Primary care providers are in a prime position to identify issues of alcohol misuse among their Medicare patients; yet, only ten percent of alcohol-dependent patients seen in primary care receive quality alcohol misuse care. Studies suggest that patients do not object to being screened for alcohol use and are open to hearing advice afterward. The National Council has released a new tip sheet for providers on how to establish or strengthen partnerships with primary care providers to encourage them to conduct screening and counseling services.
Population of focus: Medicare patients
Link to resource: Screening and Counseling for Alcohol Misuse: Making the Most of Medicare’s Coverage Options (pdf)
Date: 2014
Organization: The National Council for Behavioral Health