Members who experience Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are at a greater risk for 9 out of 10 of the leading causes of death in the United States, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and suicide.
Often overlooked in health care, an understanding of ACEs can help providers bridge the gap between mental and physical health to better treat the whole person.
A provider who is ACEs aware must first complete a training then use appropriate screening tools such as PEARLS or a qualifying ACEs questionnaire to assess a patient’s risk for toxic stress.
Finally, a provider who completes a successful screening is able to receive a Medi-Cal reimbursement of $29 using the HCPCS code G9919 OR G9920.
For more information about ACEs visit the Aces Aware website.