The Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit\u2014known in Kansas as KanBeHealthy (KBH)\u2014is a cornerstone of primary and preventive care for children enrolled in Medicaid. EPSDT provides comprehensive preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services and guarantees coverage of medically necessary services needed to correct or ameliorate physical, developmental, behavioral, and mental health conditions. Effective delivery of EPSDT is critical to ensure that children receive timely identification of health concerns and access to services necessary to support healthy development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the importance of EPSDT, relatively little statewide information has been available regarding how consistently the benefit is delivered across Kansas or where challenges occur across the continuum of care. Existing administrative performance measures primarily assess receipt of preventive screenings but provide limited insight into provider knowledge and practices, referral processes, care coordination, or barriers encountered as children move from screening to medically necessary follow-up services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To address these gaps, the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, in partnership with the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, conducted a statewide assessment of EPSDT implementation. The assessment included a survey of 118 healthcare providers and organizations serving Medicaid-enrolled children across Kansas and interviews with representatives from all three Kansas Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). Together, these data provide insight into provider-reported implementation across the EPSDT continuum\u2014from preventive screening through diagnostic assessment, referral, treatment, and ongoing care coordination\u2014and the factors that may facilitate or hinder delivery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
View findings from this assessment by viewing the full report or report brief below. Also, view slides that show where Kansas stands on primary care access and preventive care measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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