Early identification of developmental disorders in the birth-to-three-year-old population is critical to the well-being of children and their families. Periodic screening for the purpose of early identification in primary care medical homes is recommended care for all children. Specifically, the recommendation is for developmental screening at 9, 18, and 30 months, and whenever surveillance indicates a concern. In addition, autism screening is recommended at 18 and 24 month visits.

The use of a standardized screening tool results in higher detection rates for at risk children than screening without a standardized screening tool. To increase the use of standardized developmental screening tools, DVHA has changed its reimbursement policy to encourage the use of standardized screening tools.

DVHA, through work by the Vermont Child Health Improvement Program, has developed a short list of standardized developmental and autism screening tools for providers to use. The background research used to develop the short list can be found below; see 'Developmental Screening Preferred Tool List for Children Birth to Three years'. For specifics on reimbursement for developmental screening, go to the CMS 1500 Supplement to the Provider Manual http://www.vtmedicaid.com/Downloads/manuals.html.

• Developmental Screening "Preferred Tool List" for Children Birth to Three Years (07/05/11)
• Developmental and Autism Screening in Primary Care (07/05/11)