Navigating the world of healthcare is never easy. And, for for families going through the diagnostic process for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with their child, all the appointments, reports, and assessments can be downright mind-boggling. After a child has been diagnosed with ASD, accessing therapy services like, Applied Behavior Analysis, is often the next step. But, for families with Minnesota Medicaid health insurance, there’s one more piece of the puzzle before therapy services can begin; the Comprehensive Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation (CMDE). This guide aims to clarify the goal of the CMDE and help explain the process, making it easier for families to access the support they need.
What is the CMDE?
The CMDE is a required component for accessing Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) services. What that means in non-clinical language, is that the CMDE assessment is your child’s gateway to accessing care!
The CMDE determines:
- Your child’s eligibility for EIDBI services
- Assesses medical need for therapy services like ABA
- Informs the development of individualized therapy plans
- Helps ensure therapy plans are tailored precisely to your child’s needs
It’s important to note that CMDEs are only required for families with Minnesota Medicaid insurance. If you have non-Medicaid coverage you won’t need to complete a CMDE!
Tips for the CMDE Process
Gathering Documentation Ahead of Time
Before scheduling your child’s CMDE appointment, you’ll need to collect documentation related to your child’s health history. Specific items you’ll need to provide include:
- A copy of your child’s current insurance card
- A copy of your child’s most recent well child visit
- Any previous CMDE assessments (CMDE’s must be completed every 3 years)
- A copy of your child’s full Autism diagnostic assessment
- Any existing therapy plans, individualized family services plans (IFSPs), or individualized educational plans (IEPs)
Search for a CMDE Provider
Once you’ve collected all your documentation, you’ll need to find a qualified provider to conduct the CMDE. You can search for provider on the Minnesota Department of Health and Human Services provider directory website. To search, select “Early Intensive Developmental Behavioral Intervention” under Type and under Sub-Type choose “CMDE Assessment Provider”.
Know What to Expect During the CMDE Assessment
At your families CMDE appointment the provider will:
- Review and confirm your child’s Autism diagnosis.
- Walk through your child’s detailed health and behavioral history
- Conduct an observational session with your child to see their baseline skills in action!
Based on the information gathered during your child’s assessment, the provider will develop a report with recommendations for services.
Contact With Therapy Providers
After your CMDE appointment, it will likely take a few weeks for your provider to put together their report. This is a great time to start reviewing therapy options and connecting with providers like Midwest. We can get the enrollment process started by scheduling a tour, preparing intake paperwork, and answering your questions!
Conclusion
Understanding the CMDE process is a crucial step for families enrolled in Minnesota Medicaid health plans. For more detailed guidance and support, families are encouraged to contact the Minnesota Department of Health and Human Services.
###
About Midwest Autism & Therapy Centers
Midwest is dedicated to helping children with Autism reach their developmental milestones through center-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services. Serving children aged 2-5 across six locations in Iowa and Minnesota, they offer full-day and half-day programs featuring personalized 1:1 therapy and group learning opportunities. For more information, to enroll in services, or to send us a referral please visit us at www.midwestautismservices.com.