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On August 27, 2014, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a Fact Sheet on Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Services coverage. SBIRT is an evidence-based practice aimed at preventing alcohol and illicit drug dependence by screening and referring people to services before they reach a diagnostic level of substance use dependence.

The fact sheet discusses the three major components of SBIRT, details which providers are eligible to bill Medicare or Medicaid for SBIRT, and offers helpful information regarding documentation and claims. Additionally, the differences between coverage of SBIRT under the Medicare and Medicaid programs are explained, including specific information about how to bill for SBIRT services for individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. The fact sheet also includes a table of additional resources and where people can go to learn more about SBIRT.

For more information on SBIRT, view the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Integrated Health Solutions issue brief.

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