California: Screen pregnant and postpartum patients for mental health

California passed Senate Bill 1207open_in_new to encourage screening, diagnosis, treatment and referral for depression in pregnant and postpartum women. The purpose of the bill is to encourage licensed health care professionals who provide prenatal or postpartum care to offer maternal mental health screening during the second or third trimester and at the postpartum visit.

Guidelines for maternal mental health screenings

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends OB-GYNs and other obstetric health care professionals screen patients for depression and anxietyopen_in_new at least once during the perinatal period using a standardized, validated tool. You should also screen patients for depression and anxiety again during the postpartum period.

Clinical staff should be prepared to start medical therapy and/or refer patients to appropriate behavioral health resources.

Resources

• Read the resources for maternal mental health screening
• Find program guidelines, criteria, health contacts, member support services and learn how to perform maternal health screenings in the UnitedHealthcare Administrative Guide. Check the Table of Contents for topic locations.
• Select the Depression Screening Interactive Guide
• Read the Maternity and Newborn Care benefit policyopen_in_new

Questions?

Please email ca_pr_team@uhc.com to contact a provider advocate.

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