Postpartum Depression (PPD) Screening at Infant Well-Child Visits – Refreshed Resources for 2026

Why This Matters

Maternal depression is a serious and common condition that affects mothers, infants, and the entire family system, impacting child development, bonding, and overall well‑being. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), an estimated 5%–25% of all pregnant, postpartum and parenting women experience some type of depression. Mothers who have low incomes are more likely to experience some form of depression than the general population of mothers.

Screening Recommendations

The AAP recommends integrating maternal postpartum depression (PPD) screening into infant well-child visits at 1, 2, 4 and 6 months.

Texas Health Steps (THSteps) recommends maternal postpartum depression screening at least once between birth and 12 months.

What’s Covered

PPD screening is a Texas Medicaid benefit for STAR and STAR Kids members. This service may be billed in addition to the infant well-child checkup with the following billing codes:

Reimbursement

THSteps medical providers may receive separate reimbursement for PPD screening, in addition to the infant’s THSteps medical checkup or follow-up visit with the following limitations and requirements:

• Only one reimbursable PPD screening code (G8431 or G8510) is allowed per provider during the 12 months following the infant’s birth. Additional screenings may still be billed for tracking purposes.
• If the child has a Medicaid ID, then the THSteps provider must bill the PPD screening service under the child's Medicaid ID, per the Texas Medicaid Provider Procedures Manual (TMPPM). If the child does not yet have a Medicaid ID, then the THSteps provider must bill under the Mother's Medicaid ID per House Bill 3940. 
• Screening and referral are not dependent on the mother’s Medicaid eligibility.
• Codes G8431 or G8510 must be billed on the same claim and date of service as an eligible THSteps medical checkup or follow-up visit. Eligible THSteps procedure codes:

• Important: Always follow the current Texas Medicaid Provider Procedures Manual (TMPPM).

Postpartum Depression Screening, Referral, and Documentation Requirements

Validated screening tools:

• Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
• Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9)
• Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS)

Documentation (in the infant’s medical record) must include:

• Screening tool name
• Date of screening
• Screening result
• Documented follow-up plan and referral for positive screens

Provider Resources:

• Texas Health Steps Medical Checkups – Preventative Care for Infants, Postpartum Depression Screening
• Texas Medicaid Provider Procedures Manual (TMPPM), Children's Services Handbook: Section 4.3.12.1.4 Postpartum Depression Screening

Referrals & Community Resources:

Clinical Support & Case Management Options

• TCHP’s Maternal Child Case Management Program. Refer using the Member Referral for Case Management Form or email CaseManagementPhysicianReferral@texaschildrenshospital.org.
• Case Management for Children & Pregnant Women (HHSC CPW): For children (birth–20) and pregnant women with medical/psychosocial risks; providers can locate CPW agencies and resources statewide. Complete a referral form (PDF) and fax to Texas Health Steps. The fax number is 512-533-3867.
• Perinatal Psychiatry Access Network (PeriPAN): Free, realtime clinician-to-clinician consults with a multidisciplinary network of mental health experts (including reproductive psychiatrists); guidance on medication, diagnosis and local resources. Call 888-901-2726

Family Support (to share with caregivers):

• Postpartum Support International (PSI) HelpLine: Call or text 1-800-944-4773 (English/Spanish). Not a crisis line; returns calls daily.
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call 1-833-852-6262 (1-833-TLC-MAMA), 24/7 confidential support.
• If risk of harm is present, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) immediately.

Next step for providers:

• Ensure maternal PPD screening is incorporated into infant well-child visits
• Use validated screening tools and document appropriately
• Share this bulletin with all relevant clinical and administrative staff

If you have any questions, please email Provider Relations at providerrelations@texaschildrens.org.

For access to all provider alerts: www.texaschildrenshealthplan.org/provideralerts.