Maryland

The Maryland ABCD Screening Academy Project improved state policy by identifying and implementing policy improvements needed to support effective screening. Maryland supported the adoption of screening in two demonstration sites and is working to initiate statewide spread of structured developmental screening.  Specifically, the ABCD Screening Academy activities in Maryland included:  

• Increasing Medicaid reimbursement for CPT 96111; approving reimbursement for up to 2 units of CPT 96110 on the same date of service when a objective, validated autism or social/emotional screening tool is administered in addition to a general developmental screening tool; and updating their EPSDT/Healthy Kids provider manual and periodicity schedule to reflect the recommendations of the 2006 AAP policy statement on developmental screening and surveillance and the revised reimbursement policies.
• Developing and approving a standard, universal referral and fax back form for use statewide that was piloted within the ABCD demonstration sites to promote linkages between primary care and other child and family service providers.  
• Sustaining improvement activities by disseminating the AAP policy statement and information about developmental screening using standardized tools to pediatricians and family practitioners during site visits throughout the state as well as a list of approved and recommended screening tools for use by EPSDT providers and the criteria for making future additions to this list. 
• Spreading structured screening by acquiring a 3-year grant from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau that will focus on improving the quality of developmental services and promote linkages between primary care providers and other child and family service providers for young children and their families by replicating ABCD Screening Academy demonstration site activities.