First-Line Psychosocial Care for Children and Adolescents on Antipsychotics (APP)

What does the APP measure assess?

• The APP measure assesses the percentage of children and adolescents 1 to 17 years of age who had a new prescription for an antipsychotic medication, without a clinical indication and had documentation of psychosocial care as first-line treatment (90 days prior to new prescription through 30 days after).¹

Why is the APP measure important?

• Prescribing antipsychotic medications to children and adolescents for which psychosocial interventions are considered first-line treatment has increased. Antipsychotic medications can elevate the risk for developing serious metabolic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, stroke and other health problems into adulthood.²
• Psychosocial care, which includes behavioral interventions, psychological therapies, and skills training among other forms of non-pharmacological care, is the recommended first-line treatment option for children and adolescents diagnosed with nonpsychotic conditions such as attention-deficit disorder and disruptive behaviors.

What can you do to help?

• Before prescribing children and adolescents any antipsychotic medication, you should complete or refer your patients for a trial of first-line, evidenced-based psychosocial care.
• When prescribed, antipsychotic medications should be part of a comprehensive, multi-modal plan for coordinated treatment that includes psychosocial care.
• Periodically the ongoing need for continued therapy with antipsychotic medications should be reviewed.

HEDIS^® is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

CPT^® Codes for Psychological Care:

90832 - 90834, 90836 - 90840, 90845 - 90847, 90849, 90853, 90875, 90876, 90880

HCPCS Codes for Psychological Care:

G0176, G0177, G0409 - G0411, H0004, H0035 - H0040, H2000, H2001, H2011 - H2014, H2017 - H2020, S0201, S9480, S9484, S9485 With or without a telehealth modifier: 95, GT