Effective date
Mar 1, 2026
We identified it
May 9, 2026
Summary
Effective March 1, 2026, Georgia Medicaid requires medical (non-behavioral health) providers billing depression screening code 96127 to also submit either G8431 (positive screen) or G8510 (negative screen) to receive payment. Additionally, positive screenings must include documented follow-up plans in the patient's medical record. Claims submitted without both codes will be denied.
Action Required
By March 1, 2026: Billing team must update billing software to require submission of both CPT 96127 AND the applicable G code (G8431 for positive screens or G8510 for negative screens) on all depression screening claims for Georgia Medicaid. Providers must update documentation templates and encounter forms to ensure follow-up plans are captured in the medical record for all positive depression screens (96127 + G8431). Train billing staff to reject or flag claims missing either code before submission. Communicate requirements to all medical/non-behavioral health providers at the practice. Contact CareSource Provider Services at 1-855-202-1058 or GAProviderRelations@CareSource.com with questions. Failure to include both codes will result in claim denials.