Don’t miss our upcoming TotalCare (HMO D-SNP) Open Office Hours
Get your questions answered and discuss any TotalCare-related topics in a drop-in setting. The next session is on April 28 from noon to 1 p.m.
See last month’s Provider Digest for more information and the full schedule.
A PCP’s guide to behavioral health screenings
When should PCPs conduct mental health screenings?
- When clinically indicated.
- Incorporate routine screenings into preventive visits and initial health assessments.
Which types of screenings are PCPs responsible for?
Adult screenings
PHQ-9 (Depression) and GAD-7 (Anxiety)
| Population | Screening frequency | Resource |
| General, adult | Annually | Depression Screening for Adolescents and Adults Tip Sheet |
| Members with current depression or history of depression | At each visit | |
| For pregnant/postpartum members | Screen at least once during pregnancy, within 6 weeks postpartum and as medically necessary. Consider screening for postpartum depression at the infant’s well-child visits under a dyadic behavioral health (DBH) well-child visit in alignment with Bright Futures Schedule. |
Child/youth screenings (members under age 21)
| Screening type | Guidance | Resource |
| Brief emotional/behavioral/ developmental assessments | Screen according to the Bright Futures Schedule. This includes M-CHAT for autism spectrum disorder, and when clinically indicated. | Screening Guidelines for Autism in Primary Care Practice and Child and Adolescent Well-Care Visits Tip Sheet |
| Trauma screening | Use DHCS-approved trauma screening tools. The Alliance requires use of the ACEs tools for trauma screening.
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Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Screening in Children and Adolescents Tip Sheet |
Substance use disorder screenings (screen members ages 11 and older)
Providers are responsible for annual screening, brief intervention and/or arranging services to treat substance use disorders (SUDs). If a member needs SUD treatment other than acute medical detoxification, please refer them to their county’s behavioral health department.
Next steps after screening
Positive screening results may be:
- Further assessed and treated by PCP, if within their scope of practice.
- Referred to an in-network behavioral health provider (see the Alliance Provider Directory).
- Referred to county specialty mental health services if the member is high risk or has severe behavioral health needs.
If a member’s behavioral health needs are unclear after screening, refer them to the Alliance’s behavioral health care management team for further support. For more information, see the Provider Manual.
The Silver&Fit® program helps older adults stay active
Older adults with both Medi-Cal and Medicare often face complex health challenges, making it critical to offer programs that support physical and social wellbeing. TotalCare (HMO D-SNP), the Alliance’s Medicare Advantage plan, helps address this need with the Silver&Fit Healthy Aging and Exercise program.
By encouraging TotalCare members to participate in the Silver&Fit program, providers can address social isolation, chronic condition management and preventive care. This supplemental benefit is offered at no cost and is designed specifically for older adults.
The program includes access to many fitness centers1 as well as the following offerings.
Digital workouts
Digital workouts include exercise plans, a home fitness kit2 and on-demand videos.
There are options that support:
- Strength, toning, self-care or walking.
- Staying healthy after being sick or hurt.
- Managing long-term conditions.
Live 1:1 coaching3
- Tips on food, exercise and healthy habits.
- Weight loss support for members taking GLP-1/anti-obesity medication.
Well-being club
Personalized healthy habit resources, live classes and events.
To learn more, visit our Silver&Fit program webpage.
The Silver&Fit program is provided by American Specialty Health Fitness, Inc., a subsidiary of American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH). Silver&Fit is a trademark of ASH and used with permission herein.
1Fitness center participation may vary by location and is subject to change.
2Kits are based on availability and subject to change.
3The Silver&Fit program is not a medical provider or pharmacist, and its coaches do not offer medical or pharmaceutical advice. They cannot and do not diagnose or treat medical, mental health, or other health conditions. Coaches provide general information for educational purposes only. For any medical or health concerns, consult a qualified health care professional.
