Florida: Explore the benefits of implementing SBIRT in your office

To support the Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) in its aim to reduce the impact of substance use disorders in Florida, consider implementing the SBIRT model in your office. SBIRT is a public health approach that screens, intervenes, and refers people with substance use problems or at risk of developing them. The SBIRT model is recommended as part of universal routine health care starting at age 11 and continuing throughout adulthood in pediatrics, family and internal medicine and obstetrics.

SBIRT codes are included in the AHCA Rule 59G-4.002, Provider Reimbursement Schedules and Billing Codes — scroll down to the Practitioner Fee Schedule section and select the latest document for more information.

Applicable SBIRT codes are shown in the table below:

How it works

The phases of the SBIRT model include:

• Screening: Very brief set of questions that identifies risk of substance use related problems
• Brief Intervention: Feedback and education to individuals about unhealthy substance use and motivation to make healthy behavioral changes
• Referral to Treatment: Procedures to help individuals access substance use treatment

When should I use SBIRT?

The SBIRT model should be used:

• Upon initial contact with a new patient or routine physical examinations
• Upon initial prenatal contact
• When there are concerns about risky behaviors or comorbidities
• When the patient has evidence of serious overutilization of medical, surgical, trauma or emergency services

SBIRT screening tools and tips

For a list of screening tools and tips on how to perform a brief intervention visit:

• SBIRT self-paced training guide
• Substance use disorder in primary care CE course (CE opportunity)
• SBIRT for Pregnant Women and Other Adult Patients course

Referring a patient

To refer a patient for substance use disorder treatment:

• Visit provider.liveandworkwell.com to search for care providers by location
• Call the Optum® Substance Use Disorder Helpline: 1-855-780-5955
• Email: care.coordination@optum.com to refer a patient for free case management and support for medical/behavioral health
• Email uhc_fl_fbrcm@optum.com to refer a patient for maternity case management (Subject: HFS Referral; please include member’s first and last name, date of birth and Medicaid ID)

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