Screening for Substance Use Disorder

Screening for Substance Use Disorder: Actionable Steps for Improving Patient Outcomes 

Highmark Wholecare encourages providers to integrate routine Substance Use Disorder (SUD) screening for patients 12 years of age and older, which offers the crucial benefit of early identification and intervention for SUD. 

To identify and address risky substance abuse, consider using the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT). To learn more about integrating SBIRT into your practice, please refer to the Highmark Wholecare SBIRT for Substance Use Disorders: Provider Reference and Resource Guide.

Expanding Access to Care and Effective Treatments: Access to care for SUD remains a significant barrier. Access to SUD care can be expanded by:

1. Identifying co-location opportunities: Explore placing SUD services within your practice or partnering with nearby community organizations. This could include beginning to prescribe medications for opioid and alcohol use disorders, within your practice.

2. Leveraging telehealth: Broaden your patient treatment options and reduce geographical transportation barriers by providing telehealth visits for your patients. If your practice does not have capacity to provide telehealth services but you feel your patient would benefit, Highmark Wholecare has providers such as Ophelia Health in network to provide opioid use disorder treatment exclusively using a telehealth modality of care. Referrals can be made to Ophelia by texting or calling 215-585-2144. In most cases, appointments on the same day are available.

3. Establishing referral pathways: Develop strong referral relationships with local SUD treatment providers. This approach improves accessibility, reduces stigma, and encourages earlier engagement in treatment. These referral pathways can include leveraging the local Single County Authority (SCA) County Drug and Alcohol Offices | Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Opioid Use Disorder Centers of Excellence.

Helpful Resources:

• SAHMSA National Treatment Locator and Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 

• Never Use Alone Hotline: 877-696-1996 

• SafeSpot Hotline: 1-800-972-0590

Evidence-based treatments significantly improve outcomes. Each patient deserves an individualized and holistic approach, considering factors such as their preferred treatment setting (inpatient vs. outpatient), their social determinants of health, and coordinating care with other providers when appropriate. For patients hesitant about traditional treatment, your relationship offers a crucial opportunity to initiate engagement.  Regular screening of patients for substance use is proven to decrease utilization and improve health outcomes for patients in both the physical and behavioral health settings.