Initiation and Engagement of Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Abuse or Dependence Treatment (IET)
One of the best things we can do for members who have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder is to ensure they get connected with follow-up care within 14 days of diagnosis and have two additional visits in the next 34 days to ensure continuity of care. Educating members on the importance of treatment for their condition and assisting the member in making follow-up appointments with a treating provider can go a long way toward improving outcomes.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “most people who get into and remain in treatment stop using drugs, decrease their criminal activity, and improve their occupational, social, and psychological functioning.”[i] Additionally, substance use disorder treatment (including medication-assisted treatment) has shown to reduce mortality and AOD-related morbidity rates.[ii] [iii]
- Facilities: Including these elements in your planning (PDF) can help ensure members receive the services they need (includes coding guide)
- Outpatient provider: Helping patients receive timely ambulatory follow-up with these tips (PDF) can result in more successful outcomes (includes coding guide)
- Initiation and engagement of alcohol and other drug abuse or dependence treatment (IET): slide deck (PDF)
[i] https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/frequently-asked-questions/how-effective-drug-addiction-treatment
[iii] National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2018). How effective is drug addiction treatment? https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/frequently-asked-questions/how-effective-drug-addiction-treatment