A policy steering committee is currently developing a strategy for sustainability. This policy steering committee chair José Esquibel, of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, seeks to promote acceptance of the SBIRT process among communities and healthcare providers which will lead to universal screening.
SBIRT Colorado provided funds to the HealthTeamWorks to develop the Alcohol and Substance Use Guideline to increase use of SBIRT in healthcare settings throughout Colorado.
This guideline, launched in July 2008, targets patients with non-dependent substance use and provides effective strategies for intervention prior to the need for more intensive treatment. It emphasizes universal screening and brief motivational conversations for patients identified as needing some level of intervention for use of alcohol and/or other drugs. The guideline also provides information about helping patients identified as possibly dependent on alcohol or other drugs.
For healthcare providers who conduct Screening and Brief Intervention, below is a guide of billing codes that can be used to ensure that SBI services are reimbursed.
For more information about how you can get involved in creating public policy that supports the sustainability of the SBIRT practice, send an email titled "How can I help?" to SBIRTInfo@peerassist.org or call 303.369.0039 x245.
