Lead Screening in Children (LSC) - NCQA

HEDIS Measure

Lead Screening in Children (LSC) - NCQA

Line of business: Medicaid

Data Collection Method:

Administrative (Claims)
Hybrid (HEDIS Chart Chase)
Supplemental Data Submission

• Standard – Electronic Clinical Data System (ECDS) Layout
• Non-Standard - Medical Record

Measure Description

The percentage of children 2 years of age who had one or more capillary or venous lead blood test for lead poisoning by their second birthday.

Numerator Compliance

At least one lead capillary or venous blood test on or before the child's second birthday.

Documentation in the medical record must include both of the following:

• A note indicating the date the test was performed
• The result or finding

Best Practices

• Discuss the risks of not being tested, including the possibility of behavioral and cognitive issues.
• Offer Saturday and walk-in appointments for lead testing.
• Discuss the importance of early lead screening during both well and sick visits.
• Stress that lead testing is mandatory in New Jersey for children under the age of 6 years old.
• Order the test at the appropriate age and ensure it is completed
• Follow up on open lab orders for lead screening before the second birthday
• Provide in-office testing
• Be sure chart documentation includes the date the test was performed AND the result or finding
• Educate parents that while the child may not be exposed at home, other environments may present a new risk
• Complete The Verbal Lead Risk Assessment starting at 6 months of age at every well visit to identify children at high risk
• Consider using Medtox Testing - a means of measuring blood lead levels using a capillary (finger stick) blood sample and filter paper in the office.

NOTE: If a member has not had a lead test by 24 to 72 months of age, testing should be done but will NOT be compliant

• Reference the Lead Case Management: CDC Guidelines Managing Elevated Blood Lead Levels Among Young Children: Recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention State of New Jersey Department of Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention;
  cdc.gov/nceh/lead/CaseManagement/caseManage_chap3.htm; nj.gov/health/childhoodlead
• Reference the New Blood Lead Level Information, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov/nceh/lead

Quality Value Set Directory Coding Tips

Lead Tests