What is a CMDE? And does my child need one?

If your child has autism or you think they might, you may have heard someone mention a CMDE. It sounds complicated. It is not.

CMDE stands for Comprehensive Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation.

It is an evaluation done by a team of professionals to figure out two things. Does your child have autism or a related developmental condition? Does your child need EIDBI services?

Why does my child need one?

In Minnesota, a CMDE is required before your child can start receiving EIDBI services. It is the gateway. Without it, Medical Assistance will not authorize therapy.

What happens during a CMDE?

A team of professionals evaluates your child. They will observe them. They may run some tests or assessments. They will review medical history. They will talk to you about what you see at home.

The whole process is designed to get a complete picture of your child. Not just a label. A real understanding of who they are and what support they need.

Who does the CMDE?

ExcelPath does not do CMDEs. We provide the therapy after the evaluation is done.

But we can help you find a CMDE provider. Call us and we will point you to the right place. We have been through this with many families and we know how to make it easier.

What if my child already has a diagnosis?

You may still need a CMDE to access EIDBI services specifically. It depends on where and how the diagnosis was done. Call us and we will help you figure out if anything else is needed.

How long does it take?

It varies. Some CMDE providers have waitlists. Others can see your child within a few weeks. Once the evaluation and report are done, authorization usually takes a few more weeks. We know the waiting is hard. We will help you move through it as fast as possible.

What does it cost?

If your child has Medical Assistance, the CMDE is typically covered at no cost. If you have different insurance, call the CMDE provider to ask about coverage.

Do not let the process stop you from starting. Call us. We will help you take the first step.