Home Health for Children: Growth Chart Documentation Requirement
The MO HealthNet Division (MHD) covers Home Health services for children under age 21 who have:
- Low birth weight (less than five pounds at birth)
- Failure-to-thrive (abnormal deceleration of the growth process)
Eligibility for such services is based on the child's weight-for-height deficit; therefore, a child’s record must include a growth chart that tracks both weight and height, with the dates of observation. It is recommended that providers use the National Center for Health Statistics growth charts:
- Weight-for-Height Graph, Boys (Birth to 36 Months)
- Weight-for-Height Graph, Girls (Birth to 36 Months)
How you submit the growth chart depends on how you bill MHD. If you submit paper claims, you must attach a physical copy of the growth chart to your claim. If you submit claims electronically, you must enter the child’s weight and height information directly into the electronic billing portal.
For more information regarding Home Health for children and associated documentation requirements, refer to Section 2.12 and Section 3.3 of the Home Health Provider Manual.
For additional resources, refer to the Education and Training Resources page and/or sign up for a live webinar by accessing our Provider Training Calendar. Email MHD.Education@dss.mo.gov for more information.