SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment) Model
SBIRT is the universal screening of individuals for substance use disorders. The SBIRT model should also be used when treating members by behavioral health providers; physicians in primary care centers; hospital emergency rooms; trauma centers; and in other community medical settings. 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?
- Primary care physicians (PCPs), including MDs and DOs
- Advanced practice nurses (APRNs)
- Physician assistants (PAs)
- Midwives
- Obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs)
SBIRT Benefits
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 Patients?
- For information and recommendations about interventions and treatment, visit: AHCA Guide to Utilizing the Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment Model for Medicaid Practitioners
- For screening forms and other tools, visit: 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.
SBIRT Procedure Codes
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| H0049 | Alcohol and/or drug screening |
| H0050 | Alcohol and/or drug screening, brief intervention, per 15 minutes |
The above guidance from AHCA is for Medicaid billing codes for SBIRT.
- For more information, visit: AHCA Guide to Utilizing the Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment Model for Medicaid Practitioners
- For more SBIRT billing codes, visit: Rule 59G-4.002, Provider Reimbursement Schedules and Billing Codes
Providers should always consult the AHCA Florida Medicaid’s Covered Services and HCBS Waivers guide at the time services are rendered.
Case management referrals can be submitted via the Secure Provider Portal.
Providers can find screening forms and other tools at SBIRT Provider Tools. Contact your Provider Engagement Administrator (PEAM) or Quality Practice Advisor (QPA) if you need help with finding forms or any other issues.
SBIRT Incentive
Providers who complete a Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) assessment within each pregnant member’s first trimester are eligible for an additional $50 reimbursement per member. For more information, visit SBIRT Incentive
Sunshine Health Project ECHO
Sunshine Health Maternal Project ECHO is a collaborative model that brings together medical professionals in virtual sessions to improve maternal health by discussing specific subjects and case studies. Providers can earn a $500 incentive for every case study they present for group discussion.
Provider Resources
- SAMHSA SBIRT: Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment
- CMS Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Services Guide (PDF)
- SBIRT Provider Tools
- FPQC MORE Pocket Card for SBIRT (PDF)
- Automated Tobacco Referral for Cessation Therapy
Florida BH IMPACT
The FL BH IMPACT (Improving Maternal and Pediatric Access Care and Treatment) program works with perinatal and pediatric clinicians to integrate screening, training and technical assistance and improve behavioral health outcomes in Florida.
Questions?
If you need help, contact your Provider Engagement Administrator (PEAM), Quality Practice Advisor (QPA), or call Provider Resources at 1-844-477-8313.