Modified initial health assessments during the pandemic
In June 2020, DHCS published APL 20-004, which included language about initial health assessment (IHA) completion timeframes*. Although there are no updates from DHCS, we would like to remind providers to review telehealth guidelines to work towards completing as much of the IHA as possible (SHA, health history, etc.) and complete the remainder of the IHA when possible.
- For more information on telehealth with SCFHP, please see the memo.
- Find information about initial health assessments on the SCFHP website.
- To ensure that you are receiving credit for outreach attempts, please review the IHA technical specifications and code appropriately.
Questions?
Contact SCFHP Provider Performance Program team at ProviderPerformance@scfhp.com.
*APL 20-004 states: For any members newly enrolled in the MCP between December 1, 2019, and the end of the public health emergency, DHCS is temporarily suspending the requirement to complete an Initial Health Assessment (IHA), as described in the MCP contract with DHCS, within the timeframes outlined in the contract (120 days for most members). MCPs are permitted to defer the completion for these members until the COVID-19 emergency declaration is rescinded; however, DHCS will require the completion of the IHA for these members once the public health emergency is over.