Did you know that developmental screenings during well-child visits are eligible for a supplemental payment for children enrolled in Medi-Cal?
That’s right! Medi-Cal reimburses providers a supplemental incentive payment of $59.90 for developmental screenings with funds from Proposition 56.
A developmental screening is the use of a standardized set of questions to see if a child's motor, language, cognitive, social, and emotional development are on track for their age.
Providers must use a standardized screening tool and adhere to American Academy of Pediatrics/Bright Futures guidelines for well-child visits at:
- 9 months
- 18 months
- 30 months
- When medically necessary
The following documentation is required for billing and should remain in the beneficiary’s medical record:
- Screening tool used
- Review of completed screening
- Results of the screening
- Interpretation of the results
- Results discussed with the child’s family and/or caregiver
- Any appropriate actions taken
All children enrolled in Medi-Cal are entitled to receive developmental screenings as part of the Medicaid Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit.
To support your efforts in implementing developmental screenings, visit our Child Development web page to access standardized screening tools and other resources to help you achieve better outcomes for your youngest patients.