PHQ: Depression Screening and Follow-Up for Adolescents and Adults
PHQ-9 or PHQ-A screening + documented follow-up plan if positive.
Measure description
PHQ-9 or PHQ-A screening + documented follow-up plan if positive.
Eligible population
All adolescents and adults
Performance drivers
USPSTF + Joint Commission aligned.
Documentation & PA strategy
Annual PHQ-9/PHQ-A at well visit. Document positive screen + follow-up. CPT G8431-G8432.
Why HEDIS matters for prior authorization
Health plans align prior authorization criteria with HEDIS measures: documenting your patient meets the HEDIS definition often streamlines or eliminates PA hurdles. For Medicare Advantage in particular, plans are heavily incentivized via Star Ratings to push members and providers toward measure compliance, which translates into faster approvals for measure-aligned services.
Frequently asked questions
What does HEDIS measure PHQ measure?
PHQ-9 or PHQ-A screening + documented follow-up plan if positive.
What drives performance on this measure?
USPSTF + Joint Commission aligned.
How should clinicians document for this measure?
Annual PHQ-9/PHQ-A at well visit. Document positive screen + follow-up. CPT G8431-G8432.
What is the eligible population?
All adolescents and adults
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