Depression can affect a Member’s physical health, daily functioning, treatment adherence, and engagement in care. Routine screening helps Providers identify symptoms early and connect Members to timely support.

Make screening part of routine care

Providers can help normalize conversations about mental health by screening for depression and mood changes during annual wellness visits, preventive care visits, chronic condition follow-ups, and post-discharge encounters. Validated tools, such as the PHQ-2, PHQ-9, and PHQ-9 modified for teens, support consistent screening and documentation.

Screening and follow-up requirements

For the Depression Screening and Follow-Up for Adolescents and Adults (DSF-E) HEDIS measure, Members ages 12 and older should be screened for clinical depression using a standardized instrument. If a Member screens positive, follow-up care should occur within 30 days. Follow-up may include an outpatient, telephone, e-visit, or virtual check-in encounter; depression case management; behavioral health assessment, therapy, collaborative care, or medication management; exercise counseling; or a dispensed antidepressant medication.

Coding and documentation guidance

Help close gaps in care

Practices can help improve outcomes and HEDIS performance by adding depression screening to standard workflows, uploading completed screening forms through Availity Essentials, scheduling follow-up before the Member leaves the office, and referring Members to behavioral health support when needed.

Depression screening and follow-up for adolescents and adults

For complete measure details, coding guidance, and documentation requirements, review the HEDIS Coding Reference Guide: Adult Measures. The guide includes DSF-E specifications to help Providers and office staff confirm screening, follow-up, and reporting expectations.

Support Members during postpartum depression screening and follow-up

Postpartum visits help Providers identify depression early, address urgent concerns, and connect patients to the right care. Encourage Members to complete an initial postpartum assessment within three weeks after delivery, or as soon as possible and within seven days for patients with a complicated gestational history or cesarean delivery. A comprehensive in-person postpartum visit should occur between four and 12 weeks after birth. During each touchpoint, discuss emotional well-being, complete and document depression screening using a standardized tool, and assess physical, behavioral, and social needs, including safety, substance use, nutrition, infant feeding, family planning, chronic condition management, and available support. If a Member screens positive, review the screening result, assess clinical needs, and work with the Member to schedule follow-up care as soon as possible. Follow-up may include a primary care or behavioral health visit, medication management when appropriate, case management, or community-based support. To help close care gaps, use clear and respectful language, ask about barriers such as transportation, childcare, appointment access, food or housing insecurity, safety, and preferred communication method, and document the follow-up plan, referral details, care owner, due date, and outcome in the medical record.