Developmental screening in the first three years of life

For members one to three years of age, the percentage of children screened for risk of developmental, behavioral, and social delays using a standardized screening tool in the 12 months preceding their first, second, and third birthday.

Why it matters

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children be screened for developmental delays and disabilities during regular well-child visits at nine, 18, 24, and 30 months.

Developmental screening tools can assist in determining if a child is developing according to standard developmental milestones. Depending on the outcome, patients can be referred to the appropriate specialist for follow-up and a more formal evaluation.

CPT                96110               Developmental Screening (eg, PEDS, Ages and Stages, M-CHAT)

For more information on the complete list of approved tools for screening, please visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website.

Lead screening in children                 

The percentage of children two years of age who had one or more capillary or venous lead blood test for lead poisoning by their second birthday.

Why it matters

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development states that exposure to lead can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs, as well as intellectual and behavioral deficits. Because children who are exposed to lead often have no obvious symptoms, lead poisoning often goes unrecognized.

Screening for lead is an easy way to detect an abnormal blood lead level in children. According to the CDC, there is no safe blood lead level for children. If not found early, exposure to lead and high blood lead levels can lead to irrevocable effects on a child’s physical and mental health.