MedicaidDocumentationHigh impact
Maternal Mental Health Screening Requirement Update
L.A. Care Health Plan·CA · OB-GYN, Family Medicine, Pediatrics·Medical Policy
Effective date
Jun 2, 2026
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
L.A. Care Health Plan now requires mandatory maternal mental health screening during pregnancy and postpartum periods under Assembly Bill 1936. Providers must use specific billing codes for depression screening and ensure documented follow-up within 30 days for positive screens.
Action Required
Immediately: Update billing workflows to use CPT 96127 for emotional/behavioral assessments and HCPCS codes G0444, G8431, G8510 for depression screening documentation. Train providers on required screening timeframes (first trimester, within 6 weeks postpartum, and up to 1 year). Implement documentation requirements for validated screening tools (EPDS, PHQ-9) and 30-day follow-up tracking for positive screens. Update encounter forms to include ICD-10 codes Z13.31 and Z13.32 for depression screening encounters.