99408 Alcohol and/or substance (other than tobacco) abuse structured screening (eg, AUDIT, DAST), and brief intervention (SBI) services; 15 to 30 minutes

Name of the Procedure:

Alcohol and/or Substance (other than tobacco) Abuse Structured Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI) Services; 15 to 30 Minutes

Summary

This procedure involves a structured screening to identify alcohol or drug abuse using tools like the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) or the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST). Following the screening, a brief intervention is conducted to provide immediate, short-term counseling and to encourage behavior change.

Purpose

The procedure is designed to identify and address substance abuse issues early on. The goals are to assess the risk levels of substance use, provide immediate feedback, and motivate the individual to seek further help if needed.

Indications

• Frequent or heavy use of alcohol or drugs
• Symptoms indicating potential substance abuse (e.g., withdrawal symptoms, neglect of responsibilities)
• Routine health check-ups where substance use is of concern

Preparation

• No special preparation is typically required.
• Patients might need to fill out a self-report questionnaire prior to the screening.

Procedure Description

1. The healthcare provider administers a standardized screening tool, such as AUDIT for alcohol or DAST for drugs.
2. The participant's responses are scored to assess the risk level.
3. Based on the results, the provider conducts a brief intervention session.
4. The intervention includes discussing the risks associated with the abuse, providing motivational interviewing, and creating a plan for reducing or stopping substance use.

Tools/Equipment:

• AUDIT or DAST screening questionnaires
• Scoring systems

Anesthesia/Sedation:

• Not applicable for this procedure.

Duration

The entire procedure typically takes between 15 to 30 minutes.

Setting

This procedure is usually performed in an outpatient setting, such as a clinic or a primary care office.

Personnel

• Healthcare provider (e.g., physician, nurse, or counselor) trained in administering and interpreting the screening tests and conducting brief interventions.

Risks and Complications

• Minimal risks associated with the screening and brief intervention process.
• Possible discomfort for the patient in discussing substance use.

Benefits

• Early identification of substance abuse issues.
• Immediate provision of advice and support.
• Increased likelihood of behavior change and reduced substance use.

Recovery

• No physical recovery required.
• Patients may be advised to follow up with additional services or treatment programs based on their screening results and needs.

Alternatives

• Extended counseling or therapy sessions
• Inpatient or outpatient treatment programs
• Support groups

Pros and Cons:

• SBI is quick, cost-effective, and can be integrated into routine care but might be less in-depth compared to longer-term therapy sessions.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients can expect straightforward questions about their substance use habits. They might experience some discomfort discussing these issues but will receive immediate feedback and support. The intervention aims to be non-judgmental and supportive to facilitate open communication and effective guidance.