All PlansAdministrativeMedium impact
Encourage Our Members To Complete a Depression Screening
BCBS Texas·TX · Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, General Practice +1 more·General
Effective date
Jun 16, 2026
We identified it
Jun 17, 2026
Summary
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas is encouraging providers to screen members ages 12+ for depression using standardized tools and report results using specific procedure codes G8431 (positive screen with plan) or G8510 (negative screen) for informational purposes. Providers should ensure follow-up care within 30 days for positive screens and use consistent mental health diagnosis codes at follow-up visits.
Action Required
By June 16, 2026: Providers should implement depression screening for members ages 12+ without active depression/bipolar diagnoses using PHQ-9 or PHQ-2 tools. Billing team must ensure reporting of screening results using G8431 (positive screen with plan) or G8510 (negative screen) codes for informational purposes only alongside standard visit codes. Front desk staff should track follow-up appointments for positive screens within 30 days and help reschedule cancelled appointments promptly.