Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)

An Evidence-based, Effective Method to Treat Alcohol and Drug Misuse

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) grades preventive care services for patients and gave a “B” to SBIRT. The task force's study of SBIRT suggests that screening and brief counseling interventions effectively reduce heavy drinking episodes in adults, resulting in the following:

Reduced alcohol consumption by 3.6 drinks per week
12 percent fewer adults reported heavy drinking episodes
11 percent more adults reported drinking less than the recommended limits over a 12-month period

SBIRT is endorsed by the National Council for Community Behavioral Health Care, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

For questions about SBIRT, contact Blanca Fernandez (503-799-9050).
For questions about CCO incentive metrics and SBIRT, email metrics.questions@soha.oregon.gov.

Approved Screening Tools

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has approved the following tools to use for SBIRT. Only screenings that use these tools meet requirements for SBIRT incentive metrics.

Mental health clinics or hospitals can use one or more of these tools.
Choice of screening tools must align with policies and initiatives implemented by CCOs and OHA.

Billing Resources

OHA is standardizing SBIRT billing and payment policies for all payer sources. SBIRT coding and billing policies vary based on payer.

The Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) covers SBIRT for all members through a wide range of provider types.
Oregon providers may be eligible for SBIRT reimbursement for most of their patients.