February 2017
Texas Health Steps – New Mental Health Screening Tool
Effective for dates of service on or after Feb. 1, 2017, the Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17 (PSC-17) may be used during a Texas Health Steps (THSteps) checkup when performing the required mental health screenings for clients who are 12 to 18 years of age.
As a reminder, mental health screenings for behavioral, social and emotional development are required at each THSteps checkup. Mental health screenings using one of the following validated, standardized mental health screening tools, recognized by THSteps, is required once per lifetime for all clients who are 12 through 18 years of age:
- Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-35)
- Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17 (PSC-17)
- Pediatric Symptom Checklist for Youth (Y-PSC)
- Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
- Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Family and Trouble Checklist (CRAFFT)
Client’s medical records must include documentation that a mental health screening was completed at each THSteps checkup. For screenings using one of the validated, standardized mental health screening tools, the documentation must identify the tool that was used, the screening results and any referrals that were made.
Providers may be reimbursed separately when using one of the required screening tools during a THSteps checkup. Procedure code 96160 or 96161 must be submitted on the same date of service by the same provider as procedure code 99384, 99385, 99394 or 99395, and reimbursement is limited to once per lifetime per client. Procedure codes 96160 and 96161 will not be reimbursed for the same client for any date of service.
Providers may refer to the current Texas Medicaid Providers Procedure Manual, Children’s Services Handbook, subsection 5.3.11.1.3, “Mental Health Screening,” for additional information about mental health screening requirements.