EPSDT Services: Definitions

Dental Care. Dental services customarily furnished by or through dental providers as defined in 130 CMR 420.000: Dental Services, to the extent the furnishing of those services is authorized by the MassHealth agency. EPSDT Dental Protocol and Periodicity Schedule (the Dental Schedule). A schedule (see Appendix W: EPSDT Services: Medical and Dental Protocols and Periodicity Schedules of all MassHealth provider manuals) developed and periodically updated by the MassHealth agency in consultation with recognized medical and dental organizations involved in child health care. The Dental Schedule consists of screening and treatment procedures arranged according to the intervals or age levels at which each procedure is to be provided. EPSDT Medical Protocol and Periodicity Schedule (the Medical Schedule). A schedule (see Appendix W: EPSDT Services: Medical and Dental Protocols and Periodicity Schedules of all MassHealth provider manuals) developed and periodically updated by the MassHealth agency in consultation with recognized medical and dental organizations involved in child health care. The Medical Schedule consists of screening procedures arranged according to the intervals or age levels at which each procedure is to be provided. 1. Introduction (130 CMR 450.000) Interperiodic Visit. The provision of screening procedures or treatment services at an age other than those indicated on the Medical or the Dental Schedule. Interperiodic visits may be: (1) screenings that are medically necessary to determine the existence of a suspected illness or condition, or a change in or complication of a preexisting condition; (2) the provision of the full-range of EPSDT screening or treatment services delivered at an age other than one listed on the Medical or Dental Schedule to update the member's care according to the Medical or Dental Schedule; or (3) additional screening or treatment services provided to a member whose care is already up to date according to the Medical or Dental Schedule. Periodic Visit. The provision of screening procedures appropriate to the member's age and medical history, as prescribed by the Medical Schedule or the Dental Schedule. Primary Care. Health care services customarily furnished by or through a general practitioner, family physician, internal medicine physician, obstetrician/gynecologist, pediatrician, certified nurse practitioner, or certified nurse midwife, or physician assistant to the extent the furnishing of those services is legally authorized in the Commonwealth. Primary care does not include emergency or post stabilization services provided in a hospital or other setting. Primary Care Provider. A general practitioner, family physician, internal medicine physician, obstetrician/gynecologist, pediatrician, certified nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, or physician assistant.