New Medicare Star measure for 2027: Depression Screening and Follow-Up for Adolescents and Adults.

What does the measure include?

Beginning with Measurement Year (MY) 2027, the HEDIS Depression Screening and Follow-Up for Adolescents and Adults (DSF-E) measure will be included in the Medicare Star Ratings. This two-part measure focuses on both depression screening and timely follow-up after a positive screening result.

• Depression Screening: The percentage of individuals age 12 and older who were screened for clinical depression using a standardized screening instrument.
• Follow-Up on Positive Screen: The percentage of individuals who received appropriate follow-up care within 30 days of a positive depression screening.

Why is this measure important?

Depression is common and can significantly affect a person's quality of life and overall health, yet it often goes unrecognized or untreated. Screening helps identify individuals who may be experiencing symptoms and connects them with appropriate care.

Screening alone is not enough. Individuals with a positive screen need timely follow-up to ensure their symptoms are evaluated and that they receive appropriate treatment, support, or referral to behavioral health services.

What screenings count?

Several standardized screening tools may meet the measure requirements, including but not limited to:

• Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
• Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2)
• Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen (BDI-FS)

Screening results should be documented appropriately in the medical record.

What follow-up counts?

Follow-up must occur within 30 days of a positive screen. Qualifying follow-up may include but is not limited to:

• Outpatient visits, telephone visits, E-visits, virtual check-ins or other qualifying telehealth visits with documentation of a diagnosis of depression or another behavioral health condition.
• Dispensing of an antidepressant medication

Who is excluded?

The measure includes specific exclusions. These include individuals who:

• Are in hospice during the applicable period
• Have a history of bipolar disorder at any time prior to the measurement year
• Have a new diagnosis of depression during the year prior to the measurement year

Preparing for MY2027.

As organizations prepare for MY2027, it is important to evaluate current workflows for depression screening, documentation, and follow-up. Having a consistent process for identifying positive screens and connecting patients with timely follow-up will be key to successful performance.

More importantly, DSF-E provides an opportunity to identify individuals who may need help and ensure they receive the appropriate care. The goal is not simply to complete a screening, but to make sure a positive result leads to meaningful follow-up and support.