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  • Medicaid Provider Alert: Provider revalidation has begun and those not completing the process risk disenrollment.  Check your account now to learn when your revalidation is due. More information here.

Our new Child Support Cook Central Office at 115 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, is now open for in-person assistance.  We also have other regional office locations to better serve you! 

Elizabeth M. Whitehorn, Director

Provider Notice Screening for Perinatal Depression

HFS recognizes the need to screen for perinatal depression. For information about billing see the provider notice.

Provider Notices

Perinatal depression may occur at any time during the pregnancy, immediately after delivery or even up to one year after delivery. The consequences of untreated perinatal depression can be devastating and have long-term adverse effects for the woman, her child and other family members. Yet, perinatal depression remains both under recognized and under treated.

Early detection of symptoms and prompt initiation of treatment can greatly reduce adverse consequences, and medications and psychosocial interventions can effectively treat depression during both pregnancy and the postpartum period.

A statewide Perinatal Mental Health Consultation Service has been established for providers to use when a screening indicates that a pregnant or postpartum woman may be suffering from depression. This service provides consultation with psychiatrists. The Perinatal Mental Health Consultation Service's toll-free telephone number is 1-800-573-6121.

Other Links:

Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP)