MedicaidDocumentationMedium impact
25-1249 Action Required: Ensure Depression Screenings Count Toward Quality Metrics
Health Net·CA · Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, General Practice +3 more·Provider News
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Healthcare providers must now document depression screening tool name, numerical score, and follow-up actions within 30 days to meet HEDIS quality metrics requirements. All depression screenings must be mapped to specific LOINC codes for proper data exchange and automated reporting to health plans.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing and clinical staff must update documentation workflows to include: 1) Name of screening tool (PHQ-2, PHQ-9, etc.) in patient charts, 2) Total numerical score from screening, 3) Follow-up action documented within 30 days for positive screens, 4) Map screening results to correct LOINC codes in EHR system (PHQ-9: 44261-6, PHQ-9 teens: 89204-2, PHQ-2: 55758-7). Train all staff on new documentation standards to ensure HEDIS compliance and avoid lowered quality scores.