MedicaidDocumentationMedium impact
Newsletter Vol. 10, No. 57
New Jersey Medicaid·NJ · Pediatrics, Family Medicine, General Practice·Provider Notice
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
New Jersey requires mandatory lead screening for all children aged 9-12 months and 2 years, with annual risk assessments from age 6 months to 6 years. Capillary blood tests ≥10 ug/dL must be confirmed with venous samples. Providers must use preventive health visits for lead risk assessment and refer children under 5 to WIC for nutritional counseling.
Action Required
Providers and billing teams must: (1) Ensure lead screening is documented and billed during well-child visits for children aged 9-12 months and 2 years; (2) Implement lead risk assessment questionnaire at 6-month preventive visits and annually through age 6; (3) Document capillary vs. venous blood test results separately; (4) Flag any capillary results ≥10 ug/dL for follow-up venous testing; (5) Generate WIC referrals for all children under 5 with lead exposure findings. Update encounter forms and EMR templates to include lead screening checklist for pediatric preventive visits. Educate providers to use EPSDT and preventive health visits as opportunities for lead risk assessment. Contact State Childhood Poisoning Program (609-292-5666) for clinical management questions.