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Improving Life-long Outcomes for Louisiana's Children through Developmental Screening

Date: 02/19/21

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends formal developmental screenings, using a standardized screening tool, at a minimum once during each of the first, second and third years of life, with appropriate follow-up for children with concerning screening results.

Despite this recommendation, Louisiana’s developmental screening statistics are staggeringly low.

Findings from the 2017-2018 National Survey of Children’s Health showed that only 20% of children age 9-35 months in Louisiana received developmental screening using a parent-completed screening tool in the past 12 months, compared to 33.5% of children nationwide. And according to a recent CMS report, during the coronavirus disease public health emergency, there were 44% fewer child screening services compared to 2019.

Recognizing that quality early intervention services can change a child’s development trajectory and improve life-long outcomes for children, families and communities, we are working to increase standardized global developmental screenings for Louisiana’s children.

Providers should also know that effective for services on or after January 1, 2021, Louisiana providers are now reimbursed separately for developmental screening, autism screening and perinatal screening. These reimbursements are dependent on the use of age-appropriate, caregiver completed, and validated screening tools.

All Medicaid-insured children under age 21 have coverage under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit. The EPSDT benefit includes age-appropriate screening and preventative services including physical health, dental, mental health, and developmental and specialty services.

To get more information on how you can help Louisiana’s children get the health screenings they need, check out our on-demand EPSDT webinar including information on:

  • Louisiana Developmental Screening Guidelines
  • New provider reimbursement for developmental screening
  • When to screen and which instruments are recommended to use
  •  How to code for EPSDT services during COVID-19

This training is free and is best-suited for pediatric and family practices.

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