Section 220. Other diagnostic, screening, preventive, and rehabilitative services, i.e., other than those provided elsewhere in this plan

A. Diagnostic services are provided but only when necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

B. Screening services.

1. Screening mammograms for the female recipient population aged 35 and over shall be covered, consistent with the guidelines published by the American Cancer Society.

2. Screening PSA (prostate specific antigen) and the related DRE (digital rectal examination) for males shall be covered, consistent with the guidelines published by the American Cancer Society.

3. Screening Pap smears shall be covered annually for females, consistent with the guidelines published by the American Cancer Society.

4. Screening services for colorectal cancer, specifically screening with an annual fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, or in appropriate circumstances radiologic imaging, in accordance with the most recently published recommendations established by the American College of Gastroenterology, in consultation with the American Cancer Society, for the ages, family histories, and frequencies referenced in such recommendations.

C. Maternity length of stay and early discharge.

1. If the mother and newborn, or the newborn alone, are discharged earlier than 48 hours after the day of delivery, DMAS will cover one early discharge follow-up visit as recommended by the physicians in accordance with and as indicated by the "Guidelines for Perinatal Care," 4th Edition, August 1997, as developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The mother and newborn, or the newborn alone if the mother has not been discharged, must meet the criteria for early discharge to be eligible for the early discharge follow-up visit. This early discharge follow-up visit does not affect or apply to any usual postpartum or well-baby care or any other covered care to which the mother or newborn is entitled; it is tied directly to an early discharge.

2. The early discharge follow-up visit must be provided as directed by a physician. The physician may coordinate with the provider of his choice to provide the early discharge follow-up visit, within the following limitations. Qualified providers are those hospitals, physicians, nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, federally qualified health clinics, rural health clinics, and health departments' clinics that are enrolled as Medicaid providers and are qualified by the appropriate state authority for delivery of the service. The staff providing the follow-up visit, at a minimum, must be a registered nurse having training and experience in maternal and child health. The visit must be provided within 48 hours of discharge.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR460-03-3.1100 § 13, eff. July 1, 1992; amended, eff. June 29, 1993; Volume 11, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1995; Volume 12, Issue 03, eff. November 29, 1995; Volume 12, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 1996; Volume 13, Issue 01, eff. November 1, 1996; Volume 14, Issue 07, eff. January 22, 1998; Volume 14, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 1998; Volume 15, Issue 25, eff. October 1, 1999; Volume 16, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2000.

Statutory Authority

§ 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia.