June 4, 2026
Following are this week’s updates. If you have questions, please contact [email protected].
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Streamline Default Reports – County Feedback Requested Prior to Deactivation
The Smartcare Default Reports contains a list of reports that were installed at go-live. Based on feedback received from counties, CalMHSA is considering deactivating these reports in the primary system, which would also deactivate them in county environments.
Counties — Please review the list linked above and determine whether any of these reports are still needed. If your county would like to retain certain reports, please notify CalMHSA by emailing [email protected].
If no concerns are identified, CalMHSA plans to proceed with deactivating these reports on June 18.
BH Connect Authorization Bundle Now Available
CalMHSA has created a BH Connect Authorization code that is configured for all component procedure codes associated with the BH Connect ACT and FACT programs. Assessment procedure codes are excluded, as they do not require authorization.
The new authorization bundle is now available in Production, and counties participating in BH Connect may begin adding authorizations for eligible clients.
Counties that require an authorization before billing can configure the billing rule “These Programs Require Authorization for These Codes” within their Production environment, under Medi-Cal plan rules.
BH Connect – New Mode of Delivery for Monthly Bundled Claims
CalMHSA has introduced a new mode of delivery, BHC Monthly Bundle, to support monthly bundled claims for clients enrolled in BH Connect programs. This update is now live in Production environments.
For counties opted into BH Connect with monthly bundling enabled:
- Select the BHC Monthly Bundle mode of delivery on all services entered in BH Connect programs. This ensures claims are correctly formatted as monthly bundled claims per DHCS billing requirements.
- Component procedure codes have been updated in alignment with the DHCS billing manual to support this selection.
If your county is not opted into BH Connect monthly bundling, or you have no BH Connect programs, no action is required. Documentation will be available on the CalMHSA website soon.
Updating SUD Assessment Procedure Code Display Names
Effective June 12, CalMHSA will update the display names of several SUD assessment-related procedure codes in SmartCare to better align with the DMC-ODS Service Table. This is a display-name-only change — rates, documentation requirements, authorized users, and historical data are not affected.
Updated Display Names
Code | Current Display Name | New Display Name |
H0001 | SUD Screening | SUD Assessment |
G2011, G3096, G3097 | ASAM or other structured SUD assessment | SUD Structured Assessment (not tobacco) |
H0049 | Alcohol or Drug Screening | SUD Screening |
Action Required – Verify Your Program Setup: County system administrators should confirm the following codes are enabled for all applicable SUD programs:
- H0001 (SUD Assessment)
- G2011, G3096, G3097 (SUD Structured Assessment – not tobacco)
- H0049 (SUD Screening)
Why We’re Making This Change
Previously, CalMHSA updated procedure code display names in SmartCare at counties’ request, replacing raw billing descriptions with more user-friendly labels. As part of that effort, G-series codes were labeled to reference “ASAM,” and H0001 was labeled “SUD Screening.”
CalMHSA has since confirmed with DHCS that counties are not limited to G-codes for ASAM assessments when conducted by an SUD Counselor. Both the G-codes and H0001 are valid options, and the appropriate code depends on the circumstances.
Choosing the Right Code
- G2011, G3096, G3097 — Fixed-duration codes, each covering a specific time range, limited to one unit per service. Best suited for structured assessments that fall within their defined time ranges.
- H0001 — Billed in 15-minute increments, making it better suited for ASAM assessments that run 90 minutes or longer.
The updated display names remove the ASAM reference from G-series codes and revise H0001 from “Screening” to “Assessment,” so staff can make informed selections based on the service being provided. Rates, historical encounter and claims data, billing rules, and documentation requirements are unchanged.
Upcoming Initiatives
See the EHR Product Team’s upcoming initiatives in this list, updated as products and priorities evolve.
CalMHSA EHR Initiative Report 5-28-26.
Events Calendar
To register for events, visit the events page.