CMS mandates tardive dyskinesia screening for all Medicare plans

CMS issued new guidance requiring all Medicare plans to cover screening for tardive dyskinesia, a condition caused by long-term use of antipsychotic drugs. This formalizes coverage for a previously inconsistent benefit. Billing teams must confirm payer-specific implementation dates and ensure relevant CPT codes (e.g., 96127 for brief emotional/behavioral assessment) are documented and billed appropriately for patients on chronic antipsychotics. Update your clinical checklists for psychiatric and neurology visits to include this screening and verify coverage with each patient's Medicare Advantage or Part D plan before rendering the service.