Updated 1/25/2023
What depression scale tool may facilities use?
CMS will not specify a specific screening tool however any specific screening tool not specific to depression (e.g. KDQOL) is not considered a screening tool for the purpose of measuring clinical depression. Below are some of the screening tools facilities may utilize.
- Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9, PHQ-2, PHQ-A)
- Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D 10)
- Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)
- Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS)
- Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
How often are facilities required to submit clinical depression and follow up plan information?
Facilities must submit data for each eligible patient at least once every calendar year. The assessment period is from January 1st to December 31st of each calendar year.
Which patients are required to be reported on?
Which screening option should I select?
Review the Clarification column that corresponds with each screening option to determine the best selection for each patient.
EQRS Options | Clarification | |
1 | Screening for clinical depression is documented as being positive, and follow up plan is documented | A. Provider has deemed that patient is positive for signs of depression and a documented outline of care has been completed |
2 | Screening for clinical depression documented as positive, and a follow-up plan not documented, and the facility possess documentation stating the patient is not eligible | B. Provider has deem the patient positive for symptoms of depression; but a follow-up plan was not documented because the facility has documented that the patient was ineligible or treatment is medically contraindicated |
3 | Screening for clinical depression documented as positive, the facility possesses no documentation of a follow-up plan, and no reason is given | C. Provider has deemed that the patient is positive for signs for depression |
4 | Screening for clinical depression is documented as negative, and a follow-up plan is not required |
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5 | Screening for clinical depression not documented, but the facility possesses documentation stating the patient is not eligible | D. Ineligibility includes:
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6 | Clinical depression screening not documented, and no reason is given |
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Instructions for documenting Depression Screenings in EQRS.
Step One: Log into EQRS https://eqrs.cms.gov/globalapp/
Click the dropdown Patients tab and select Clinical Depression.
Step Two: Find Your Facility
Under Facility Search, enter your Medicare 6-digit CCN# or the facility’s NPI. Once your facility is listed, select it by clicking on it.
Step Three: Choose Your Facility’s Reporting Period.
Select the assessment period you will be reporting for.
2021 entry is CLOSED and will not appear on this list.
Step Four: Choose the Depression Screening Status.
Select Submitted to see which patients [and how many patients] have depression screening information already reported in EQRS for the reporting year.
This is confirmed by the submit date under the Last Updated column:
Select Required to see which patients [and how many patients] still need their depression screening to be reported.
You may also search for a specific patient by entering their name in the Patient Name Search box.
Step Five: Reporting Patient Screening Status.
- Click Report to select a patient that has already been screened. The image below will appear.
- Select from one of the six options (refer to Figure.1 Screening Choices and Definition section of this guide).
- Click Submit.
- You have successfully documented the clinical depression screening and follow-up in EQRS!