Provider Alerts

The HPSJ Quality Team looks at adults ages 18+ who have a diagnosis of major depression and have been subsequently prescribed antidepressants.

When documenting major depression, make sure to include information about the following:

• Whether the episode was single or recurrent
• The severity of the episode: mild, moderate, severe without psychotic features, or severe with psychotic features
• The clinical status of the patient and whether they’re in partial or full remission

The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) incorporates DSM-IV depression diagnostic criteria with other leading major depressive symptoms into a brief self-report tool and can assist with identifying positive screening and should lead to additional assessment and follow up. The PHQ-9 can be found at www.phqscreeners.com. VBP eligible providers may code G8431 and G8510 for depression screening.

Patients who are new starts to antidepressant medications are at high risk for non-adherence. HPSJ works with providers to monitor patients with depression, especially during the first 3-6 months of treatment to help ensure members continue to take their medication as prescribed.

Ensuring that patients are compliant with their antidepressant medications is essential to treatment of their major depression. Discussing/monitoring for side effects and adjusting patient’s medications in response to side effects will also help the patient with their treatment response.

If you have questions, please contact your Provider Services Representative or call our Customer Service Department at 209-942-6320.