Encounter for screening for maternal depression

This code signifies an encounter focused on assessing a pregnant or postpartum individual for symptoms of depression. It represents the process of identifying potential maternal depression through standardized screening tools, rather than a definitive diagnosis.

Use this code when a patient presents for a routine prenatal or postpartum visit and a maternal depression screening is performed. This includes screenings conducted using tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) or Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) as part of preventative care.

• This code is for the screening encounter, not for a confirmed diagnosis of depression.
• If the screening is positive and a definitive diagnosis of depression is made, code the specific depression diagnosis in addition to this screening code.
• Do not use this code if the patient is presenting for treatment of an already diagnosed depressive disorder.