By Lauren Barca, MHA, RN, BSN, VP of Quality of 86Borders
Depression Screening and Follow-Up (DSF-E) is often viewed as a quality measure centered on screening. But for health plans, the bigger challenge is what happens after a member screens positive.
The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) describes DSF-E as two connected rates: Depression Screening and Follow-Up on Positive Screen. That distinction matters. Screening identifies a potential need, but follow-up determines whether the member is connected to appropriate care within the required 30-day window.
That makes DSF-E more than a documentation or provider coding exercise. It requires a repeatable process for outreach, education, care coordination, provider connection, follow-up support, and clean documentation that can be used for Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) and Star Ratings performance.
For many plans, the challenge is not simply whether a behavioral health network exists. It is whether members can actually access and use that network when they need support. A member may need help understanding why the screening matters, finding an appropriate in-network primary care or behavioral health provider, scheduling an appointment, overcoming transportation or language barriers, or following through after a missed appointment.
Trust is also critical. Mental health outreach can feel sensitive or confusing, especially for members who are already hard to engage. A human conversation can help explain the purpose of screening, answer questions, reduce friction, and make the next step feel more manageable.
That is where 86Borders supports health plans. Our Care Coordinators help bridge the space between the plan, the member, and the provider network by supporting outreach, scheduling, barrier resolution, follow-up, and documentation. Rather than giving members a phone number and hoping they call, 86Borders helps guide them through the process.
For health plans focused on HEDIS performance, Star Ratings, behavioral health access, Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) scores, retention, and member trust, DSF-E is an opportunity to put whole-person care into practice.
A strong DSF-E strategy should not feel like a compliance exercise. It should feel like the plan noticed a need, reached out thoughtfully, and helped the member get connected to the right support.
Screening may start the process, but follow-through is what makes DSF-E meaningful.
If your health plan is looking for a more human, coordinated way to support DSF-E outreach, follow-up, and documentation, 86Borders can help. Contact us to learn how our care coordination model helps members overcome barriers and connect to the right care.