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Better health outcomes for substance use disorders

 

Patients with alcohol and substance use disorders are more likely to have better outcomes with patient education, early treatment and follow-up care. You can make a difference. Schedule follow-up treatment each time you diagnose a new episode of alcohol or other drug (AOD) dependence.

 

Improving outcomes

 

Managing appointments for success

 

  • Schedule the initial AOD dependence treatment within 14 days of diagnosis. Treatment may include:
  • Telehealth or medication assisted treatment (MAT)
  • An outpatient visit
  • An intensive outpatient visit
  • Inpatient admission
  • Partial hospitalization
  • Arrange two additional visits within 34 days of the initial visit.
  • Use appropriate diagnosis codes (PDF).
  • Use the diagnosis of AOD judiciously. For example, if your adolescent patient receives an AOD dependence diagnosis, they should receive follow-up care.
  • Ensure that all claims include a place of service, procedure code (as applicable in your contract) and an AOD dependence diagnosis.

Refer patients to a behavioral health professional

 

We’re here to support the care you give your patients. Just call the Member Services number on their ID card. We can help connect them to a behavioral health provider.

Legal notices

Aetna is the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more of the Aetna group of companies, including Aetna Life Insurance Company and its affiliates (Aetna).

Health benefits and health insurance plans contain exclusions and limitations.

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