Follow 7 steps to maintain compliant behavioral health screening

Why This Topic Matters

Behavioral health screening can improve patient care, but it also creates documentation, referral, and billing responsibilities that practices need to handle consistently. This article helps readers understand the operational and compliance topics involved before adding or expanding screening services.

Article Sections

1. Introduction

   Introduces the role of mental health and substance use screening in routine care and why practices may want to incorporate it.

2. Prepare clinicians for a new line of questioning

   Discusses staff readiness and comfort with asking screening questions in a clinical setting.

3. Select the appropriate screening tools

   Reviews the availability of screening resources from national organizations and specialty groups.

4. Include screening in your standard workflow

   Covers workflow placement and office-process considerations for routine screening.

5. Act on the results

   Addresses follow-up review, referrals, and ongoing attention to screening findings.

6. Remind clinicians to document their actions

   Emphasizes documentation of screening results and subsequent actions taken by the treating clinician.

7. Create a referral list

   Describes building a referral network and coordinating access to behavioral health providers.

8. Follow applicable reimbursement rules

   Covers general reimbursement and payer-compliance considerations tied to screening-related services.