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Information & Frequently Asked Questions

M3 Mental Health and Pain Review · M3MentalHealth.org · Last reviewed: June 2026
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What is the M3 Score?

The M3 Score is a single number that reflects your overall symptom severity across several areas of mental well-being — depression, anxiety, bipolar spectrum, and post-traumatic stress — plus an optional pain measure (the PEG scale). It is a self-administered screening and self-assessment tool that helps you understand how you're doing and track changes over time. It is based on the M3 Checklist, a 27-item instrument validated in primary-care research.

Is the M3 covered by Medicare?

The assessment is offered at no cost to Original Medicare members, including follow-up care. Medicare Advantage members should ask their plan provider whether the assessment is covered, or may use an HSA/FSA to pay the $11 fee. Coverage specifics depend on your plan; please confirm with your plan or provider.

Is the M3 eligible for HSA and FSA payment?

Health screenings and assessments may qualify as eligible medical-care expenses under IRS Code §213(d), which covers amounts paid for the identification, screening, mitigation, or prevention of symptoms. The M3 assessment is offered for $11 for non-Medicare users, payable by credit card, HSA, or FSA, and we email you an itemized receipt you can submit to your plan administrator. Eligibility is ultimately determined by your specific HSA/FSA plan administrator, so we recommend confirming with them and retaining your receipt.

Who is it for?

Adults age 18 and older. It is designed for people who want to check in on their mental well-being, monitor symptom severity over time, and bring a clear summary to a conversation with a healthcare provider.

What does the assessment screen for / measure?

It measures the severity of symptoms commonly associated with depression, anxiety, bipolar spectrum, and post-traumatic stress, and includes functional-impairment questions covering sleep, concentration, energy, and daily functioning. The optional PEG scale measures how pain affects daily life. It produces a report with an overall score and per-area severity ranges.

How does the assessment work?

You rate each item on a simple 5-point scale — 0 Not at all, 1 Rarely, 2 Sometimes, 3 Often, 4 Most of the time. By design, the questions use three different time-frames that follow standard psychiatric practice: most symptom questions ask about the last two weeks or more; the bipolar-spectrum questions ask whether you have ever experienced them (because that history is assessed across your lifetime); and a final set asks whether any of those symptoms impact your work, school, relationships, or have led to alcohol or other substance use. Your answers generate an overall score and per-area severity ranges.

Is this a diagnosis?

No. The M3 Score is a screening and self-assessment tool. It does not diagnose, treat, or cure any condition, and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A positive or high score is not a diagnosis — it's a signal to discuss your results with a qualified healthcare professional. To find Medicare-approved providers, visit medicare.gov/care-compare or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Is the M3 an FDA-regulated medical device?

The M3 is a self-administered screening and self-assessment questionnaire that reports symptom severity and encourages users to seek professional care. It does not diagnose or treat symptoms and does not direct medical treatment. Self-rated screening tools of this type are generally treated as low-risk wellness/screening tools rather than regulated medical devices. The M3 is informational only and is not intended to replace evaluation by a licensed clinician.

How is my data used and kept private?

Your responses are used to generate your personal report and to let you log back in to view your history — no password required. We do not sell your personal health information. Health data is protected with industry-standard safeguards, including encryption. Full details are in our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

How is the assessment delivered?

The M3 is a digital service — there is nothing to ship. As soon as you complete the check-in, your personal report is generated instantly and shown on screen, and you can print it or save it as a PDF. It is intended for adults 18 and older as an informational screening and self-assessment to support your own awareness and your conversation with a healthcare professional; it is not a diagnosis or treatment.

How long does it take?

Most people complete the check-in in under 5 minutes. You can return any time to take a new check-in and see how your score is trending.

What do I receive?

A private, easy-to-read report with your overall M3 Score, per-area severity ranges (depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar spectrum), an optional PEG pain score, and guidance to discuss results with a professional. You can print or save it as a PDF. See a sample report.

Is the M3 validated?

Yes. The M3 Checklist was validated in research published in the Annals of Family Medicine (Gaynes et al., 2010). You can read the full study (PDF) or view it on the journal site.

How do I get support?

For general questions, email our support team. (Please note: not every email can be answered individually.) Returning users can sign in with a 6-digit code sent by email or text — no payment or Medicare information is needed to view your history.

Important: This information is provided for general informational purposes and is not medical, legal, or tax advice. The M3 Score is a screening and self-assessment tool and does not provide a diagnosis or medical advice. HSA/FSA eligibility is determined by your plan administrator; consult them and keep your receipt. Coverage and eligibility may vary by plan and by individual circumstances.