April 1, 2015

Dear Resource Provider,

Greene County has chosen to make improved health, dental and vision care for our foster children a goal on our local Performance Improvement Plan. This is letter is to remind you of the importance of obtaining appropriate medical care for the foster children you provide care for in your home. Per the Child Welfare Manuel Section 4.24.2;

  • The initial health examination shall occur within 24 hours of the child coming into care. This initial health examination does not need to be a full Healthy Children and Youth (HCY) assessment. The purpose of the initial health examination is to identify the need for immediate medical or mental health care and assess for infectious and communicable diseases. When possible, this initial health examination should be completed by the child’s current primary care physician as they know the child and have knowledge of the child’s medical history. If a provider is not readily accessible, this exam must occur within 72 hours of the initial placement.
  • A full HCY examination including eye, hearing, and dental shall be completed no later than 30 days after the child is placed in Children's Division (CD) custody.
  • Section 210.110 RSMo requires all children under the age of 10 in the Children’s Division (CD) custody to receive a physical, developmental, and mental health screening every six months, as long as the child remains in care.
  • Children, 10 years and older, who enter CD custody should have continued follow up as needed following the initial examination.
  • Ongoing medical care should be obtained in accordance to the HCY examination/immunizationschedule and per Section 210.110 RSMo. (once a year at the annual well child screening)

It is important to obtain care according to schedule to ensure additional issues related to the child’s health care do not arise. In relation to the statement regarding children under the age of 10 receiving a screening every six months, you can request this from provider’s by stating that you need an “interperiodic screening”. The provider will be aware of how to code this in order for reimbursement from Medicaid to occur.

Please have the provider complete the age appropriate HCY form and return this to your Children’s Service Worker. A print out from the physician with all the HCY information would be appropriate if this is the physician’s preferred method of documentation. Please be aware that all information including dental, vision and hearing, must be included. It is also important for the worker to be provided with documentation from every medical visit a child in your care may have; this includes medical, dental and vision.

If you have any questions regarding the above information please contact your Children’s Service Worker or you licensing case manager. Thank you for your continued service in making lives better for children.

Your partnership,

Greene County Children’s Division