Required screenings guidelines

Mental health/substance abuse screenings for
children and adults

All new AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia adult and child enrollees with a newly-assigned PCP who has not previously cared for the enrollee, must receive a comprehensive initial examination and a screening for mental health and substance abuse. The mental health and substance abuse screening must be completed using a validated screening tool, approved by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia.

For ongoing care, the mental health and substance abuse screening must also be administered as a routine part of every child and adult preventive health examination.

AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia PCPs are also expected to assist enrollees with accessing substance abuse and mental health services, as needed. The AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia Rapid Response team is available to enrollees and providers to support care coordination and access to services. Enrollees and providers may request Rapid Response support by calling 1-877-759-6224.

D.C. Collaborative perinatal risk screening tool for completion/submission

Prenatal care providers are expected to complete the D.C. Collaborative perinatal risk screening tool to assess risk for each expectant mother. The completed screening tool must be submitted to AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia as part of the authorization for obstetric services (PDF).