Making a Dent in Undiagnosed and Untreated Depression among Older West Virginians

Depression, a serious and debilitating disease, remains under-diagnosed and inadequately treated among older adults.

To describe the prevalence of depression among older West Virginians and report the extent to which primary care providers screen Medicare beneficiaries for depression.

Descriptive analysis using 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to estimate depression prevalence; Medicare Part B claims, 2012 - 2014, to measure depression screening.

In 2014, depression affected 10.1%, 95% CI [8.6%, 11.6%] of older West Virginians. While screening increased, less than 4% of Medicare beneficiaries seen in primary care that year were screened.

We have a significant opportunity to improve diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for older West Virginians with depression, and Medicare reimbursement for screening is available to primary care providers. Although many older depressed patients can be treated in the primary care setting, integration of behavioral health and primary care has distinct benefits.