Leading Screening – Children
| Date: | February 25, 2021 |
| To: | Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ Providers |
| From: | Health Plan of San Joaquin |
| Subject: | Leading Screening – Children |
| Business: | Medi-Cal |
In 2021, HPSJ will send quarterly communications to your office highlighting the list of members who are out of compliance for lead screening. For tips to partnering with parents, government regulators, and community organizations, HPSJ Provider Service Representatives are available with information and support. Just like you, we are concerned and are here to help!
Children covered by Medi-Cal are required by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to receive lead screening tests at:
- 12 months of age and 24 months of age
- Or, any child between 24 and 72 months with no record of a previous blood lead screening should receive at least one test
The Medicaid requirement is met only when the two blood lead screening tests identified above (or a catch-up blood lead screening test) are conducted. Completion of a risk assessment questionnaire does not meet the Medicaid requirement.
All providers who perform periodic health screenings on members between the ages of six months to six years (i.e., 72 months) must comply with current federal and state laws, and industry guidelines for health care providers issued by the California Department of Public Health’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch (CLPPB).
For detailed, current guidelines, please consult the CLPPB guidelines. These include:
- Minimum standards of care a network provider must follow when conducting blood lead screening tests.
- Interpreting blood lead levels and determining appropriate follow-up.
- Requirements to provide oral or written anticipatory guidance for parents/guardians.
If you have questions regarding lead screening visit:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/CLPPB/Pages/CLPPBhome.aspx
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/CLPPB/Pages/prov.aspx
Health Plan of San Joaquin is dedicated to providing all members the best health care available in the most effective and efficient manner. Thank you for being one of our valued partners. If you have questions, please contact our Customer Service Department at 209-942-6320.