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Help patients with substance use issues

Substance use is on the rise in the United States. Currently there are over 46 million Americans* age 12 and up diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD). Untreated, SUDs can lead to other health problems and become life-threatening. 

Early identification, better outcomes

Research has shown that early identification and prevention of substance use leads to better patient outcomes.* Universal screening plays an important role in early identification and can help providers:

 

  • Normalize questions about substance use.
  • Identify patients at risk for a substance use disorder earlier.
  • Intervene for patients who could benefit from education or a referral for treatment. 
  • And even save a life.

Resources

Learn more about substance use disorders, search for providers who specialize in treating them, and explore resources your patients can turn to for help.

Available screening resources

 

There are many publicly available and validated screening resources to use with different age groups. We’ve gathered a collection of them to help you support your patients.

 

Ready to get started? Make a choice for each field to find available screenings.

 

Billing codes for substance use screening

 

You can be reimbursed for providing substance use screening and brief intervention services. We’ve gathered detailed information for you on coding and billing limits by insurance type.

 

Assessment/screening type

Billing codes

Limit

Alcohol and/or substance (other than tobacco) abuse structured assessment

Medicare

G0396 (15-30 minutes)

G0397 (greater than 30 minutes)

5 visits per rolling 12 months

Alcohol and/or substance (other than tobacco) abuse structured screening and brief intervention

Commercial
99408 (15-30 minutes)

99409 (greater than 30 minutes)

5 visits per rolling 12 months

Alcohol and/or substance (other than tobacco) abuse structured screening and brief intervention

Medicaid

H0049 (15-30 minutes)

H0050 (greater than 30 minutes)

Varies by state - visit Aetna Better Health for more information

Assessment/screening type

Alcohol and/or substance (other than tobacco) abuse structured assessment

Billing codes

Medicare

G0396 (15-30 minutes)

G0397 (greater than 30 minutes)

Limit

5 visits per rolling 12 months

Assessment/screening type

Alcohol and/or substance (other than tobacco) abuse structured screening and brief intervention

Billing codes

Commercial
99408 (15-30 minutes)

99409 (greater than 30 minutes)

Limit

5 visits per rolling 12 months

Assessment/screening type

Alcohol and/or substance (other than tobacco) abuse structured screening and brief intervention

Billing codes

Medicaid

H0049 (15-30 minutes)

H0050 (greater than 30 minutes)

Limit

Varies by state - visit Aetna Better Health for more information

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).

This material is for information only. Health information programs provide general health information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician or other health care professional. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change.

Health benefits and health insurance plans contain exclusions and limitations.

Also of interest: