SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment)
What is SBIRT?
SBIRT is the universal screening of individuals for substance use disorders. SBIRT can help providers support their patients by identifying:
S – Symptoms in individuals at high risk of developing a substance use disorder
B – Behavioral change motivations for individuals
I – Insights to severity of substance use
R – Referrals needed for more extensive treatment with specialty care
T – Treatment level needed
Which providers should utilize SBIRT?
In addition to behavioral health providers, physicians in primary care centers, hospital emergency rooms, trauma centers and other community medical settings should use the SBIRT model when treating patients.
What are the benefits of using the SBIRT model in a primary care setting?
Primary care providers should ask patients about drug and alcohol usage annually as part of preventive care. Four brief face-to-face counseling sessions are also covered annually. There are SBIRT benefits for both patients who need substance abuse help and those who do not, including reducing healthcare costs, decreasing drug and alcohol use, and reducing the number of patients who need specialized treatment.
When should providers refer a patient?
- The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) website has recommendations for brief intervention during same-appointment sessions or referrals for more extensive treatment.
- SBIRT screening forms
- For assistance with identifying in-network providers or for care management support for a member, providers should call Provider Services at 1-844-477-8313.
How to bill for SBIRT
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| H0049 | Alcohol and/or drug screening |
| H0050 | Alcohol and/or drug screening, brief intervention, per 15 minutes |
The above is guidance from AHCA on Medicaid billing codes for SBIRT. Check the AHCA website for more SBIRT codes.
The current version of the Coverage and Limitations Handbook should be consulted at the time services are rendered. Providers can also access Florida Medicaid’s Coverage and Limitations Handbooks on the AHCA website.
Please contact your Sunshine Health Provider Engagement Administrator or Quality Practice Advisor if you need copies of either the CAGE Questionnaire or the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Screening Instrument.
Are Continuing Medical Education (CME) classes available for providers?
Yes. AHCA has organized this free learning event to emphasize SBIRT tips in the evaluation and management of pregnant women. More information is available on the AHCA website.
Florida BH IMPACT Educational Videos
For questions, contact Florida BH IMPACT.