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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.