Montana
Montana’s ABCD Screening Academy project clarified reimbursement policy, selected and implemented use of a screening tool in selected demonstration sties, and built upon private/public partnerships to promote structured screening in primary care. The ABCD Screening Academy activities in Montana included:
- Engaging state policy makers in an effort to clarify and/or improve reimbursement policies for developmental screening.
- Reaching out to providers and practices by providing the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) screening tool and training to interested practices , thus expanding implementation to a total of four practice sites.
- Sustaining and spreading the ABCD model to additional Montana cities and practices including, the Center on Mental Health, county health departments, child care providers, and pediatric providers, who all began using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire.
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
